A mural honouring Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, the late bassist of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, is being created in Failsworth, Greater Manchester. The artwork will adorn the exterior of Lafadi's Pub on Oldham Road, an area where Mani spent his formative years.
The project is organised by Grit Studios, a not-for-profit arts group, following Mani's death last year. It was inspired by Stone Roses singer Ian Brown, who expressed a desire at Mani's funeral to campaign for a 50ft statue of his former bandmate. Artist Pic.One.Art is expected to complete the piece within five to seven days.
John Macaulay, co-founder of Grit Studios, said: 'Mani was one of the warmest, funniest and most generous people I've ever known. He had time for everyone. The work we did together over a decade ago genuinely changed my life, and without his support, Grit Studios probably wouldn't exist.'
All funds raised will benefit Maggie's, a cancer charity that supported Mani's wife, Imelda, during her treatment. Mani's brother, Greg Mounfield, played a key role in securing the venue. Dame Laura Lee, chief executive of Maggie's, said: 'I am delighted that a mural will be created in Mani's honour in the community that meant so much to him.'
Mani died aged 63 on 20 November last year at his home in Heaton Moor, Stockport, from respiratory issues linked to emphysema. He was a key member of The Stone Roses, playing on their iconic 1989 debut album and its 1994 follow-up, The Second Coming. After the band's split, he joined Primal Scream, contributing to albums including Vanishing Point (1997) and XTRMNTR (2000).
