Stars mourn Happy Mondays’ Paul Ryder as he is laid to rest: Shaun Ryder pays tribute at funeral for his bassist brother who died suddenly aged 58 – as he is supported by Bez, Ian Brown and New Order’s Peter Hook
- Mourners arrived at St Charles Church in Swinton, Manchester, at 1pm this afternoon for Paul Ryder’s funeral
- His brother Shaun and former bandmate Bez were in attendance alongside Stone Roses lead singer Ian Brown
- Musician was found dead in July, just hours before the band were due to play at Kubix Festival in Sunderland
The family, friends and old bandmates of Happy Mondays bassist Paul Ryder have put their loved one to rest at his funeral this afternoon.
Mourners arrived at St Charles Church in Swinton, Manchester, at 1pm this afternoon for the ceremony celebrating Paul Anthony Ryder’s life after he suddenly died aged 58 on July 15.
The musician was found dead last month, just hours before the band were due to play at Kubix Festival in Sunderland. The circumstances of Paul’s death are not known.
In attendance were former bandmates Bez, 58, and brother Shaun Ryder, 59, Stone Roses lead singer Ian Brown, 59, and Peter Hook, 66, bassist and co-founder of New Order and Joy Division.
The family, friends and old bandmates of Happy Mondays bassist Paul Ryder have put their loved one to rest at his funeral this afternoon. Pictured centre, Paul’s brother Shaun Ryder, carrying the coffin
In attendance were former bandmates Bez, 58 (right), and brother Shaun Ryder, 59, Stone Roses lead singer Ian Brown, 59 (left), and Peter Hook, 66, bassist and co-founder of New Order and Joy Division
The musician was found dead last month, just hours before the band were due to play at Kubix Festival in Sunderland. The circumstances of Paul’s death are not known. Pictured, Clint Boon, left, and Peter Hook, centre, at the funeral today
Musician, DJ and radio presenter Clint Boon, 63, and singer Rowetta, 56 (pictured), best known for her work with Happy Mondays, was also seen outside the church on Thursday
Echo & the Bunnymen lead singer Ian McCulloch sang at the service for Paul.
Musician, DJ and radio presenter Clint Boon, 63, and singer Rowetta, 56, best known for her work with Happy Mondays, was also seen outside the church on Thursday.
Other members of his family and friends were seen outside the Church in Swinton this afternoon, in a service by Father Paul Smith, which will be followed by a committal at Agecroft Crematorium in Salford.
Paul’s wooden coffin was decorated in yellow, purple, pink and blue flowers and was taken to the ceremony in a black Mercedes hearse.
The recessional music listed on Paul’s funeral order of service was Starman by David Bowie, which is listed just above a picture of the late 58-year-old when he was performing at the Rock in Rio festival in Brazil in February 1991
Mourners arrived at St Charles Church in Swinton, Manchester, at 1pm this afternoon for the ceremony celebrating Paul Anthony Ryder’s life after he suddenly died aged 58 on July 15. Pictured, Shaun Ryder
Other members of his family and friends were seen outside the Church in Swinton this afternoon, in a service by Father Paul Smith, which will be followed by a committal at Agecroft Crematorium in Salford
Paul’s wooden coffin was decorated in yellow, purple, pink and blue flowers and was taken to the ceremony in a black Mercedes hearse
The Ryder brothers were the original founders of rock band Happy Mondays that first formed in Salford in 1980.
Paul has previously been very open about his addiction battles in the early days of the band and used heroin.
After their heyday in the late 80s and early 90s, Paul struggled with heroin addictions.
He told The Mirror in 2019: ‘We couldn’t have Calpol for the kids. I’d drink the lot.’
In a candid interview in 2007, he said of the drug use: ‘It was wild. I was 18 and recording an album. I’d learnt how to read and write at school but my real education began with the Mondays.
Peter Hook is pictured at the funeral of Paul Ryder in Swinton, Manchester on Thursday afternoon
Echo & the Bunnymen lead singer Ian McCulloch sang at the service for Paul
When he died, Happy Mondays paid tribute with a Facebook post which 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. We thank you for respecting the privacy of all concerned at this time.’
Following the news of Paul’s death, fans and showbiz stars rushed to offer their condolences on social media.
The band Fat Cops wrote on Twitter: ‘RIP Paul Ryder, who was a good friend to us when we toured with Happy Mondays. Hell of a bass player.’
Founding member of Oasis Paul Arthurs shared: ‘Thoughts with you all Shaun, sad news xxxxx.’
While musician Rob Smith shared: ‘RIP Paul Ryder.’
DJ Grahame Park added: ‘No! Very sad news. Sorry for your loss. Sending love.’
UB40’s Ali Campbell offered his sympathy adding: ‘Condolences to you and yours Shaun! Stay strong, Big Love.’
Honest: Paul has previously been very open about his addiction battles in the early days of the band and used heroin (pictured with Shaun)
Personal life: As well as Chico and Sonny Paul has two other children Amelia and Jacob. It is not known whether he was married or not (Paul pictured in 2012)
