The sons of Stone Roses bassist Gary 'Mani' Mounfield have issued a statement asking for their wishes to be respected in honouring their father at future events. Mani's oldest son Joe Mounfield released an open statement on social media over the weekend on behalf of himself and his younger twin brothers.
The statement followed an earlier message from the twins' guardian, which raised concerns about "multiple individuals, promoters, and organisers increasingly using Mani’s name, memory, and legacy to advertise events".
Family statement on honouring Mani
Bass guitar legend Mani died in November 2025 at the age of 63 from a long-standing lung condition, just two years after the death of his wife Imelda, the mother of their twin boys Gene and George. His death prompted an outpouring of grief from friends, family, musicians and fans worldwide.
Joe Mounfield, 31, outlined his and his brothers' plans to honour their father when the time feels right for them. In the statement, he asked for their wishes to be respected.
He wrote: "Hey folks, as some of you will know, my dad was Gary 'Mani' Mounfield and we tragically lost him at the end of 2025. Since then instead of being given peace and time to grieve, we've been watching our dad's memory be used without our permission.
"As his firstborn and oldest son, I feel it is my duty to stand up and protect my dad's legacy. Myself and my brothers, Gene and George, are representing our father's legacy and we intend to honour him ourselves.
"If the names Joe Mounfield, Gene Mounfield and George Mounfield aren't involved, it's not for dad.
"I'd like to remind some people of words from my eulogy at dad's funeral, paraphrased: 'No one could live up to Mani but we could all live LIKE Mani. Be kind, be loving, be open, be Mani.' We thank you for respecting the family's wishes, watch this space, one love."
Guardian's earlier open statement
Days earlier, an "Open Statement from the Family and Friends of Gary 'Mani' Mounfield" was issued on Wednesday by Michael Ryder, guardian of the 13-year-old twins. That statement, shared widely on social media, said: "It has been less than nine months since we lost Mani. As a family, we are still deeply grieving this monumental loss, and his sons are doing their best to navigate life without their Dad."
It continued: "Recently, it has come to our attention that multiple individuals, promoters, and organisers are increasingly using Mani’s name, memory, and legacy to advertise events.
"While we know that so many fans want to celebrate who Mani was and the incredible music he gave the world, we kindly but firmly ask that all organisers, promoters, and venues stop using Mani’s name, image, or likeness to advertise events without the family's express consent.
"Official memorial or tribute events will be happening in the future, when the family feels the time is right. We strongly urge Mani's fans to wait until those official announcements are made. Any legitimate events will be fully sanctioned and lovingly organised by his sons."
Manichester tribute event
The family last week issued a statement thanking all those who supported the Manichester tribute event, held on May 30 at Diecast, where musicians including Peter Hook, Damon Minchella, Mick Rossi, Rowetta and Dave McCabe united on stage to pay tribute to Mani. The statement confirmed that monies raised at the event for Mani's twins had been received.
The statement said: "On behalf of Gene, George & the Family. We would like to thank everyone who performed, contributed and attended Manichester on 30 May 2026 and also for your kind words of support." The event was organised to celebrate the life, music and legacy of the Stone Roses and Primal Scream bassist, with the blessing and support of Mani's brother Greg Mounfield and wider family.
