Happy Mondays Hint At New LP

BB's got all the deets, including this quote from S. Ryder regarding the album's potential release date: *"Knowing us, it'll probably come out in about two years time. I mean, the other one, we had that in the can for, what, two years before that got released, because of legal problems. It took us eight or nine years to sort out all that."* MP3 at bottom.

Read the full article here.

MP3: Happy Mondays - 24 Hour...

Joe Strummer Memorial Gig: Happy Mondays & Ex-Smiths

Gigwise reports: *Oasis, Primal Scream and Smiths stars are to perform a host of classic Clash songs to mark the fifth anniversary of Joe Strummer’s death. Members of The Happy Mondays and Alabama 3 will also appear at the event at JAMM in London on December 22nd. ‘London Calling – Remembering Joe Strummer,’ has been organised by Geoff Martin, the director of the Left Field Stage at the Glastonbury Festival. “We wanted to mark the fifth anniversary of Joe Strummer’s death with a unique event that marks the positive impact that his life had on so many of us. Brixton JAMM will be the place to be,” he said. The supergroup, known as the Strummerville Collective, will also feature Jamie T and members of Paul Weller’s band. "Money raised will be shared by Strummerville – the Joe Strummer Foundation for new music – and RAR08 which will be fighting to stop the BNP in the run up to next May’s London elections,” Martin added. "We also hope to make enough cash to put a bunch of guitars into Brixton prison as part of Billy Bragg’s Jail Guitar Doors initiative, in memory of Joe.”* Enjoy a Clash MP3 below.

MP3: The Clash - Rudie Can't Fail

RIP Tony Wilson

NME reports: *Anthony H. Wilson, co-founder of Factory Records, has died of a heart attack today at the age of 57. Wilson is best known for signing legendary bands including Joy Division and New Order to his label, and as owner of the Hacienda nightclub in Manchester. He played a key role in the Madchester scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s, signing the Happy Mondays. Wilson passed away on this evening in the hospital after suffering a heart attack that his doctor said was unrelated to his recent battle with cancer.

Professor Robert Hawkins, his doctor at Christie hospital, told the Guardian: "It's very sad. He died as a result of something unrelated to his cancer. His cancer was responding well to treatment but obviously did contribute to his poor health". Recently it was recommended he take the drug Sutent after chemotherapy failed to treat the disease effectively, but the NHS refused to pay for the £3500-a-month treatment. However, the Happy Mondays and other bands he signed had started a charity fund to help pay for Wilson's treatment. His family are reportedly declining to comment at this time, but thanked the staff at the MRI and Christie who have provided "fantastic" care for him over the last few months.*

MP3s: Joy Division - Glass + New Order - Blue Monday

New Happy Mondays Album Cover: Love It Or Hate It?

Former Madchester gods, The Happy Mondays, have just released their new LP, Uncle Dysfunktional. It's the reunited band's first record in almost fifteen years. Check out some tepid reviews of the effort here at MetaCritic. Love or hate the cover art?

MP3: The Happy Mondays - 24 Hour Party People

Happy Mondays Cancel NYC Dates!

How majorly disappointing.

Extra Wack reports: *According to the Nokia Theatre website, the Happy Mondays gigs at Nokia this Wednesday & Thursday have been cancelled. No reason is given, but given the spate of Visa problems for UK bands recently, I wouldn't be surprised if that didn't play a part.*

No word yet on refunds or a make-up date but we'll of course keep you in the loop should we find out anything. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news!

Update via press release: "The Happy Mondays are absolutely 'gutted' at not being able to support Tony Wilson this week. However, they are sorting their visas issues once and for all—so the whole band— can return to the states sometime soon. All Nokia Ticket holders will get full refunds at tickemaster or point of purchase."

Also - The Rakes will headline Hiro Ballroom this week without the support of the Happy Mondays (thanks to our fabulous commenter, Brian!).

MP3: Happy Mondays - 24 Hour Party People

Happy Mondays: New Album On Its Way

This news follows confirmation that the band will be on a reunion tour this year, commencing at Coachella in late April.

The guys haven't released an album of new tunes since 1992's 'Yes Please'. The new album will be produced by hip-hopper Sonny Levine and should see the light of day towards the end of the year. Bjork and Howie B have their hands in the mixing.

MADchester rave is back! For more on what to expect, hop over to Uncut's site.

MP3: Happy Mondays - Bob's Yer Uncle (via Best Foot Forward)