Bass guitarist and Shaun Ryder’s brother, Paul Ryder, has suddenly died at the age of 58.
It has been reported that the musician was found dead just hours before the band were due to take to the stage to give another stellar performance at Kubix Festival in Sunderland today (July 15).
Shaun and his brother Paul were the original founders of the infamous British band The Happy Mondays, who stormed to success with such songs as Step On and Loose Fit.
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The devastating news was confirmed on the bands official Facebook page with a touching tribute from the band members.
(Image: Getty)
It read: “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 [love heart emoji].
“We thank you for respecting the privacy of all concerned at this time. Long live his funk” which they signed off with a kiss.
(Image: Instagram)
The musician had previously opened up about his drug addiction, especially his heavy heroin use during the band’s early days in the limelight.
At the time, he recalled: “We couldn’t have Calpol for the kids. I’d drink the lot.”
However, the artist hit a whole new low when his youngest son Chico was diagnosed with cancer at the age of ten.
Paul said of that time: “I found myself coaching him on how to inhale cannabis vapour from a vaporising machine.
“My drug problems are well documented. I nearly lost my life. But it was cannabis that saved my son’s.”
(Image: Redferns via Getty Images)
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Although the circumstances of the dad-of-one’s death are not yet known, tributes for the singer have been pouring in online.
One user penned: @Awful news about the death of Manchester Legend Paul Ryder of The Happy Mondays Rest In Pease #HappyMondays “officialswr @Happy_Mondays.”
Another agreed: “I can’t believe the news about Paul Ryder. For me and a lot of my generation, Happy Mondays were our Sex Pistols.
“They were the gateway drug to the 90s and a world of fun. R.I.P Paul [love heart emoji].”
A third chimed in with: “Absolutely gutted about this. No better music ever than the early Mondays and the bass playing was such an important part. Condolences to family and friends. RIP Paul Ryder [crying emoji].”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
