Happy Mondays star Shaun Ryder was pictured carrying his later brother Paul’s casket into his funeral service as he was laid to rest in the heart of Manchester on Thursday (August 4).
The musician – who played bass guitar in the Northern rock band – sadly passed away on July 15 at the age of 58 just hours before the beloved group were due to perform on stage.
His cause of death has not yet been revealed however his brother recalled how Paul complained of headaches in the hours leading up to his death.
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Just two weeks later, Shaun and his loved ones gathered at St Charles Church, Swinton to pay their final respects to the incredible musician.
(Image: MCPIX/REX/Shutterstock)
Before the ceremony it was clear to see Shaun was overwhelmed with emotion as he spoke fondly of his late brother to the other mourners.
However, the 59-year-old – who was the frontman for the Happy Mondays – managed to flash a smile to the attendees as he led the star’s close friends and family into the private service.
The dad-of-one bravely carried the wooden casket on his should alongside five other pallbearers in an effort to give his younger sibling the best send-off possible.
(Image: MCPIX/REX/Shutterstock)
Shaun was also spotted kindly helping an older member of the family into the church as he offered her a supportive arm to hold as he guided her into the building.
Rowetta – who regularly performed with the band – was also pictured outside the church talking to Mark ‘Bez’ Berry and Echo & the Bunnymen rocker Ian McCulloch who kept his black hoodie pulled up and shielded his eyes behind a pair of black sunglasses.
A copy of the funeral service featured sweet photos of Paul performing on stage and hugging his loved ones in the prime of his life.
(Image: Getty)
A message from his loved ones read: “Paul’s family wish to express their sincere thanks to you all for the many kind messages of sympathy, love and support received at this very sad time, and for your attendance at this service to celebrate the life of a very special man.”
They also revealed that the family are receiving donations towards the Make A Wish foundation and Chico’s Kickin Cancer in Paul’s memory.
Paul and his brother Shaun were the founding members of the hit 1980s rock band and the star appeared in regular health when he passed away just hours before he was due to join his bandmates at the Kubrix Festival in Sunderland on the day he died.
(Image: MCPIX/REX/Shutterstock)
His brother Shaun has since spoken out about his devastating loss as he revealed Paul had fallen sick shortly before his death.
He told The Sun: “He lands [from LA] and starts complaining about this headache. It was murdering him. Our mam wanted him to go to A&E but he said, ‘No, I’ve got to go to rehearsals’.
“So he gets to rehearsals and he can’t recognise any of the band. He can’t recognise the drummer Gaz or anyone.
(Image: Redferns via Getty Images)
“He lives in LA but when we play shows he flies in and comes and stays at me mam’s in Salford. So he goes home and takes some more painkillers and stuff because his head’s murdering him.
“Then me mam goes in his room at 6am and he was gone, rigor mortis had set in.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
