Music legend Bez admits ‘I’ve received to wash myself up’ as he eyes up ‘positives’
As The Happy Mondays get ready for the first time in years, legendary member Bez has admitted that even when he is struggling with what life throws him, he looks on the bright side
Bez has spoken candidly about where he is at in life and his outlook on the world(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)
Is there anything more joyful than the sight of Mark “Bez” Berry bouncing across the stage? The Happy Mondays icon has been throwing shapes since 1980 — and it’s given him a unique perspective on life.
After more than 40 years of Freaky Dancin’, he’s become one with the music. He is pure, Madchester happiness. And his wisdom is too powerful for even the most miserable of days.
So if you’re feeling down, try and be a bit more Bez. “What I try and do is find the positive in everything,” he says. “And the way I do that is by saying to myself ‘there’s no such thing as a bad experience.’
“You’re just getting another bit of awareness. So in that sense, it can’t be bad ever – either good or bad, you’re gaining knowledge. That’s my theory on the world.”
That’s all very well – in fact, 19th century philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche believed something similar. He thought we should actively seek out bad experiences, to help us achieve a “higher health”.
But how does it work in practice? This time of year is the perfect example, as Bez, 61, explains. “We’re all overspent and we’re all waiting for our wages to come in at the end of the month so we can start living again, you know what I mean?
“I always say ‘I’m glad it’s January and I’m glad I’m a bit skint, because it means I’ve got to clean myself up after Christmas excess.’ You’ve got to think, there’s a chance to flush yourself out.”
It’s especially effective if you’ve both spent all your money and put on some festive weight, he adds. “If you’re short of food, consider it as intermittent fasting – you’re getting rid of some excess fat in your body.
“I always look at the positive in the situation. You’re bettering yourself for a new start later on in the year.”
Of course, if there’s one thing that really makes Bez smile, it’s heading out on tour with his band. You might want to consider trying to join the Happy Mondays – or just going to see them this spring.
“It’s such a pleasure to do,” he says. “I get such happiness out of it. I always say to my wife ‘how lucky are we?’ You can have such a lifestyle, you know, just dancing your b******* off around the world. That’s perfect.”
The Happy Mondays are back on the road this March and April for the 35th anniversary of their Pills ‘n’ Thrills and Bellyaches tour. You can visit their official website for tickets.
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