“It’s not about sex and drugs anymore, it’s just rock’n’roll”: in conversation with Shaun Ryder
Aside from Tony Wilson, I don’t think any singular person is more tied to a music scene than Shaun Ryder is to Madchester. The music, the voice, the attitude, the drugs, Shaun Ryder encompasses what most people think of when thinking about Manchester in the late 80s and 90s. He was Madchester, warts and all. The original lout, before Liam Gallagher’s pale (but more popular) imitation of that famous Manc archetype.
So, when we were given the opportunity to speak with Shaun, ahead of the Happy Mondays’ Spring tour marking the 35th anniversary of Pills, Thrills, and Bellyaches, we absolutely jumped at the chance.
Credit: Paul Husband
Hi Shaun, how are you?
I’m good, man! How are you?
I am good, thanks; how’s your day been so far?
Yeah, good, I have just been doing these [the interviews] all day, really - surprised no one has asked me some mental questions, like if I have any brain damage or anything like that, it’s all been really nice!
Obviously, it’s been over 35 years since Pills, Thrills, and Bellyaches, and aside from maybe the Roses’ debut, that album represents the spirit of Madchester better than anything. 35 years on, do you think Madchester could happen now? Are we destined to receive another Tony Wilson?
You know, I think the big difference would be that we would be a Salford band, not a Manchester band, if we started today. You know, we’re all from Salford. That’s why Tony Wilson signed us; he was a Salford lad too. Yeah, I don’t think you’d need that marketing label these days. We could be a proud Salford band. Me and Bez are actually ambassadors to Salford City F.C., and you know, we might have a Prem team soon!
I have found that when you go into Manchester these days, it’s covered head to toe in Madchester and Britpop iconography. What do you make of it? Do you find it weird? Is it a good or bad thing that Manchester, and the UK music scene more widely, seem to spend a lot of time being so reflective?
I’m happy with it! It’s been cool to see places like the new Factory open up. I don’t know, the music industry has just changed so much recently, I think we lived in a different context to bands now, so I don’t think it’s a bad thing really. Sex and drugs have gone, you know, it’s just rock ‘n’ roll these days. After a gig, I am in bed by 11pm these days! We’re not off our tits anymore, but that’s not to say I regret anything. We lived our lives to the fullest. Well, actually, no, I do regret the years I spent in receivership and the money I wasted there, but it happened, didn’t it? Can’t change that, and I can’t be a victim about it! Couldn’t be arsed changing anything about it, really.
Are you excited to come to Sheffield?
Yeah man we’re really excited. I spent some time there in 2002, and I still have some mates there. I really miss going to the Peak District. You know, we’ve even been writing our new album in Sheffield- actually, fuck, I don’t think I was meant to tell you that. Fuck it, you know it now!
Can you tell us anything more about the new album?
I wasn’t even meant to tell you about it! All I will say is that it will be out end of the year/early next year. We’re also doing a new Mantra of the Cosmos album [the supergroup Shaun and Bez are part of with Zak Starkey and Andy Bell]. Also, we’re hopefully getting another Black Grape album done. I think my wife just wants me doing all this to get me out the house, I tend to get under her toes.
My Dad has often told me about when he went to Glastonbury in 1990 and seeing you there, and the general mayhem that seemed to surround your performance. What do you remember about it? Would you ever be asked to play the Sunday legends slot, do you reckon?
Your Dad was there? Fucking hell yeah, that was chaos. To tell you the truth, I don’t remember much as I was smoking heroin on our tour bus. We did have his young lad doing our merch for us, and he got kidnapped. Yeah, like he was found tied to a tree. He wouldn’t tell them where the money was. It was mental. Bez bumped into Michael Eavis recently actually, and he’s still pissed off with us. Don’t think we’d be playing that slot any time soon!
Last question for you Shaun: anything the people in Sheffield can expect for your gig on the 22nd?
Ah my meds are wearing off - I don’t know what to say! We’ll see everyone there, it’s always a good crowd in Sheffield, so it will definitely be fun!
Credit: Mark Field
The Happy Mondays’ upcoming tour begins in Newcastle on 13th March, and includes dates along the way at The Octagon in Sheffield (22nd March) and a hometown show at Manchester’s O2 Victoria Warehouse (11th April).
Joining the tour as very special guests at all dates are The Farm and Northside, who were both on the bill for the Happy Mondays’ legendary 1991 concert at Elland Road in Leeds.
Tickets for the tour are available here.
Words: Charlie Sweeney
