Mark Berry, widely known as Bez, the iconic dancer and percussionist of the British band Happy Mondays, spoke candidly about his colorful past, present lifestyle, and future ambitions during a recent interview at his rural Herefordshire home.
At 62, Bez reflects on a life marked by extremes, from early brushes with danger and substance use to a recent commitment to wellness. Known for his anarchic energy and unconventional stage presence, Bez has survived a series of near-fatal incidents, including multiple motorbike crashes and medical crises, yet he credits a significant turnaround beginning at age 49 for his current relatively healthy state.
Living with his wife, Frou, and their two dachshunds, Bez embraces a lifestyle rooted in organic food, permaculture, and sustainability. His rural cottage is surrounded by vegetable beds and a recently installed polytunnel, reflecting his dedication to self-sufficiency. He also engages in daily exercise and follows intermittent fasting, having quit cocaine and sugar earlier this year. While he abstained from cocaine with relative ease, Bez admits giving up sugar was more challenging, though he still enjoys tequila socially.
Bez’s ethos extends beyond personal health to political and social concerns. A self-described anarchist, he advocates for a system beyond capitalism and monetary control. In 2015, he ran for parliament in Salford and Eccles as leader of the We Are the Reality party but acknowledges his revolutionary aspirations may be unrealistic. His 2022 memoir "Buzzin’" includes controversial views on global finance and conspiracy theories, touching on topics such as the International Monetary Fund, the “Great Reset,” and MKUltra, demonstrating his skepticism toward mainstream narratives.
Despite these marginal and sometimes divisive ideas, Bez remains an avid reader and lifelong learner. He expressed a desire to build a home library for future generations, underscoring his belief in preserving knowledge amid growing digital shifts. He views reading as a vital escape and currently juggles books spanning various subjects, from war to horticulture.
Bez’s journey to cultural prominence began in Manchester’s vibrant music scene of the 1980s and 1990s. The chemistry with bandmate Shaun Ryder led to his shift from a troubled youth—marked by homelessness, brushes with the law, and family conflict—into a defining figure of the “Madchester” era. While initially hesitant to claim the title of “dancer,” he now takes pride in his unique contribution to Happy Mondays’ identity. Despite the band’s early dissolution and disputes over finances and lifestyle, Bez reports their relationship is stronger than ever, with plans for a new album reportedly underway.
His public profile has been further shaped by appearances on British television, including winning Celebrity Big Brother in 2005 and more recent stints on cooking and reality shows. Bez credits TV work as a major source of income, exceeding earnings from his music career, which he says was often marred by exploitation.
Despite past legal troubles—including a 2010 assault conviction and subsequent jail time—Bez continues to embrace his role as a cultural icon, blending wild, anarchic energy with an evolving commitment to health, self-reliance, and alternative political thought. As he looks to the future, Bez remains reflective and grateful for his journey, acknowledging both the chaos and the opportunity that shaped his life.