Bez has been refused entry to the USA to play the first Happy Mondays gig in the country for 15 years.

The band is performing at the Coachella Festival but will be without the colourful performer after his visa application was turned down.

A statement released by the band said: "Due to tightening immigration and working visa legislation, Bez was not, unfortunately, able to secure a visa to perform at Coachella this weekend.

"Happy Mondays apologise to all their US fans that they will not, on this occasion, be able to enjoy the spectacle of Bez shaking his stuff for them at Coachella."

He will still appear with the band on their tour beginning in May.