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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You can line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester
Thomas Melia
After a fun way to kickstart the New Year? Some people might suggest hobbies like ‘Tennis’, but how about a line dancing class playing Lily Allen’s new album in its entirety – we know which we’d rather do.
Grab your nearest ‘Nonmonogamummy’ or take ‘Madeline’, if you know one, because there’s a line dance class where you get to line dance to Lily Allen’s West End Girl in full right here in Manchester.
Hosted by Red Rodeo Club, a queer line dancing group based in Manchester, who have hosted monthly artist-inspired events city wide including Chappell Roan, Beyoncé, Charli XCX and more.
This troupe even managed to line dance all the way to one of Manchester’s most reputable LGBTQIA+ nights of the year, performing on the Archive stage at Homobloc just last month.
Now, Red Rodeo is returning with another special night that is sure to interest all the West Endand North West girls across Manchester, as it prepares a Lily Allen line dance spectacular later this month.
If you’re ‘Ruminating’ about attending this event, there’s absolutely no pressure or dance experience needed as the group prides itself on providing ‘classic boot-scootin tutorials with a party vibe’.
You’ll definitely be in good company regardless of your dance partners, as hosting the event is Violet Blonde, known for their extraordinary outfits and love of Country icon Dolly Parton.
We’re already onto a winner…
Your dance instructor for the night is the remarkable Shanika Sunrise, a rapper and producer, who boasts a seriously impressive roster of acts they’ve opened for, including Chappell Roan, Cupcakke and Moonchild Sanelly.
Opportunities like this aren’t always feasible for everyone, which is something this line dance group is aware of as they’re offering a ‘Red Rodeo Club Low Income Ticket’, suited for students, unwaged and disabled attendees.
Red Rodeo Club is bringing the ‘Lily Allen edition’ line dance class to Fairfield Social Club in Manchester on Thursday, 29 January 2026, from 7-10:30pm.
If you’re interested in grapevine stepping or electric shuffling your way to the Lily Allen West End Girl line dance event in Manchester, you can find tickets HERE.
The smash-hit daytime rave where you can still be in bed early is returning to Manchester
Clementine Hall
That’s right: Day Fever, the daytime rave designed to still get you tucked in at a reasonable hour, is coming back to Manchester city centre this year.
Following their biggest raft of shows across the UK and Ireland in 2025, the smash-hit night out that is very much aimed at those of us 30 and over – but fellow sleepy heads are obviously more than welcome – Day Fever are targeting big things in 2026.
Launched in early 2024 by actress Vicky McClure and Reverend & The Makers frontman, Jon McClure, Day Fever has become a cultural sensation.
From its debut in Sheffield to a tour that sees thousands of ravers hitting the dance floor each month, the message is clear: people want to dance and let loose, but still be in bed before 9pm – and let’s be honest, who can blame them?
The founders (L-R): Jon McClure, James O’Hara, Jonny Owen, Vicky and Chris McClure. (supplied)
Running from 3-8pm, Day Fever provides a proper night out that doesn’t completely write you off for the entire weekend.
“It started as a WhatsApp idea”, says Jon McClure. “Jonny just said, ‘A daytime disco, how good would that be?’ We’re all a bit nuts, so we just said, ‘Come on then!’”
“It feels like a massive house party at your nan’s,” laughs Vicky. “No drama, no egos, just people acting daft, getting dressed up, and having the best time.”
From here in 0161 and our mates over in Leeds, to Newcastle, Glasgow and many more, each Day Fever event has its own unique flavour.
There’ll be local DJs who know their crowds keep the energy high with a nostalgic mix of Northern Soul, disco, indie, and 90s classics. “Manchester goes mad for Oasis,” says Jon, “and if Vicky’s there, we have to play Whitney, it’s non-negotiable!”
For starters, just look at the turnout they got over Christmas:
Danny Jones -
23rd December 2024 
