The funeral of Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, the legendary bassist for The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, was held at Manchester Cathedral on Monday, drawing a poignant mix of music royalty and sporting icons.
A Final Farewell to a Music Legend
The service took place on Monday 22 December 2025, following Mounfield's passing last month at the age of 63. He was remembered by his Stone Roses bandmate, Ian Brown, as "a brother to me" and "a beautiful human being". The emotional ceremony united figures from the pinnacle of 1990s Britpop and Manchester's sporting heritage.
Among the notable mourners inside the cathedral were former Manchester United stars David Beckham and Gary Neville. They were joined by a host of music luminaries including Liam Gallagher, Paul Weller, Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie, and Happy Mondays' Bez.
Fans and Fellow Musicians Pay Tribute
Hundreds of devoted fans gathered outside the historic cathedral to pay their respects. They broke into applause as the funeral cortege arrived, led by a guard of honour formed by scooter riders. The Stone Roses' iconic track, "I Wanna Be Adored", played as the procession approached.
A powerful visual tribute saw Mounfield's coffin adorned with the classic, lemon-print artwork from The Stone Roses' seminal debut album. This iconic image was carried into the cathedral, symbolising his enduring legacy with the band that helped define a generation.
A Unifying Figure in Manchester Culture
The diverse congregation at the funeral underscored Mani's unique position as a beloved figure who transcended the boundaries between music and football culture in Manchester. His passing has prompted a widespread outpouring of grief and fond memories from across both industries.
The gathering served as a final, unified celebration of a musician whose work with The Stone Roses and Primal Scream left an indelible mark on British music. The presence of both global football icons and seminal music artists highlighted the profound and wide-reaching impact of his life and career.
