Happy Mondays star Shaun Ryder carries late brother Paul’s casket into funeral service after singer’s death aged 58-Alicia Adejobi-Entertainment – Metro

Mourners gathered to pay their respects to Paul Ryder in Swinton, Manchester (Pictures: MCPIX/REX/Shutterstock)

Happy Mondays singer Paul Ryder was laid to rest at a funeral service in Manchester today. 

The musician, who played bass in the English rock band, died on July 15 at the age of 58 just hours before the group were due to perform a gig. 

A cause of death has not been revealed but his brother Shaun Ryder said Paul had complained of headaches in the hours before he died. 

On Thursday, Shaun and other loved ones gathered at St Charles Church in Swinton to pay their final respects to Paul. 

Shaun, who is also a member of Happy Mondays, led the mourners and was seen carrying Paul’s casket into the church alongside five other pallbearers. At one point, the 59-year-old singer looked overwhelmed with emotion as he spoke to other mourners but also flashed a smile as he walked to the service. Shaun kindly helped an older family member and was seen guiding her into the church supportively holding onto her arm. 

Rowetta, who regularly sings with Happy Mondays, was pictured outside the church chatting to Echo & the Bunnymen rocker Ian McCulloch, who kept his black hoodie pulled up and shielded his eyes with a pair of sunglasses. 

Shaun Ryder was among the pallbearers carrying Paul Ryder’s casket into the church (Picture: Rex Features)

Shaun kindly helped a loved one into the Manchester church (Picture: Rex Features)

Ian Brown was among the celebrity mourners (Picture: Rex Features)

Happy Mondays star Bez was surrounding by friends as he arrived at the service (Picture: Rex Features)

Rowetta, who sings with the Happy Mondays, was spotted outside the church (Picture: Rex Features)

They were joined by Happy Mondays stars Mark ‘Bez’ Berry. 

A copy of the funeral service featured photos of Paul performing on stage and hugging family members. 

A message from his loved ones read: ‘Paul’s family wish to express their sincere thanks to you all for the many kind messages of sympathy, love and support received at this very sad time, and for your attendance at this service to celebrate the life of a very special man.’ 

They also revealed they are receiving donations towards the Make A Wish foundation and Chico’s Kickin Cancer in Paul’s memory. 

Paul died suddenly in July at the age of 58. A cause of death has not been revealed (Picture: Rex Features)

Paul was a founding member of Happy Mondays and was due to join his bandmates on stage at the Kubix Festival in Sunderland on the day he died. 

His brother Shaun has since spoken out about his devastating loss, and revealed Paul had felt unwell shortly before his death. 

Speaking to The Sun, the singer said: ‘He lands [from LA] and starts complaining about this headache. It was murdering him. Our mam wanted him to go to A&E but he said “no I’ve got to go to rehearsals”.’ 

‘So he gets to rehearsals and he can’t recognise any of the band. He can’t recognise the drummer Gaz or anyone.’ 

Photos of Paul filled the pages of the order of service (Picture: Rex Features)

The family asked for donations to be made to two charities including the Make A Wish Foundation (Picture: Rex Features)

Shaun laid his beloved younger brother to rest (Picture: Rex Features)

Shaun added: ‘He lives in LA but when we play shows he flies in and comes and stays at me mam’s in Salford. So he goes home and takes some more painkillers and stuff because his head’s murdering him. 

‘Then me mam goes in his room at 6am and he was gone, rigor mortis had set in.’ 

According to Shaun, the paramedics said it ‘looked like it had been a blood clot or brain tumour’, but an autopsy was being conducted to determine the cause of death. 

In a statement after the news broke, Paul’s family said in a statement: ‘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.

‘Long live his funk.’ 

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