Gary “Mani” Mounfield, the influential bassist of the legendary Manchester band The Stone Roses, has passed away at the age of 63.
Mounfield’s distinctive bass playing was a cornerstone of The Stone Roses’ signature “baggy” sound. He reunited with his bandmates for a celebrated comeback tour in 2012, much to the delight of fans.
In 1996, he joined Primal Scream, another seminal group, where he contributed his talents for 15 years.
The musician’s brother, Greg, shared the news of his passing “with the heaviest of hearts” in a statement on Facebook. Tributes poured in, with Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher leading the way, posting: “In total shock and absolutely devastated on hearing the news about Mani. My hero, RIP R Kid.”
The Stone Roses themselves acknowledged the loss on social media: “RIP our wonderful brother Mani. The greatest bass player and friend we could ever have wished for. X”
Singer Ian Brown also offered his tribute on X, writing: “REST IN PEACE MANi X.”
Mounfield’s wife, Imelda, passed away in November 2023, three years after being diagnosed with bowel cancer. They are survived by their twin sons, born in 2013.
Happy Mondays’ frontman Shaun Ryder shared his condolences: “RIP Mani – my heartfelt condolences to his twin boys and all of his family.”
Ryder’s Happy Mondays bandmate, vocalist Rowetta, posted a photo on X of herself with Mani and Imelda, with the message: “Going to miss you so much. All my love to the boys, the family & all those who knew & loved him.”
With Mani on bass, Brown on vocals, John Squire on guitar, and Alan “Reni” Wren on drums, The Stone Roses spearheaded the “Madchester” indie scene of the late 1980s and early 90s.
Blending influences from indie, punk, psychedelic rock, dance, funk, and reggae, they released their critically acclaimed debut album in 1989.
The self-titled LP featured enduring classics such as I Wanna Be Adored, She Bangs The Drums, and I Am The Resurrection, all defined by Mani’s unforgettable basslines.
The album was lauded as the greatest British album of all time by The Observer in 2004 and NME two years later.
Their follow-up, the harder-rocking Second Coming, was released in 1994. Both albums achieved top-five status in the UK charts.
Following the group’s initial disbandment in 1996, Mani joined Scottish rock band Primal Scream, contributing to their album Vanishing Point, released a year later. His bass playing was central to the krautrock-influenced lead single Kowalski.
Mounfield went on to record four more albums with Primal Scream before departing in 2011 to rejoin The Stone Roses.
The band released two further singles in 2016, but a full-length album did not materialize, and the group disbanded once again in 2017 after long-standing tensions resurfaced.
The Stone Roses performed a series of UK gigs in 2016 and 2017 before their final split, culminating in a concert at Glasgow’s Hampden Park, which would be the last performance of the classic lineup.
Brown told the crowd at the time: “Don’t be sad that it’s over, be happy that it happened.”
Last month, Mani revealed on the Rockonteurs podcast that he was “in a great space” and “itching to get back” on stage.
Tim Burgess, lead singer of The Charlatans, re-posted a picture of himself and Mani, initially shared last week on Mani’s 63rd birthday.
“One of the absolute best in every way,” Burgess wrote. “Such a beautiful friend.”
Ian McCulloch, singer of Echo And The Bunnymen, also paid tribute on X, expressing his “thoughts and feelings” to Mani’s family.
“I’m absolutely gutted to hear the news about Mani, who I have always loved and always will love, deeply and forever. Like a brother,” McCulloch said. “I am in shock to be honest.”
Mani also made a guest appearance in the 2022 film 24 Hour Party People and was a member of the supergroup Freebass, alongside fellow bass players Andy Rourke of The Smiths and Peter Hook of Joy Division and New Order.
Hook shared his grief on X: “Oh God. Mani… words just fail me this time, they really do. I cannot believe it. Sending all my love to his family. This is so sad. RIP mate. Love Hooky. X”
The supergroup disbanded before the release of their debut album, It’s A Beautiful Life, in 2010.
Liam Walsh, a Manchester-based music publicist and friend, reflected: “I’ve known Mani for 40 years. He was such a rare person: he always greeted me – and everyone – with such warmth.
“He was always pleased to see you, and I was always delighted to see him. He had the most infectious laugh that gave him all those laughter lines.”
Walsh expressed his shock upon receiving the news on his way to a music industry event. “As I walked in, The Stone Roses’ Fools Gold, with that famous bassline of his, was playing in the bar. His legacy will live on forever.”
Outside of music, the Manchester native was an avid supporter of Manchester United and often discussed the team on television and radio.
Mounfield’s death comes after the announcement of an in-conversation tour across UK venues, where he planned to share his experiences and memories of his time with The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, scheduled to begin in September next year.