[MUSIC INTERVIEW] HAPPY MONDAYS – 2026 Australian Tour Interview

Pioneers of the iconic Madchester sound, the Happy Mondays are heading back to Australia and New Zealand to celebrate the 35th anniversary of their seminal album, Pills ‘n’ Thrills and Bellyaches.

Fusing funk, rock, psychedelia, and house with the pulsating energy of the UK’s burgeoning rave scene, the Happy Mondays became the face of a cultural revolution. Their 1990 release, Pills ‘n’ Thrills and Bellyaches, catapulted them into the mainstream, spending over six months on the UK Albums Chart and earning its place as one of the defining records of the decade.

Fronted by the inimitable Shaun Ryder, with Bez ( freaky dancing and percussion), Mark Day (guitar), Gary Whelan (drums), Mikey Shine (bass) Dan Broad (musical director/guitar/keys) and Firouzeh Berry (backing vocals), the band will perform highlights from the classic album; including anthems like Step On, Kinky Afro, and Loose Fit, alongside fan favourites such as 24 Hour Party People, Hallelujah, Judge Fudge, and W.F.L.

Their enduring influence on British music was formally recognised in 2016 when they received the prestigious Ivor Novello Inspiration Award, a testament to their legacy as one of the UK’s most beloved and groundbreaking bands.

Ahead of their tour this week Shaun Ryder sat down with Subculture to chat about the tour.