Paul Ryder

Biography

Paul Anthony Ryder was a founding member of the Manchester band Happy Mondays, bringing funk to their indie rock sound with his bass playing. Born on April 24, 1964, in Salford, England, Ryder was inspired by David Bowie and Thin Lizzy, teaching himself to play bass after receiving one as a birthday gift. He gained recognition through a demo cassette posted to Peter Hook, leading to connections with Tony Wilson and Factory Records.