The UK music scene is in mourning following the announcement of the death of Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, the iconic bassist for The Stone Roses and Primal Scream. He was 63 years old.
The sad news was confirmed by his brother, Greg Mounfield, in a heartfelt Facebook post. No cause of death has been disclosed at this time.
Industry Tributes Pour In
Fellow musicians and friends were quick to pay their respects. Ian Brown, his bandmate from The Stone Roses, posted a simple but powerful message on X: "REST IN PEACE MANI X".
Tim Burgess of The Charlatans described Mani as "one of the absolute best in every way - such a beautiful friend". Rowetta from the Happy Mondays was also among those who shared touching tributes to the late musician.
A Manchester Music Legend
Born in Crumpsall on 16 November 1962, Mani's musical journey began in Greater Manchester in the early 80s. He formed The Fireside Chaps with John Squire and Andy Couzens, a group that would eventually evolve into the seminal The Stone Roses after recruiting Ian Brown as frontman.
The band played their first official gig in October 1984. Mani, originally a guitar player, found his true calling when he switched to bass, citing his love for northern soul and funk grooves.
The band's self-titled 1989 debut album, produced by John Leckie, became a cornerstone of the Madchester movement, blending indie music with the emerging rave culture. The rhythm section of Mani and drummer Alan 'Reni' Wren was pivotal to its sound.
Their legendary but chaotic Spike Island gig in 1990 drew a crowd of 27,000 people. The band's second album, Second Coming, released in 1994, received a mixed response, though Mani later defended it as a natural evolution of their sound.
Later Career and Personal Life
After The Stone Roses dissolved in 1996, Mani joined Primal Scream, helping to revitalise the band. He remained with them until The Stone Roses reformed for a period between 2011 and 2017.
In his personal life, Mani was a devoted Manchester United fan and had a passion for fishing. He is survived by his 12-year-old twin sons, Gene Clarke and George Christopher. His wife, Imelda, sadly passed away from cancer in 2023.
Mani had recently announced an extensive UK speaking tour scheduled from September 2026 to June 2027, where he planned to reflect on key moments from his storied career.
