The cause of death for Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, bassist of The Stone Roses, has been confirmed as respiratory issues linked to emphysema, a long-standing lung condition. The 63-year-old musician died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Heaton Moor, Stockport, on the morning of November 20.
According to family sources, Mounfield collapsed at home and an ambulance was called, but he could not be revived. His private funeral is scheduled for next Monday at Manchester Cathedral.
The news was first announced by his brother Greg on Facebook, who wrote: 'It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother. Gary Mani Mounfield RIP.' He later added: 'Reunited with his beautiful wife Imelda.' Mounfield's wife Imelda died from cancer two years ago. The couple shared twin boys, Gene and George, born in January 2013.
Mounfield was born in Crumpsall, Manchester, in 1962. He joined The Stone Roses in the 1980s and remained with the band until they disbanded in 1996. He later played with Primal Scream before leaving in 2011 to reform The Stone Roses.
Tributes poured in from fellow musicians. Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown wrote on X: 'REST IN PEACE MANI X'. Happy Mondays singer Rowetta posted: 'Going to miss you so much.' Tim Burgess of The Charlatans said Mounfield 'never failed to bring a smile to my face'. Liam Gallagher expressed his devastation, calling Mani 'my hero'.
Just before his death, Mounfield had announced an intimate conversation tour for 2024, reflecting on iconic moments with The Stone Roses, including the 1990 Spike Island gig and the band's comeback stadium tour.
