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Flowered Up Singer Liam Maher Dies at 41

Liam Maher, vocalist for early '90s band Flowered Up, died Tuesday, Oct. 20 at the age of 41. Maher fronted the band, which earned notoriety during the baggy movement as the London equivalent to the northern "Madchester" dance-inspired rock outfits like the Happy Mondays, the Stone Roses and Inspiral Carpets.

Although little information about the circumstances of Maher's death are known other than he died at his home, Jeff Barrett -- who founded the band's label Heavenly -- told MusicWeek, "This is very sad news, a real shame. Liam and Flowered Up burned beautifully and brightly at exactly the right time. They had their moment and seized it by the bollocks."

The group -- dubbed the "Cockney Happy Mondays" during their brief tenure -- went on to become NME and Melody Maker cover stars, releasing the Heavenly singles 'It's On' in 1990 and the 13-minute 'Weekender' in 1992, plus the full-length album 'The Life of Brian,' which surfaced on London Records in 1991.

After the band's split in 1993, Maher reportedly battled drug problems but by 2001 he had signed to Creation Records founder Alan McGee's new label Poptones. However no material from that allegiance has seen the light of day.

More information on the cause of death is expected soon.

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13 Comments

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Graham Williamson

Absolutley gutted. Paula, my condolences and thoughts to you and your family. Flowered up are included on the soundtrack to my life. Life with Brian is a 90's classic and one of my favourite albums. Looking back they were great times and I can remember blasting top tunes like 'It's on' and 'Take it'. I am around the same age as Liam and this has made me ponder my own mortality. Ignore the soulless idiots who have posted derogatory remarks. At the end of the day he was Liam Maher - Rock Star, Singer, made records played live and was known to people really into music - And I beg the question - How many people can say that? (Me included)

March 17 2010 at 12:18 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
paula bird

let me first by saying to all the sad shit cunts losers if u have nothing nice to say abt my brother then fuck off and get a life!!!!!!
and for all the people who had some touching comments thankyou and i want people to know he was not just the best front man in flowerd up he was a wonderful person who could always make you laugh at the lowest time and always have a smile on those darkest days and how much he was loved and who always will be loved and never forgotten,i miss you every day my brother RIP XX Paula

March 11 2010 at 12:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
DM2927

Well, Liam and Flowered Up weren't a "respectful" band and he would probably have the ability to laugh at some of the stuff here. But for my part, I'm deeply saddened by his death - they didn't do much but what they did they did brilliantly. "Brian" is a great album from start to finish, and Weekender is oneof the best, most innovative singles ever. RIP Liam...

October 31 2009 at 8:06 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Pablo

Firstly, may I say how shocked and digusted by soem of the disrespectful comments on here...

Secondly, RIP Liam. Flowered Up's music reminds me of such a happy time in my life.

October 26 2009 at 5:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
lee

anyone who was part of the whole madchester scene will remember this band. 41 is way too young.

My fave song by these guys was 'its on'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGPTVRGqfeo

Their Weekender tune can be viewed here: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1ya1y_fu-w_music

October 22 2009 at 8:16 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Rondawg

"They seized it by the bollocks." WTF.... Must have not seized them to hard. Who the hell is this guy?

October 22 2009 at 4:59 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Michael

Although I have never heard of him, but am a fan of rock music, among a few other kinds of music, I send my condolences to his family and friends. R.I.P. Liam

October 22 2009 at 4:41 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
karen Hall

i loved flowered up, they were so of their time and so london. i am sorry to hear the news.

October 22 2009 at 1:16 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Laura1

I never heard of him....

October 22 2009 at 12:32 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Stephen

Sophie's dead ??.....Awwwww F*ck!!!!

October 21 2009 at 11:09 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Stephen's comment
eva nicolaou

steven your a stupid arse hole, if you want to make stupid comments do not use this sight. think of his family and friends at such a sad time. liam was a great guy and had no enemys.

October 25 2009 at 5:04 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply