Happy Mondays: Excess All Areas: The Definitive Biography

Happy Mondays were one of the most iconic bands of the Madchester scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Their unique blend of dance music, rock, and electronica made them one of the most popular and influential bands of their time.

Happy Mondays: Excess All Areas: The definitive biography

by Simon Spence

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	661 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	525 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Excess All Areas is the definitive biography of Happy Mondays. The book tells the story of the band's rise to fame, their subsequent decline into drug addiction and legal troubles, and their eventual comeback in the 2000s. The book is packed with exclusive interviews with the band members, their friends, and their families, and it provides a fascinating insight into the world of one of the most iconic bands of their generation.

The Early Years

Happy Mondays were formed in Manchester in 1980. The band originally consisted of Shaun Ryder (vocals),Mark Day (guitar),Paul Ryder (bass),Gary Whelan (drums),and Mark "Bez" Berry (percussion). The band's early sound was influenced by punk rock and funk, but they soon developed their own unique style, which they called "baggy." Baggy was characterized by its slow tempos, repetitive beats, and psychedelic lyrics.

Happy Mondays quickly became one of the most popular bands on the Manchester music scene. They played regular gigs at the Hacienda, the legendary nightclub that was the epicenter of the Madchester scene. The band's music was perfect for the club's atmosphere, and they soon became one of the most in-demand bands in the city.

The Rise to Fame

In 1989, Happy Mondays released their debut album, Squirrel and G-Man Twenty Four Hour Party People Plastic Face Carnt Smile (White Out). The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish the band as one of the leading lights of the Madchester scene. The album's lead single, "Step On," was a huge hit, and it helped to make Happy Mondays one of the most popular bands in the UK.

Happy Mondays followed up the success of their debut album with a series of hit singles, including "Wrote for Luck," "Hallelujah," and "Kinky Afro." The band also released two more albums, Bummed (1990) and Yes Please! (1992),both of which were commercial successes.

The Decline

Happy Mondays' success was short-lived. The band's heavy drug use began to take its toll, and they soon began to decline both personally and professionally. Shaun Ryder was arrested for heroin possession in 1990, and he was sentenced to six months in prison. The band's other members also struggled with drug addiction, and they were often unable to perform live.

In 1993, Happy Mondays released their fourth album, Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches. The album was a critical and commercial failure, and it marked the end of the band's mainstream success.

The Comeback

Happy Mondays split up in 1993, but they reformed in 2000. The band has since released two more albums, Uno (2002) and Evil Heat (2007). Happy Mondays continue to tour and perform live, and they remain one of the most popular bands of their generation.

Legacy

Happy Mondays were one of the most important bands of the Madchester scene. Their unique blend of dance music, rock, and electronica made them one of the most popular and influential bands of their time. The band's music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians.

Happy Mondays: Excess All Areas: The definitive biography

by Simon Spence

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	661 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	525 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE