We just lost Paul Ryder. And all these other Manchester music legends were taken far too soon

Tributes are continuing to pour in for Paul Ryder. The bassist of the Happy Mondays, died suddenly last Friday aged 58. Paul, from Little Hulton, was a founding member of the Salford band along with brother and frontman Shaun Ryder.

His funky basslines came to define not just the band's sound but that of the entire Madchester era when they were signed to the city's legendary label Factory Records.

He helped them achieve huge commercial success in the 80s and 90s with hits including Step On and Kinky Afro. After leaving the Mondays he went on to live in America where he also pursued an acting career, as well as founding the band Big Arm.

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Paul returned to The Mondays reuniting with his brother in its original line-up, for a comeback tour in 2012. The band had been back out on tour at festivals across the UK this year, and had been due to play at the Kubik Festival in the North East on Friday night.

Posting on his social media after the tragic news, Shaun wrote: "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 x"

Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown was among other well-known names to pay their own tributes. "Rest in peace Paul Ryder a great friend a great musician a great fella" he said.

Fellow bassist and co-founder of Joy Division and New Order Peter Hook said: 'What a shock… Paul Ryder was the archetypal solid, quiet, strong, dependable bass player.

'A lovely man - respectful & charming. When