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.
“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…he brought the funk and the rock n roll to Happy Mondays … love you long time R Kid.” https://t.co/h1tXfH4Gq4pic.twitter.com/aVvT33wOJq
“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.”
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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.”
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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.”
Featured Image – Paul Husband Photography / Happy Mondays (via Facebook)
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Sam Fender teases enormous stadium gig in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Sam Fender has teased a return to the live stage – and they’re set to be his biggest shows yet.
The Newcastle-born singer-songwriter released a Lord of the Rings-inspired skit video last night, which showed him taking on the role of Frodo Baggins.
He then lit ‘beacons’ at several stadiums around the UK and Ireland, including in Manchester and his home city of Newcastle.
The Mercury Prize-winning star last performed in our city last summer, when he headlined a night at Live From Wythenshawe Park 2025.
But now he’s teasing a show at the Etihad Stadium, which will be significantly larger.
Alongside his Manchester gig, Sam Fender seems set to announce stadium concerts at St James’s Park in Newcastle (where he performed three headline shows in 2025) Malahide Castle in Ireland, Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, Murrayfield in Edinburgh, and Wembley Stadium in London.
Posters have also popped up around Manchester city centre today ahead of the official announcement, which read ‘PROPER MASSIVE’.
Obviously, Sam Fender will be fitting his gig in around another rather large and already-announced tour at the Etihad Stadium, with Oasis already set to play a record-breaking 11 nights next June.
Clubland to celebrate 25 years with huge arena show in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Clubland is heading to Manchester for a special arena-sized anniversary celebration next year.
The Clubland Arena Tour promises a night of the biggest artists and biggest anthems, giving fans the chance to come together for a celebration of the dance music brand.
Celebrating 25 years of Clubland, the tour will stop off at arenas in Leeds, Glasgow, Newcastle, Aberdeen, and of course Manchester.
With the event set to take over one of Manchester’s biggest live entertainment venues, anticipation is already building for what promises to be a nostalgic night of club classics and dancefloor favourites – even before the lineup is announced.
The full line-up is expected to be announced very soon, with fans encouraged to keep an eye out for further details.
Previous headliners at Clubland Live have included Cascada, Basshunter, Scooter, Ultrabeat, and Vengaboys, always guaranteeing a night of non-stop anthems.
For many dance music fans, Clubland has become synonymous with the sounds that dominated clubs, radio playlists and party nights throughout the 2000s.
Credit: Supplied
Over the years, Clubland has continued to celebrate the artists and songs that helped define an era of dance music, giving fans the chance to experience their favourite tracks live alongside thousands of like-minded clubbers.
From infectious pop-dance hits to harder-hitting electronic anthems, its events tap into a sense of nostalgia while keeping the energy of a night out firmly at the centre of the experience.
The 25th anniversary tour looks set to build on that legacy, bringing a quarter-century of club classics to arenas across the UK.
The Clubland Arena Tour will be at the AO Arena in Manchester on Friday 30 April 2027.
Tickets will go on sale on 30 October from 9.30am, but you can also register for the AO Arena presale to get early access to tickets on 29 October from 9.30am.
Emily Sergeant -
1st August 2022 
