star Paul Ryder has died aged 58, his family confirmed.
Ryder, brother of the band’s frontman Shaun Ryder, was the bass player and one of the founding members of the band.
Announcing his death on Twitter, his family wrote: ‘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.
‘Long live his funk.’
Happy Mondays were due to play later today (Friday) at Kubix Festival in Sunderland.
The band, which also included Mark Day formed in 1980 and had rejoined for the group’s most recent reunion in 2012.
The original line-up of the rock band included Gary Whelan, Paul Davis and Mark Day, alongside the Ryder brothers. Mark ‘Bez’ Berry later joined, before the band broke apart in 1993.
Friends and fans have taken to social media to share their condolences, with The Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown paying tribute and writing: ‘Rest in peace 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.’
