Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, the bassist for the Stone Roses and later Primal Scream, has died at the age of 63. The cause of death has not been disclosed. His brother Greg Mounfield announced the news on Facebook, writing: 'It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother.' His nephew also shared the news.
Tributes have poured in from fellow musicians. Ian Brown, his Stone Roses bandmate, posted on X: 'Rest in peace Mani.' Tim Burgess of the Charlatans called him 'one of the absolute best in every way – such a beautiful friend.' Liam Gallagher wrote: 'In total shock and absolutely devastated on hearing the news about Mani my hero.'
Born on 16 November 1962 in Crumpsall, Manchester, Mani left school at 16 and befriended Brown after they confronted National Front skinheads. He formed the Fireside Chaps with John Squire and Andy Couzens, which evolved into the Stone Roses, playing their first official gig in October 1984. Mani had originally played guitar but switched to bass, becoming synonymous with the Rickenbacker and drawing from northern soul and funk.
The Stone Roses' 1989 self-titled debut album became a cornerstone of the Madchester movement. Mani later said being in the band probably saved his life, as he watched 17 friends die of heroin addiction. After the group dissolved in 1996, he joined Primal Scream, revitalising their sound. He had recently announced a UK speaking tour for 2026-2027.
