‘The Happy Mondays’ Paul Ryder Talks Music And Legendary Manchester Parties Ahead Of ‘The Happy Festival’ This Weekend
| 11th July 2017
The Happy Festival Set List
This weekend sees Hale host ‘The Happy Festival’ once again, and VIVA can’t wait! After Tracey Donnelly and her brother Chris started the festival back in 2015 it’s been a massive hit ever since, and this one is certain to be a sell out.
You can expect music from the 70s, 80s and 90s with each tent offering different genres from Motown to dance anthems and plenty of famous faces! We caught up with bass player and founding member of The Happy Mondays, Paul Ryder ahead of Saturday’s shenanigans, where we talked legendary Manchester parties, fashion and of course… music.
So Paul, tell us… What’s the best party you’ve ever been to?
It’s got to be any of The Hacienda Birthday Parties – there’s no question about that one!
If you could redo an iconic gig, what would it be and why?
I’d have to say it would be ‘The Stones In the Park’. It was the free Rolling Stones gig in Hyde Park just two days after Brian Jones passed away.
If you were in a current band, which one would it be and why?
The Floozies. The funk they’ve got is brilliant! You’ve got to take a listen to them here.
What’s the last album you listened to?
‘Drunk’ by Thundercat – give it a go!
Who’s the most famous person in your phone book ?
The legend that is Derek Ryder – my dad of course.
If you could have been in any other band when you first started out, which band would it have been?
Orange Juice
In your opinion, what’s the best song to have ever been written?
Ceremony by Joy Division/New Order
If you weren’t a musician, what would you have done?
Something to do with the clothing industry. I worked in fashion retail when I was in my teens.
What’s does a typical day in the life of Paul Ryder look like?
Benson & Hedges, coffee … as little as possible.
Photo by Anne Marie Stothard
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