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Happy Mondays founding member Bez criticizes the digital age for negatively impacting humanity and the music industry. At 62, he reflects on his career in Manchester's "Madchester" scene and expresses worry over how today’s digital environment has reduced opportunities for aspiring musicians compared to the era when nearly everyone in Manchester was signed by a label. Additionally, Bez acknowledges that reality TV appearances have broadened his appeal to younger audiences.
Written locally by qwen2.5:14b on 2026-10-07,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
Happy Mondays star Bez, whose real name is Mark Berry, expressed concern over the impact of the digital age on mankind and the music industry. The 62-year-old dancer from Lancashire, famous for his maraca-shaking stage presence in the 1980s and his role in the Madchester scene, believes that the shift to a digital era has had negative consequences. He noted that the current landscape offers fewer opportunities for young bands compared to the vibrant Manchester music scene of the past when nearly everybody seemed signed to some label. Bez, known also for his appearances on reality TV shows such as Celebrity Big Brother and Dancing On Ice, stated, "I don’t think we’ll see the likes of it ever again because it was the end of the analogue era, moving into this digital age."
Written for “Digital Age Criticism” on 2026-10-07,
grounded in this article and the 0 other(s) covering the same event.
Happy Mondays star Bez thinks the rise of the digital age “has done mankind no favours whatsoever”, and expressed concerns about the impact of this on the music industry.
asserted
rise → think → industry
The 62-year-old, real name Mark Berry, is best known as the eccentric, maraca-shaking dancer who rose to fame in 1980s group Happy Mondays, before later joining alternative rock band Black Grape in 1993.
asserted
who → know → 1993
The dancer and DJ, from Lancashire, is also known for his role in the upbeat, rave-infused Manchester or “Madchester” music scene during this era, with eclectic dance moves and a frantic stage presence.
asserted
dancer → know → moves
“I don’t think we’ll see the likes of it ever again because it was the end of the analogue era, moving into this digital age we’re in now,” he added.
asserted
he → think → age
“I think it’s done mankind no favours whatsoever.”
asserted
it → think → favours
Discussing its impact on the music industry, Bez said: “There’s not the chances now that there used to be.
asserted
Bez → discuss → industry
“I remember at one time (it felt as if) nearly everybody in Manchester was signed to some label and making music.
asserted
everybody → remember → music
“I worry about how many young bands have got lost just because that support system ain’t there any more.”
asserted
system → worry → ?
“Honestly, I can’t believe that I’m still getting away with it,” he told the newspaper.
asserted
he → believe → newspaper
“I came on to the stage by pure chance and I’ve been on it ever since.”
asserted
I → come → it
Bez described “the day I stepped on stage” as a “life-changing moment”, adding: “I’m always so grateful for what I’ve had.
asserted
I → describe → what
I never wish for more.
asserted
I → wish → more
I always dread the day that it’s over.
asserted
it → dread → day
“But I’ve got into my 60s now, a few years away from retirement.”
asserted
I → get → retirement
Bez has had many reality TV appearances through the years including in 2005 when he won Celebrity Big Brother, and the star has also featured on Dancing On Ice, Celebrity MasterChef and Celebrity Gogglebox.
asserted
star → have → Ice
Read More
He said: “I’m definitely known a lot more because of that.
asserted
I → read → that
“It brings you a younger audience, and people might then have a look at the Mondays.”
uncertain
people → bring → Mondays
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