While performing at his live show over the weekend, Richard Ashcroft paid a special tribute to the late musician Paul Ryder.
Happy Mondays’ bassist Paul Ryder passed away on Friday at the age of 58. He founded the band alongside his brother Shaun in 1980, and remained with them until their split in 1993.
“The Ryder family and Happy Mondays band members are deeply saddened and shocked to say that Paul Ryder passed away this morning” (July 15), the Happy Mondays also wrote. “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”.
Ashcroft Pays Tribute To “Incredible band”
During his live show at Leeds’ Millenium Square over the weekend, Richard Ashcroft spoke to the audience, about what exactly Ryder and the Happy Mondays meant to him.
Ashcroft performed the Verve’s track ‘Sonnet’, which featured on the band’s 1997 album ‘Urban Hymns’.
“This one’s for Paul Ryder and Happy Mondays. Rest in peace. Incredible band”, Ashcroft told the band.
A clip of this was also shared by Happy Mondays’ vocalist Rowetta, who wrote, “Thanks to @richardashcroft who just dedicated ‘Sonnet’ to “Paul Ryder and @Happy_Mondays at Millenium Square, Leeds”.
https://twitter.com/Rowetta/status/1548441908426391556?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1548441908426391556%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nme.com%2Fnews%2Fmusic%2Frichard-ashcroft-dedicates-sonnet-happy-mondays-paul-ryder-leeds-3271156
Following Ryder’s death, several musicians paid tribute to him.
“REST IN PEACE PAUL RYDER A GREAT FRIEND A GREAT MUSICIAN A GREAT FELLA BIG LOVE TO AMELIA JACOB SONNY CHICO AND THE FAMILY AND BAND LOVE YA LONGTIME PABS X”, Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown added.
Tim Burgess also wrote, “Sending much love to the Happy Mondays family – Paul Ryder was a pioneer and an inspiration to all of us that followed. He played on so many era defining tracks. Listening to Bummed right now. Safe travels x x”.
While Peter Hook also added, “What a shock… Paul Ryder was the archetypal solid, quiet, strong, dependable bass player. A lovely man – respectful & charming. When they got back together I remember seeing them play & he looked so happy. And they needed him back so much, he gave them soul & passion. RIP mate”.
