Rowetta has left Happy Mondays after 34 years

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Rowetta leaves Happy Mondays after three decades

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.

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.

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.

@the.manc They definitely still have it #happymondays #manchester ♬ original sound – The Manc

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.

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.”

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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.

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.

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Featured Images — Man Alive! (via Flickr)/The Warehouse Project (supplied)