Stone Roses Legend Mani Dies Aged 63
The music world is mourning the loss of Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, the iconic bassist of The Stone Roses, who has died at the age of 63. His bandmate Ian Brown was seen looking emotional while out in Manchester on Saturday, just two days after the shocking news emerged.
Bandmate's Emotional Tribute
Ian Brown, 62, appeared visibly moved as he stepped out in the rainy Manchester streets, sporting long grey hair and a bushy beard. The Stone Roses frontman had earlier paid tribute to his friend on social media, simply writing: 'Rest In Peace Mani'.
Brown also shared a heartfelt fan post that recalled a 2016 encounter with the band. The fan described how they had 'plucked up the courage to say hi' to Mani, Reni and Brown in a bar, finding them 'funny, warm & charming' without any airs or graces.
Sudden Death and Family Tributes
The tragic news was first announced by Mani's brother Greg on Facebook, who wrote: 'It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother. Gary Mani Mounfield RIP.' He added in comments that Mani had been 'reunited with his beautiful wife Imelda', who died from cancer just two years earlier.
Gary Mounfield is understood to have died at his home in Heaton Moor, Stockport, after collapsing following a seizure. Family sources confirmed that an ambulance was called but he couldn't be revived.
The Stone Roses' official social media accounts shared a throwback photo of Mani playing bass with the caption: 'RIP our wonderful brother Mani. The greatest bass player and friend we could ever have wished for. X'.
Music World Mourns
Tributes have poured in from across the music industry, with Liam Gallagher expressing his shock on social media: 'IN TOTAL SHOCK AND ABSOLUTELY DEVASTATED ON HEARING THE NEWS ABOUT MANI MY HERO RIP RKID LG'.
Sources revealed that both Noel and Liam Gallagher were informed of Mani's death on Thursday afternoon, hours before the public announcement, and were said to be 'absolutely heartbroken'.
Happy Mondays singer Rowetta posted: 'Going to miss you so much. All my love to the boys, the family & all those who knew & loved him.'
Legacy and Recent Activities
Mani, who was born and raised in Manchester, left school at 16 to pursue music and rose to fame after joining The Stone Roses in the 1980s. He played on both of the band's albums and remained with them until they disbanded in 1996, later joining Primal Scream.
In a poignant twist, only six days before his death, Mani had announced an intimate conversation tour scheduled for 2026-2027, where he planned to recount experiences from iconic moments like the 1990 Spike Island gig and the band's comeback stadium tour.
Mani was last seen in public at the funeral of Ricky Hatton at Manchester Cathedral last month. His passing comes just weeks after the band's original bassist Pete died aged 61, reportedly after a cancer battle.
The music community has lost one of its most beloved figures, with fans and fellow musicians alike remembering Mani not just for his incredible bass lines, but for his warmth, humour and genuine nature that touched everyone he met.
