Rowetta has revealed she is leaving Happy Mondays after over three decades with the popular rock band.
The 58-year-old singer joined the group in 1990, along with the original lineup which consisted of Shaun Ryder, Paul Ryder, Mark ‘Bez’ Berry, Gaz Whelan, Paul Davis, and Mark Day.
Paul sadly died in 2022 aged 58, with his family calling him a ‘true pioneer and legend’, adding he will be ‘forever missed’.
Rowetta featured on their top five hit Step On, which was followed by hit album Pills ‘n’ Thrills and Bellyaches.
In 2004, she took a break from the group to appear on the very first series of The X Factor, making history as the last woman standing that year.
‘Happy Mondays and Rowetta announce that Rowetta will no longer be performing with the band,’ she posted on Instagram.
The statement continued: ‘Happy Mondays thank Rowetta for her services and wish her the best for the future.’
Happy Mondays originally formed in Manchester in 1980, with Shaun and his best friend Bez starting Black Grape in 1993 during a hiatus for the group.
Rowetta was the second vocalist and percussionist, rejoining the Happy Mondays each time they split; which happened multiple times.
In 2012, the full original lineup reformed with Rowetta also back on board for their world tour the following year.
She is best known for her X Factor stint, stunning the judges with her rendition of Lady Marmalade and earning a place in the Over-25s category.
Lead judge Simon Cowell once described her to The Mirror as ‘Amazing, but barking bloody mad’.
After the singing competition, she released a solo album, featured on multiple charity singles, and had her own radio shows.
The announcement came on the anniversary of her father’s death, which the star posted about before her surprising announcement.
In another caption, she shared: ‘Sorry I can’t read & reply to any messages, as having family time & getting ready for Chrimbo. Thanks for all the love. Really looking forward to a very special 2025.’
Shaun confirmed that Happy Mondays is currently on hiatus after touring the UK earlier this year.
He and Bez have appeared on Celebrity Gogglebox together in the past, with Shaun also being the runner-up on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2010.
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