The UK music scene is in mourning following the death of Stone Roses and Primal Scream bassist Gary 'Mani' Mounfield at the age of 63. The iconic musician's passing was announced by his family, coming just two years after his wife Imelda died from cancer in 2023.
Final Public Appearance at Emotional Farewell
Mani's last public appearance occurred just weeks before his death, when he attended the funeral of world champion boxer Ricky Hatton at Manchester Cathedral on October 10. The bassist was spotted among several famous faces including Tyson Fury, Wayne Rooney and Liam Gallagher, dressed in a distinctive khaki green coat, brown hat and red tinted glasses.
The emotional event saw Manchester's sporting and music communities come together to pay their respects to the boxing legend, with Mani appearing in good spirits despite his recent personal tragedies.
Music World Pays Tribute to Beloved Bassist
Announcing the sad news on social media, Mani's family shared a heartfelt Facebook post that read: "IT IS WITH THE HEAVIEST OF HEARTS THAT I HAVE TO ANNOUNCE THE SAD PASSING OF MY BROTHER GARY MANI MOUNFIELD. RIP RKID."
Tributes quickly poured in from across the music industry. His former Stone Roses bandmate Ian Brown wrote on X: "REST IN PEACE MANI X." Meanwhile, Echo and the Bunnymen frontman Ian McCulloch posted an emotional statement describing Mani as "like a brother" and expressing his shock at the news.
Sheffield band Reverend and the Makers shared their own moving tribute, recalling how Mani offered warm advice when their father died, describing him as "a true legend of the game" and "a lovely genuine human."
Musician Was 'Itching to Get Back' Into Music
In one of his final interviews, published on October 19 on The Rockonteurs podcast, Mani had revealed he was feeling inspired to return to music. He told hosts Gary Kemp and Guy Pratt that he had recently visited his lock-up to look at his bass guitars and was being encouraged by fellow musicians to pick up his instrument again.
"I'm in a great space at the moment. Itching to get back bro. I'm ready to get back," Mani had enthusiastically declared during the interview. He specifically mentioned that Johnny Marr was always trying to get him to do stuff, and that Liam Gallagher had been attempting to involve him in projects even before the Oasis reunion.
The bassist had attended four Oasis concerts on their current world tour, including one date at Wembley with fellow Stone Roses guitarist John Squire. He remarked that the band were "better now than ever" and praised their matured performance without the earlier "chaos and madness."
Mani also confirmed he remained in regular contact with Ian Brown via WhatsApp, maintaining connections with his former bandmates despite the years since their heyday.
His unexpected death has left the British music industry and fans worldwide reflecting on his immense contribution to the Manchester music scene and his status as one of the most influential bassists of his generation.
