Paul Ryder Cause of Death Mysterious: Happy Mondays Bassist Dead at 58

Paul Ryder, popularly known for being a bassist and one of the founding members of the British alt-rock band Happy Mondays, has passed away at the age of 58.

In a statement posted on social media, the band confirmed the tragic news, writing, "The Ryder family and Happy Mondays band members are deeply saddened and shocked to say that Paul Ryder passed away this morning."

They added that the bassist was a "true pioneer and a legend."

"We thank you for respecting the privacy of all concerned at this time Long live his funk x," they concluded.

As of this writing, none of his family members or bandmates have confirmed what his actual cause of death is.

According to Guitar World, the musician was born in Salford, England in 1964. At a young age, Ryder managed to play the bass and later formed Happy Mondays with his brother Shaun.

His sibling served as the group's frontman. Other members include Mark Day for the guitar, Gary Whelan for the drums, Paul Davis as the keyboardist, and Mark "Bez" Berry as the dancer and percussionist.

Happy Mondays became one of the most legendary bands in the United Kingdom as they invaded the music scene with their pop-rock and flower-power optimism-inspired music.

Their most notable album would be the 1990 record "Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches" as it was propelled by the song "Step On."

The album amassed massive success as it went platinum in the United Kingdom. It also helps spread the "Madchester" sound, a blend of dance music with psychedelic pop-rock.

Paul Ryder became one of the most important members of the band throughout their original ran. He joined Happy Mondays at a 1999 reunion but later left the group the following year.

The bassist would return in 2012 along with the original lineup. They continued playing until his recent death.

Speaking about his time with the band in 2011, Ryder said he "liked it all" before saying, "I liked writing, I liked rehearsing, I liked being in the studio and I liked all the traveling - doing all the shows all around the world. It's the perfect job for me - or should I say a well-paid hobby, not actually work" (via Live 4 Ever).

As of this writing, the band has not announced if they would cancel any performances over the next few months.

Ryder was supposed to perform at the Kubix Festival in Sunderland on July 15.

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