His brother, singer Shaun, and other bandmates pay tribute to him as a “true pioneer and legend”.
Image source, Getty ImagesPaul Ryder, bassist with Manchester band Happy Mondays and brother of singer Shaun, has died aged 58.
A statement said the group and family were “deeply saddened and shocked to say that Paul Ryder passed away this morning”.
They said he was “a true pioneer and legend,” adding: “He will be forever missed… Long live his funk x”
The band found fame in the “Madchester” era of the late 1980s and early 90s with hits like Step On and Kinky Afro.
They personified the city’s intoxicating acid house scene with a mix of funky rock grooves with dance rhythms that appealed to clubbers and indie fans alike.
The Ryder family and Happy Mondays band members are deeply saddened and shocked to say that Paul Ryder passed away this morning
A true pioneer and legend. He will be forever missed ❤️
We thank you for respecting the privacy of all concerned at this time.
Long live his funk x pic.twitter.com/E8e7x4Tvcw
— Shaun Ryder (@officialswr)
Originally formed in Salford with Mark Day and Gary Whelan in 1980, the band signed to Factory Records and released their debut album in 1987, followed by 1988’s Bummed.
They reached greater heights of fame when 1990’s Pills ‘n’ Thrills and Bellyaches rode the wave of a drug-fuelled music scene that blurred the boundaries between indie and rave.
Ian Brown, frontman with The Stone Roses, one of the city’s other biggest groups at the time, was among those paying tribute.
He wrote on Twitter: “Rest in peace Ryder. A great friend, a great musician, a great fella.”
Image source, Harry Herd
Oasis and Ride guitarist Andy Bell wrote: “Really sad news about Paul Ryder, RIP.”
Paul Ryder also acted in films including The Ghosts Of Oxford Street and Losing It, and also made a cameo as a gangster in the film 24 Hour Party People, about the Madchester music scene – and named after a Happy Mondays song.