Tributes Pour In for Paul Vagstaff
Paul Wags’ Vagstaff, a guitarist from Manchester who was a founding member of Parisian Angels and later joined the Happy Mondays and Black Grape, has passed away at the age of 60.
Friends and colleagues, including several well-known figures, paid tribute to Vagstaff. One post on his Facebook page on Saturday (March 22) featured a retro image of Black Grape with the message: “Mr. Paul Vagstaff (WAGS), recalling good times. RIP My Friend.”
Musical Legacy
Vagstaff was a key figure in the Paris Angels, a band that emerged during the vibrant Manchester music scene of the late 1980s. Their unique indie-dance music was highlighted during the acid house explosion and the legendary Hacienda nightlife, known for tracks like “Perfume” and “Region.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRC4AZHDAW4
In 1993, after the Happy Mondays disbanded, Sean Ryder and others formed Black Grape, bringing Vagstaff on board as their guitarist. He contributed to their albums: “It’s Great When You’re Straight… Yeah” (1995) and “Stupid Stupid” (1997) before their split in 1998.
When Happy Mondays reformed in 1999, Vagstaff returned as the guitarist, taking over from Mark Day. His two-year stint included a tour supporting Oasis in 2000, alongside the UK hit single “The Boys Are Back In Town.”
Personal Tributes
I am very sad when I hear about the sudden passage of WAGS .. Aka Paul Wagstaff. He was always a really beautiful guy and in a real talented and sincere guitarist. Very sad news pic.twitter.com/4ndcipg7tx
– Badly Drawn Boy (@badly_drawn_boy) March 22, 2025
Mike Bennett, frontman of Blockhead, noted in a tribute: “The legendary Paul Wagstaff, also known as Wags, was an important part of Parisian Angels, Black Grape, and Happy Mondays. I have known him for years; he was not just a musician, but also a literary soul with a good heart and a unique way of connecting with people.”
RIP Paul ‘Wags’ Vagstaff guitarist with Manchester Bands Paris Angels and, of course, Black Grape. And more recently, Happy Mondays. How to ask where the music goes when it stops playing – this Manchester atmosphere was a part that will always be in the “area”… pic.twitter.com/n45zxusgks
– Terry Christian (@terrychristian) March 22, 2025
The broadcaster Terry Christian also paid tribute on X: “RIP Paul ‘Wags’ Vagstaff, guitarist with Manchester Bands Paris Angels and, of course, Black Grape, and more recently, Happy Mondays. Where does the music go when it stops playing? This Manchester atmosphere will always remain a part of our community.”
Vagstaff is survived by his long-term partner, actress Tamara Smith of the Royal Shakespearean Company, with whom he had been collaborating on a new project.
https://www.nme.com/news/music/paul-wagstaff-guitarist-with-happy-mondays-black-grape-and-paris-angels-dies-aged-60-3848505?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=paul-wagstaff-guitarist-with-happy-mondays-black-grape-and-paris-angels-dies-aged-60
