Happy Mondays’ Paul Ryder has died aged 58

Legendary bassist and founding member of Salford’s Happy Mondays, Paul Ryder, has passed away unexpectedly before a show in Sunderland.

The musician and brother to the band’s frontman Shaun Ryder passed away today, July 15, aged 58. His cause of death is currently unknown.

Ryder was expected to play a show today at Sunderland’s Kubix Festival today but passed away just hours before the group were due to go on stage.

“The Ryder family and Happy Mondays band members are deeply saddened and shocked to say that Paul Ryder passed away this morning,” reads a post on Facebook from the Happy Mondays.

“A true pioneer and legend. He will be forever missed,” they added. "We thank you for respecting the privacy of all concerned at this time. Long live his funk x”

Paul Ryder was part of the iconic Manchester band through most of its existence. Alongside his brother, Shaun, Mark ‘Bez’ Berry, Gary Whelan, Paul Davies and Mark Day, the group sold hundreds of thousands of records around the world.

Happy Mondays were first formed in 1983 with Paul as a key founding member, often credited for giving the band its “groove”.

Fans and friends have acknowledged Paul’s untimely passing on social media, paying tribute to the late musician.

The Stone Roses frontman, Ian Brown, tweeted: “REST IN PEACE PAUL RYDERA GREAT FRIEND A GREAT MUSICIAN A GREAT FELLA BIG LOVE TO AMELIA JACOB SONNY CHICO AND THE FAMILY AND BANDLOVE YA LONGTIME PABS X”

Elsewhere, Manchester DJ and former Haçienda resident Dave Haslam paid tribute to the musician: “Really very sorry to hear of the death of Paul Ryder - he made a massive contribution to Happy Mondays and was good company and a top fella RIP”

Read the tributes below.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Editorial Assistant, follow her on Twitter