Shaun Ryder is among those paying tribute to Marc James Watmough, after it was announced that the ‘Happy Mondaze’ frontman had died.
On Monday (April 7), the band – tipped as the “The No 1 Happy Mondays Tribute” act – shared Watmough had died unexpectedly last week. Writing on Facebook, they said: “He was truly one of a kind and has been a driving force and vital part of the bands success over the past 11 years.”
They invited fans to share memories of his past performances, with many fellow tribute bands on the circuit, including Echoes of the Bunnymen, Clone Roses and Blur’d all paying their respects.
Events production page M35 music shared a story about the musician putting together the Happy Mondays tribute group, recalling: “He was fired up for it – he hadn’t even got the band together at this stage but he said he was already working on taking it on tour all over the uk and beyond. Well Marc – you did it r kid – smashed it. There was never any doubt. God bless you pal.”
Ryder joined those celebrating Watmough’s life, taking to Instagram to share a photo of the late singer and sending condolences to his bandmates and loved ones.
Fans who had caught his impression of Ryder live reflected on his voice and enthusiasm, with one writing that he sang every song “perfectly”, adding: “Superb front man. Amazing live. Live Forever.” Another noted that not only was he a “great frontman”, but a talented “singer full [stop], not just a tribute band singer,” who would be missed.
The news sadly follows last months announcement that Paul ‘Wags’ Wagstaff, the Manchester guitarist who formed Paris Angels and later joined Happy Mondays and Black Grape, has died.
Tributes were paid by a number of Wagstaff’s friends and colleagues, including Bez, who posted a retro image of Black Grape on his Facebook page and wrote: “RIP my friend.”
