Happy Mondays singer Shaun Ryder says George Michael’s death made him be healthier

Happy Mondays singer Shaun Ryder has said George Michael’s death last year caused him to live a healthier life.

The frontman said he reflected on Michael’s death last Christmas Day aged 53, and that it came as a shock to him as someone in his 50s.

Michael was found with heart disease, myocarditis, inflammation of the heart wall and a fatty liver, as well as dilated cardiomyopathy.

Ryder, 54, has had problems with his thyroids and a hernia, as well as recovering from drug addiction.

Speaking to BANG Showbiz, Ryder reflected on Michael’s death as well as David Bowie and Prince, sayign: “They all affected me really. Especially George Michael. It’s dangerous, once you get into your 50s you’ve got to keep getting MOTs.

“Things keep going on me thyroids, testosterone. You’ve got to keep well otherwise you’ll just drop dead.”

Going on, he said he has had a few close calls later on in his life.

He added: “When you come close to death, everything slows down. It’s happened to me a few times.

“Car crashes where the car has flipped around and bounced; an emergency landing in a plane crash; a few guns shoved in my eyeballs.”

The father of six also said he has been affected by panic attacks, but that he is “glad” he didn’t suffer them earlier in his life.

“I had my first panic attack at 52 years of age. I’m glad it came when it did. If I’d had one as a young lad I don’t think I’d have been able to have a career. It’s the most debilitating thing I’ve come across in my life.”

A huge outpouring of grief led to Michael’s burial spot to be changed due to the number of fans flocking to the site.

Highgate Cemetery, in north London, proved so popular with Wham! fans that its opening hours had to be changed.

Thousands continue to go on tours of the area – months after his death – in the hope of seeing the singer’s grave.

Although the exact spot is hidden from view, it hasn’t stopped a vast number of fans turning out.

RELATED: Will Young reveals music bosses tried to make him kiss George Michael

A spokesman for the cemetery said at the time: “We have had George Michael fans coming to the cemetery, even though we don’t publicise where he is buried.

“Whether that remains the case for the time being or permanently depends entirely on the wishes of his family.”

The star had always intended to be buried next to his mother, buying the burial plot after she died in 1997.

Since his death, dozens of people have opened up about the singer’s extraordinary generosity and anonymous philanthropy.

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