In Conversation With Happy Mondays' Bez

As the Happy Mondays gear up for their massive 2026 UK tour celebrating 35 years of Pills ’n’ Thrills and Bellyaches, we caught up with the band’s iconic maraca-shaking, melon-twisting spirit animal, Bez. From his daily juicing routine to unexpected TV triumphs and the enduring magic of Madchester, he reflects on the last three decades — and why the Mondays are sounding better than ever.

Hello Bez — How are you doing?

How do you do, mate! I’m all right; how are you?

Let’s talk music. What’s your personal favourite song of all time?

It’s impossible to pick one. But recently there was a tune that hit me. It was around Christmas—a busy kitchen with loads of people about— so I nipped into the garden. Clear night, you could see the Milky Way. My mate joined me, then he went in and put on a tune I’d never heard before: Stars by Poppy Factory.

That’s my tune of the moment. Not my all-time favourite, but it’s got a proper moment attached to it.

That’s the magic of music, isn’t it?

Yeah. People say, “Name your favourite band” or “favorite tune,” and it’s impossible. Your taste changes constantly. You hear new things every day. It never ends.

Do you follow any particular artists?

Not really. I listen to music every day, and I listen to the radio a lot. Most of the new stuff I hear is on the radio—it’s a great service, with loads of variety, and all the classic tunes pop up too.

You’ve hit a massive milestone — 35 years of Pills ’n’ Thrills and Bellyaches. Did you ever imagine you’d be on the road celebrating it in 2026?

No! And the funny thing is, we’ve celebrated a few albums now for 35 years. This is the last one — the final album to hit that mark. I can’t believe it was 35 years ago; it feels like yesterday. But time waits for no man. We’ve lost friends recently — Marnie, and now Doris from the band — and it really makes you appreciate the time you’ve got.



Your career’s gone in directions you’d never have predicted when you first joined the band.

Exactly. Being a Happy Monday has given me unbelievable opportunities. This job is full of uncertainty—you never know what’s coming next—and for 35 years I’ve thought, “This could all end tomorrow.” And we’re still here!

Outside of music, you’ve had some iconic career moments. Any highlights you’d pick out?

Getting into TV was the biggest surprise. I first did The Sunday Show, and I was the first person to work with Peter Kay. He’d just come out of a comedy competition — didn’t even win it! — a proper old-school club comic.

Then winning Big Brother was another shock. And now I’m on Gogglebox—that’s even funnier. Whoever came up with the idea of watching people watch telly… madness, but brilliant.

You’re back on the road next year — the tour kicks off in Newcastle on 13 March and goes right through to Belfast on 24 April. Why should people book tickets?

There’s a big Manchester revival going on — Oasis, Stone Roses, all of it — and loads of interest in the scene again. It’s the perfect time to come and see us. We’re absolutely at our best right now. The band is playing amazingly, Shaun sounds brilliant, and we’ve still got the energy and love to put on a proper memorable show.

You’re joined by The Farm and Northside — like Elland Road ’91 all over again.

Exactly! It’s like a meeting of the tribes. It’s going to be special.

Northern Tour Dates
13 March - Newcastle, O2 City Hall
14 March - Leeds, O2 Academy
15 March - Nottingham, Rock City
21 March - Liverpool, Mountford Hall
22 March - Sheffield, The Octagon
27 March - London, Roundhouse
11 April - Manchester, O2 Victoria Warehouse
16 April - Glasgow, Barrowland