Happy Mondays’ original line up have announced their return.
The seven members of the ‘Step On’ group – key figures in England’s Madchester music scene of the late 80s – are set to play together for the first time since 1992 after singer Shaun Ryder and keyboardist Paul Davis settled a long running feud.
The band – which also includes drummer Gaz Whelan, dancer Bez, backing singer Rowetta, guitarist Mark Day and bass player Paul Ryder – are set for an 11 date tour of the UK in May.
Shaun told radio station XFM: ”Some of the lads hadn’t seen each other in more than ten, 15 years.
”It’s as if we’ve never been apart – so good to all be in the same room. We can’t wait to tour.”
Rowetta admitted the process of getting the band back has taken a long time, but they are to set to rehearse through April.
She told BBC Radio Manchester: ”We want to put on a really good show. We decided it would only be special and work if it was the total, original line-up.
”We’re all really excited. They are my family, these boys; I’ve really missed them, and I’m sure they’ve missed each other.”
The band originally disbanded in 1992, before reforming between 1999 and 2001 then again in 2004, with only three of the original members.