‘If it's a choice between the truth and the legend, print the legend,’ said the character of Factory Records impresario Tony Wilson in the film 24 Hour Party People.
It’s a quote that certainly applies to the tumultuous times of Factory, particularly the career of one Shaun William Ryder. While arguably more fictions than fact surround him, what’s undeniable is the quality of his music.
As the Happy Mondays, Shaun and his gang of reprobates made the soundtrack to the second summer of the love at the fag end of the eighties with hits including Step On and Wrote for Luck. He did it again with Black Grape during the Britpop years before once again stepping out of the limelight amid fall outs and confusion. But fast forward to the present day, both bands are back together enjoying revivals as touring concerns and in the studio.
It’s the music of the Mondays which saw Shaun at the recent Ivor Novello Awards to collect the Inspiration Award. And we were on hand to quiz Shaun on new albums from both bands as well as getting his take on the legacy of the second summer of love…
It’s a quote that certainly applies to the tumultuous times of Factory, particularly the career of one Shaun William Ryder. While arguably more fictions than fact surround him, what’s undeniable is the quality of his music.
As the Happy Mondays, Shaun and his gang of reprobates made the soundtrack to the second summer of the love at the fag end of the eighties with hits including Step On and Wrote for Luck. He did it again with Black Grape during the Britpop years before once again stepping out of the limelight amid fall outs and confusion. But fast forward to the present day, both bands are back together enjoying revivals as touring concerns and in the studio.
It’s the music of the Mondays which saw Shaun at the recent Ivor Novello Awards to collect the Inspiration Award. And we were on hand to quiz Shaun on new albums from both bands as well as getting his take on the legacy of the second summer of love…
