Paul Ryder was the founding bassist for Happy Mondays, one of the leading bands in the Madchester music scene on the 1980s and ‘90s.
- Died: July 15, 2022 (Who else died on July 15?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 58.
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Musical career
Ryder co-founded Happy Mondays in 1980 alongside his brother, lead singer Shaun Ryder, and others. Their danceable indie rock was driven by Ryder’s bass playing, which he said was influenced by Motown and Chicago house music. Happy Mondays had early-‘90s hits in their native U.K. as well as on the U.S. college radio and dance music charts, including “Step On,” “Kinky Afro,” and “Stinkin’ Thinkin’.” Ryder remained with Happy Mondays through 2001, reuniting with the band in 2012 for a series of tours. In his years away from Happy Mondays, Ryder formed the band Big Arm and worked as a DJ. He made a cameo appearance in the 2002 movie “24 Hour Party People,” which centered on fictionalized versions of bands including Happy Mondays, with Ryder portrayed by Paul Popplewell.
Notable quote
“I only ever had one bass guitar lesson because the tutor could only see me on Wednesday at 7 o’clock which was the same time as the music program ‘Top of the Pops’ was on TV. I chose the music program over bass lessons.” —from a 2018 interview for Athens Calling
Tributes to Paul Ryder
Full obituary: Manchester Evening News
