Published
Fri, Jul 15, 2022, 19:30
- He was the brother of the group's frontman Shaun Ryder.
Paul Ryder, bassist for British group Happy Mondays, has died at the age of 58.
The band confirmed that Ryder died this morning, July 15th. No cause of death was given. "A true pioneer and legend. He will be forever missed," said the group's statement.
Ryder was the brother of frontman Shaun Ryder. He taught himself how to play guitar and later took up the bass, inspired particularly by Chicago house music. His basslines were an integral part of the Manchester band's sound—dubbed "Madchester" at the time—key to popular songs like "Step On" and "Hallelujah."
The bassist played on all Happy Mondays albums except 2007's comeback Uncle Dysfunktional, but rejoined the band in 2012 and toured with them until his death. He also had a band called Big Arm, which put out an LP in 2007.
Listen to "Step On."