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Happy Mondays release new charity EP in memory of late band member Paul Ryder
"He brought the funk and the rock n roll to Happy Mondays… love you long time R kid."
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Happy Mondays have released a new EP in memory of their late band member Paul Ryder, with all profits going to charity.
The bassist for the iconic Madchester band, and brother of frontman Shaun Ryder, was sadly confirmed to have suddenly passed away at the age of 58 on 15 July – with his surviving bandmates describing him as “a true pioneer and legend” who will be “forever missed”.
Now, in a tribute to his legacy and to raise funds for a very worthy charity, the band has decided to release a new three-track EP named after and containing two previously-unreleased live versions of ‘Tart Tart’ – the lead single off their debut studio album ‘Squirrel And G-Man…’, which was released back in 1987 to critical acclaim.
The first ‘Tart Tart’ recording is from a 1989 John Peel session on BBC Radio 1, and the second was recorded at a live show at Sheffield University that same year.
Read more: Happy Mondays star Paul Ryder has died aged 58
“This special release of ‘Tart Tart’ showcases the unique musical talent of our brother Paul Ryder who passed from this world… we will all miss you Horse,” his brother Shaun Ryder said on the EP’s release
“He brought the funk and the rock n roll to Happy Mondays… love you long time R kid.”
As well as being able to find the the EP on all downloading and streaming platforms, fans can even pre-order a special seven-inch vinyl edition of ‘Tart Tart’ from Happy Mondays’ official store, with the physical version due to arrive on 18 November.
All profits from the release of the EP will be donated to MusiCares – a charity chosen by Paul’s daughter Amelia that “helps people in the music industry who are struggling with addiction issues”.
Amelia explained: “Fourteen years ago, Paul was given help and support from the organisation who helped fund extended outpatient care and therapy that enabled him to have 14 subsequent happy and productive years.”
She added: “Just two weeks ago, he mentioned them in an interview and often expressed his gratitude and desire to pay their support forward so others could be helped too.”
You can listen to the ‘Tart Tart’ EP here.
Featured Image – Paul Husband Photography / Happy Mondays (via Facebook)