A public row has erupted within the Happy Mondays – with backing singer Rowetta claiming frontman Shaun Ryder “punched her”. In a series of explosive messages posted on X, Rowetta, who left the band after 34 years in December — wrote: “When I speak about Happy Mondays, it will always be true. I’m not a liar.
“Shaun Ryder punched me, knocked me out & there were lots of witnesses & my son had to see me with a black eye.” She added: “I’ve said nothing for years. They should be thanking me for keeping it quiet and not calling the cops instead of calling me a liar and threatening me with legal action.”
Shaun’s team told me: “Shaun is shocked and dismayed to hear of Rowetta’s claim, which is particularly hurtful as it comes from someone who, until she left the Happy Mondays at the end of last year, was an important member of their family.
“For more than 25 years Rowetta was treated with love and respect by the band, its crew and representatives. Given her claim however, Shaun has had no choice other than to place the matter in the hands of his lawyers.”
Insiders told me the outburst came after Rowetta was told band member Bez’s wife Firouzeh would be taking over as the band’s singer.
They posted a statement at the time which read: “Happy Mondays and Rowetta announce that Rowetta will no longer be performing with the band. Happy Mondays thank Rowetta for her services and wish her the best for the future.”
And on Saturday night, the same night as Rowetta’s shock allegations, Happy Mondays performed at the Salford Community Stadium to celebrate rugby side Salford Red Devils’ first Super League home game of the season.
Bez — real name Mark Berry — confirmed to me earlier this month that the group were pushing ahead with a new album, their first original songs since 2007, with the backing of their manager, former Creation Records and Oasis supremo Alan McGee. Bez said: “It’s going to be visionary. It’s going to be massive.
