March 29, 2024

INTERVIEW with Paul Ryder (bass) Happy Mondays


ATHENS CALLING : When and why did you start playing Music?  
Paul Ryder- HAPPY MONDAYS:  Probably around the age of 14, that’s when I got my first bass guitar. I was influenced to start playing music by my parents. There was always instruments in the house that belonged to my dad.

ATHENS CALLING :  Who was your first Music teacher?
Paul Ryder- HAPPY MONDAYS:  I only ever had one bass guitar lesson because the tutor could only see me on Wednesday at 7 o’clock which was the same time as the music program Top of the Pops was on TV, I chose the music program over bass lessons. 

ATHENS CALLING : Put  please any number you like from 1 to 10 for the following TONY WILSON – FACTORY RECORDS – and 24 HOUR PARTY PEOPLE .
Paul Ryder- HAPPY MONDAYS:  Assuming 10 is the best, it’s a 10 out of 10 for Tony Wilson, I never met anyone like him. 10 out of 10 for Factory Records, total idealist. 24 Hour Party People, are we talking about the Movie? 10 out of 10 for exaggeration, lies, and truth. 

ATHENS CALLING :  Which musicians  or bands do you admire and why? I mean who are your favorite musicians? Groups? CD’s?       
Paul Ryder- HAPPY MONDAYS:  I like all types of music, what I listen to all depends on the time of day or how I feel. I grew up listening to Buddy Holly, Rolling Stones, and the Beatles. As a teenager I was heavily influenced by Motown. Then at the age of 13 punk came along and I got into the Sex Pistols, the Stranglers and the Clash. At the moment I’m listening to a band from LA called Juggs and Cafe Del Mar chill out compilations. As for musicians, my favorite bass players are James Jameson, Phil Lynott, and Bootsy Collins.

ATHENS CALLING : What are your fondest musical memories? In your house? In your neighborhood or in your  town?
Paul Ryder- HAPPY MONDAYS:  The school had a disco once a week from 1975 to 1980. 

ATHENS CALLING : You perform in concerts . Do you get nervous before and how do you handle mistakes during a performance?    
Paul Ryder- HAPPY MONDAYS:  Back in my younger days I used to carry a sick bucket around with my equipment which was kept on the side of the stage for me to puke in during the show because I was so nervous. I don’t need it these days, I’m a lot calmer before and during the shows. If I make a mistake I just make sure I don’t do it again. 

ATHENS CALLING :  How do you balance your music with other obligations – mate, children, job?
Paul Ryder- HAPPY MONDAYS:  Music is my job and path and works itself out in all the areas of my life.

ATHENS CALLING : …And about your future plan. I mean about concerts or a new c.d
Paul Ryder- HAPPY MONDAYS:  The Monday’s are playing a lot of festivals during the Summer, mainly in the UK. It would be nice to make a new Monday’s album, who knows, it might happen one day.

ATHENS CALLING : Any  concert in Greece ?                             
Paul Ryder- HAPPY MONDAYS:  We’d love to come and play in Greece, it’s unchartered territory for us as far as live shows go. 

ATHENS CALLING : Many thanks for the interview. I must tell you that was amazing for me. I wish You … All the best for your Music trip ! Thanks again!
Paul Ryder- HAPPY MONDAYS:  Thank you

 

 

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