Tributes Pour In For Paul Wagstaff Following His Death

Paul 'Wags' Wagstaff, famed for his contributions to iconic Manchester bands Paris Angels and Black Grape, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy marked by creativity and camaraderie. His death has sparked heartfelt tributes from fellow musicians and fans alike, who remember not only his musical talent but also his character.

Bez, real name Mark Berry and a prominent member of both Black Grape and Happy Mondays, led the tributes by taking to Instagram. He reminisced about their good times together, writing: 'Mr Paul Wagstaff (Wags), remembering the good times. RIP my friend.' This simple yet poignant farewell kicked off an emotional wave of remembrances from those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Scott Carey, the bassist for Paris Angels, also shared his sorrow on social media, stating: 'His talent was innate as was his ability to sniff out a good time at 50 paces. He had a wonderment about his soul. A one off x.' Carey's tribute spoke to the charm and presence that Wagstaff exuded, marking their shared experiences in the music world.

Broadcaster Terry Christian added to the chorus of remembrances, posting on X: 'R.I.P Paul 'Wags' Wagstaff guitarist with Manchester bands Paris Angels and of course Black Grape and more recently Happy Mondays. Like asking where the music goes when it stops playing - that Manchester vibe Paul was a part of will always be in 'the area.'

Wagstaff’s journey through music saw him as a guitar player not just for one renowned band, but several. He played guitar for Paris Angels during its heyday and was instrumental in the formation of Black Grape alongside fellow bandmates like Shaun Ryder and Bez. Black Grape, which emerged in 1993, would go on to achieve critical and commercial success. Their debut album, It’s Great When You’re Straight... Yeah, hit the number one spot on the UK Albums Chart and was certified platinum by April 1996.

In 1995, Black Grape signed with Radioactive Records, and their debut album produced three top 20 singles. Although their second album, Stupid Stupid Stupid, received a gold record in January 1998, the band disbanded the same year after a fallout during a tour. Despite its tumultuous history, Black Grape reunited several times for live performances and was scheduled for an 11-date tour later in 2025.

In addition to his work with iconic bands, Wagstaff was also known for his collaborations with Bez in the project Domino Bones, underscoring his versatility as a musician. Mike Bennett, the frontman for Blackheads, reflected on Wagstaff’s contributions and impact, stating: 'Legendary Paul Wagstaff...was an important part of Paris Angels, Black Grape and Happy Mondays. I knew him for years and he was not just a musician but a literary scholar, and always had a kind heart and a lightness of touch with the disenfranchised.' His acknowledgment goes further to express how Wagstaff’s wisdom and kindness influenced those around him.

While Wagstaff leaves behind a robust musical legacy, he is also remembered fondly by his long-term partner, Tamara Smith, an actress for the Royal Shakespeare Company, as well as a poet and playwright. Reports indicate that he had been working on projects alongside her prior to his passing. Mike Bennett acknowledged this bond, stating, 'His influence on Tamara's new body of work will remain substantial...they have always been quite literally soulmates who viewed life through a very special lens.'

Wagstaff's unique talents brought him in contact with various musical figures, and he was known for regaling friends with stories about his experiences working with the likes of Joe Strummer and Snow Patrol, reflecting his rich and diverse creative life. Badly Drawn Boy, himself a figure in the Manchester music scene, expressed his sorrow, noting: 'I’m very saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Wags.. aka Paul Wagstaff. He was always a really lovely bloke, and a truly talented and soulful guitarist. Very sad news.'

Fans too have inundated social media with tributes, recalling the positive impact Wagstaff had on their lives through his music. One fan shared: 'RIP Paul “Wags” Wagstaff. Guitarist with Paris Angels and Black Grape, and - from meeting him at the Town & Country Club in 1991 - lovely bloke.' This sentiment reiterates the affection held for Wagstaff, both as an artist and as a person.

As the Manchester music scene mourns, the collective memories of Paul Wagstaff's rich contributions will undoubtedly linger in the fabric of its history. His innovative spirit, collaborations, and friendships have cemented his status as a beloved figure who will be sorely missed.

Paul Wagstaff's journey through the music world has come to an end, but his legacy will resonate for years to come, preserving the spirit of a vibrant period in music history. Survivors include his partner Tamara Smith who now carries forward their shared dreams and memories.