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Bez: Oasis reunion boosts Manchester music scene
22 Oct
Summary
- Bez believes Oasis's return invigorated the Manchester music scene.
- Happy Mondays celebrated 35 years of 'Pills 'n' Thrills' in March.
- Bez's wife Firouzeh now joins Happy Mondays as a singer.
Mark Berry, known as Bez from Happy Mondays, expressed his belief that the "incredible" comeback of Oasis has provided a significant boost to the Manchester music scene. He stated that the return of the iconic band has shone a renewed light on artists from the city. Happy Mondays recently completed a tour in March and April to commemorate 35 years since the release of their album 'Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches'.
The maracas player noted that Oasis's reunion in 2024, culminating in their stage return in July 2025, has reignited interest in Manchester's musical legacy. Bez described seeing Oasis perform again, alongside enthusiastic young fans, as an "incredible moment." He also reflected on Happy Mondays' formation in Salford in 1980, highlighting the band's naivety and lack of formal musical training when they started.
Bez continues to enjoy performing live with Happy Mondays, cherishing the "comradeship" within the band. His wife, Firouzeh, now joins him on tour as a singer, a development he embraces for the personal connection it brings. He also recalled filming Celebrity Gogglebox during the Covid-19 pandemic with bandmate Shaun Ryder, humorously noting the vast amount of germs they had shared over their long careers.
