It’s a sad day for Madchester fans everywhere as Manc-born and bred musician Rowetta has officially left Happy Mondays after 34 long years.
Rowetta, born Rowetta Idah, hails from Crumpsall and remains one of Greater Manchester’s most well-known singers and all-round cultural figures.
The 58-year-old has recorded and performed with the electronic and indie dance icons since 1990 and rejoined the original lineup for a reunion back in 2012 and has remained part of the touring band ever since, but it now looks as though their long-running partnership has come to an end.
Confirming the news via an official announcement on Monday, 23 December, they wrote: “Happy Mondays and Rowetta announce that Rowetta will no longer be performing with the band.
The statement goes on to read: “Happy Mondays thank Rowetta for her services and wish her the best for the future.” Many have questioned the circumstances given the brevity of the post.
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Best known for her powerful voice on the likes of ‘Step On’, ‘Kinky Afro’ and several other hits, but her association with the group has been on and off over the years amid their various splits/hiatuses.
As well as a solo career which saw her songs sampled by the likes of Swedish House Mafia and Black Eyes Peas, Rowetta also featured on the very first series of the X-Factor back in 2004 and has lent her vocals on various different projects over the years.
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For instance, she was also a featured artist on Shed Seven’s 2023 single, ‘In Ecstasy, joining them on stage for live renditions as recently as August of this year, when they supported Blossoms at their massive Wythenshawe Park show.
She also delighted crowds at Kendal Calling last summer, with many online arguing that she’s been “carrying the show” of late.
Rowetta herself has issued an official personal response other than sharing the same statement confirming that they have parted ways, leaving many wondering what may have gone on behind the scenes.
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The comments underneath both individual posts are also turned off – make of that what you will.
To have spent over three and a half decades on and off with one of the North’s best-loved bands and to then share only a couple of lines, does admittedly raise an eyebrow.
Not only were followers understandably surprised to hear of the news but even if the Happy Mondays and/or Rowetta aren’t making their feelings known on the matter, it hasn’t stopped plenty of others getting emotional on their behalf.
One person wrote on X: “Many Mondays gigs in recent years it has been Rowetta who has kept things going on stage. But, it’s been great to see her singing with Shed Seven this year, and really showcasing her talents on the albums and on stage. Onwards and upwards.”
Is it actually Happy Mondays without Rowetta? Her vocals, presence, style & energy are irreplaceable… I sincerely hope she’s not been shafted by the band she’s been such an integral part of … 🤔 good luck @Rowetta .. keep shining 💥 https://t.co/37CHsFcKNk
For many, it’s a case of “the Happy Mondays without Rowetta just doesn’t work” and it’s clear the relationship with their fans and the energy at live shows won’t be the same without her.
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Only time will tell whether or not a particular flash-point caused this split or if they collectively just decided to call it a day.
Either way, we loved listening to you, Ro – we hope to hear you on plenty of other stuff in the meantime.
Featured Images — Man Alive! (via Flickr)/The Warehouse Project (supplied)
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Role Model at O2 Apollo, Manchester – a night where everyone wanted to be Sally | Review
Clementine Hall
The O2 Apollo was a sea of cowboy hats and gingham for Role Model’s return to Manchesteron his No Place Like Tour.
If you don’t know who Role Model is, then you’re probably not a 20-something year old girl addicted to TikTok and strawberry matcha like me – and that’s absolutely fine, but Role Model, aka Tucker Pillsbury, is more than just a social star with a couple of viral hits.
His steep incline to stardom, especially through his latest album Kansas Anymore released last summer, and the follow-up deluxe Kansas Anymore (The Longest Goodbye), earlier this year, has recently seen him perform on SNL with Charli XCX, as well as this week featuring in People’s Magazine Sexiest Man Alive 2025 edition in the centrefold spot, no less.
So it’s safe to say, he really is the man of the moment.
Role Model on stage at O2 Apollo Manchester in November 2025 / Image: The Manc Group
The all-American heartthrob wasted no time getting into his catalogue of hits, kicking things off with ‘Writing’s On The Wall’, before transitioning smoothly into ‘Look At That Woman’ and ‘Scumbag’, all taken from his 2024 album.
Guitar firmly in hand, Role Model shimmied across the stage effortlessly as a sea of adoring fans sang every single word back without fail.
The highlights from the show are never-ending, like taking a seat and singing the beautiful ‘Something, Somehow, Someday’ from a leather notebook – which he tells us is “my favourite song I’ve ever written, and I’m going to read it to you like a story”.
His vocals are identical to the studio recordings, and the energy in the room was just how you wanted it to be, especially during the iconic bridge in ‘Some Protector’.
Presuming you’re not familiar with the Role Model lore? Well, allow me to fill you in.
Each night during the undeniable smash-hit, ‘Sally, When the Wine Runs Out’, Tucker brings out a special guest to be that night’s so-called ‘Sally’ and dance on stage with him.
On the European tour so far, London were treated to Lewis Capaldi and Niall Horan back to back, so it’s safe to say we were waiting with baited breath to be introduced to our very-own Sally.
Although we didn’t get anyone famous (we were hoping he’d go super meta and get Sally from Corrie, but alas), what did get was arguably better. A lovely, smiling fan who held Tucker’s hand and had the absolute time of her life for that one-minute where all eyes were on her – this is what it’s truly all about, at the end of the day.
If anyone in that crowd went home without feeling a bit in love with Role Model, then I’d be very surprised.
His effortless charisma oozed throughout the performance, and we can’t wait to welcome him back in Manchester again.
Maybe next time, I’ll be Sally.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
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Clubland Live is returning to Manchester with an arena show that will be ‘the biggest night of your life’
Daisy Jackson
Clubland will be back with a live arena show in Manchester next year, following massive success and feel-good parties for the last few years.
There’ll be five cities on the newly announced tour, which will fill arenas with classic dance tunes and the full Clubland experience.
As well as Manchester, the tour will visit Leeds, Glasgow, Newcastle and Aberdeen in May next year.
The three-hour action-packed show will bring together some big names from as far back as the 90s in the dance music world, along with some of the biggest new names on the scene.
Each city will have a slightly different line-up, but for Manchester it includes Cascada, Ultrabeat, and Ben Nicky.
The new Clubland show at the AO Arena will be reliving the times where dance music produced the best tunes, energy and feel-good factor from throughout the generations.
Clubland started life as a series of compilation albums in 2002, and become the umbrella brand for an entire movement of commercial dance music, spawning countless classic hits over the years.
That’s included artists like Cascada, Scooter, BassHunter and Ultrabeat amongst many, many more – selling 30 million albums.
And Clubland TV remains one of the most popular music channels on UK music TV, bringing a mix of the both the classics and new tunes to thousands of people every day.
Clubland Live launched in 2008 and played to tens of thousands of people across the UK, in a landmark moment for the dance music industry.
And now it’s back again for a live show at the AO Arena.
Clubland Live will be at the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday 2 May 2026, with tickets on sale from 10am on Friday 7 November HERE.
Danny Jones -
23rd December 2024 
