Anticipation builds ahead of Happy Mondays gig

One of the most highly anticipated gigs of the year will take place at the Dubai Tennis Stadium tomorrow night (April 26th), as the original line-up of Manchester indie band the Happy Mondays finally get back together.The group epitomised the “Madchester” era of the late 1980s and early 1990s with their alternative rock/dance vibe and now they are set to bring their unique sound to the Middle East.There have been various versions of the Happy Mondays since they split up in 1993, but frontman Shaun Ryder has now convinced his brother Paul, Mark Day, Paul Davis, Gary Whelan, Mark 'Bez' Berry and Rowetta Satchell to join forces once again.In an interview with tabloid!, Ryder – who has appeared on numerous TV shows such as I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! – said the group are still sounding very good 20 years on, which bodes well for the band's Gulf-based fans.The band were famous for their controversial ways, but Ryder insists they have calmed down and this has made touring far less stressful.”To be really honest with you, it's a lot easier now than it was the first time round,” he was quoted as saying.”We are not young lads with drama. It's just a lot more enjoyable. Now we're all 50-year-old blokes – it's only Bez who's still 21 years old in his head.”This will be the Happy Mondays' sole appearance in the Middle East and the show is likely to be a very memorable one.Ryder admitted that the group came under increasing pressure to reunite after the Stone Roses reformed towards the end of 2011.Like the Mondays, the Stone Roses were keen to entertain their fans in Dubai and they put on a scintillating performance in the city in February.This all goes to show that the emirate is capable of attracting the very biggest and best names in the music industry. Taylor Scott International