The music world united with football royalty on Monday to pay a final, emotional farewell to Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, the legendary bassist for The Stone Roses and Primal Scream. The service at Manchester Cathedral drew a constellation of 1990s music icons and sporting figures, celebrating the life of the musician who passed away last month at the age of 63.
A Cathedral Gathering of Icons
Hundreds of mourners filled the historic cathedral, with the congregation reading like a who's who of British pop culture. Music luminaries including Liam Gallagher, Paul Weller, Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie, and Happy Mondays' Bez were in attendance. They were joined by former Manchester United stars David Beckham and Gary Neville, underscoring Mani's deep connection to his hometown and its football scene.
Outside, hundreds of fans gathered to show their respect. The atmosphere was one of celebration as much as mourning. As the funeral cortege approached, it was preceded by a guard of honour formed by mod scooter riders, while the iconic Stone Roses track 'I Wanna Be Adored' played from speakers. The crowd broke into sustained applause as the procession arrived.
A Brother and a Beautiful Human Being
Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown gave a moving tribute to his former bandmate as he entered the cathedral. Pausing briefly, Brown stated he was there to celebrate "what a beautiful human being that he was". When asked what Mani meant to him, the singer's response was simple and profound: "Everything. He's a brother to me."
The poignant connection to Mani's musical legacy was powerfully visual. His coffin was adorned with the classic 'Bye Bye Badman' artwork painted by Stone Roses guitarist John Squire for the band's seminal debut album. This iconic image was carried into the cathedral by the bearer party, followed by family and friends, again met with applause from the gathered crowd.
A Legacy in Basslines
Gary Mounfield, known universally as Mani, was a pivotal figure in the Manchester music scene. He was part of The Stone Roses' classic line-up alongside Ian Brown, guitarist John Squire, and drummer Alan 'Reni' Wren, a group credited with defining the 'Madchester' sound and inspiring a generation. Following the Roses' initial dissolution, he enjoyed a long and successful tenure with alternative dance pioneers Primal Scream.
The funeral on Monday 22 December 2025 served as a powerful testament to his influence, bringing together diverse worlds in a shared moment of remembrance. The sight of mod scooters, the sound of anthemic guitar pop, and the assembly of celebrities and everyday fans alike perfectly captured the spirit of the musician they had come to honour.
