Happy Mondays bass player Paul Ryder has died suddenly at the age of 58, the band has confirmed.
The musician had been part of the group since its inception in 1980 alongside older brother Shaun Ryder and was influential in creating their signature sound.
Ryder's death came this morning, just hours before the band were due to take to the stage at the Kubix Festival in Sunderland.
A statement on the group's Facebook page said: "The Ryder family and Happy Mondays band members are deeply saddened and shocked to say that Paul Ryder passed away this morning.
"A true pioneer and legend. He will be forever missed.
"We thank you for respecting the privacy of all concerned at this time."
The circumstances of Ryder's death have not been made public.
The Ryder family and Happy Mondays band members are deeply saddened and shocked to say that Paul Ryder passed away this morning
— Happy Mondays (@Happy_Mondays) July 15, 2022
A true pioneer and legend. He will be forever missed ❤️
We thank you for respecting the privacy of all concerned at this time
Long live his funk x pic.twitter.com/e2LdSaQD6u
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