The UK music scene is in mourning following the death of Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, the legendary bassist for The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, at the age of 63.
His brother, Greg Mounfield, confirmed the tragic news in a heartfelt Facebook post, stating: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother. Gary Mani Mounfield RIP." The musician is believed to have died at home, and no cause of death has been given at this time.
A Life Marked by Love and Loss
Mani's passing comes almost two years after his wife, Imelda Mounfield, lost her battle with bowel cancer in November 2023. She was first diagnosed with the disease in 2020.
The couple are survived by their 12-year-old twin sons, Gene and George, who were born in 2013. A family member shared a poignant message, saying: "Thinking of his twins and my uncle Greg at this sad time. He will be reunited in heaven with his lovely wife Imelda."
A Pillar of British Music
Gary 'Mani' Mounfield first rose to prominence as a key member of the ground-breaking Manchester band, The Stone Roses. He joined the iconic group in the 1980s and remained with them until their initial split in 1996.
Following the dissolution of The Stone Roses, he seamlessly transitioned to join Scottish rock band Primal Scream, where his distinctive basslines became a defining feature of their sound on subsequent albums.
Tributes from Music Icons
News of his death prompted an immediate outpouring of grief from fellow musicians. Stone Roses lead singer Ian Brown paid a simple but powerful tribute on X, writing 'REST IN PEACE MANI X'.
Former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher expressed his shock, describing Mani as a 'hero' and posting: "In total shock and absolutely devastated on hearing the news about Mani."
A proud son of Manchester, Mani grew up in the city's Crumpsall area. He remained an immensely popular and charismatic figure, deeply embedded in the fabric of the Greater Manchester music scene until his final days.
