Gary “Mani” Mounfield, the bassist for the Stone Roses and later Primal Scream, has died at the age of 63. The cause of death has not been disclosed. His brother Greg announced the news on Facebook, with his nephew also sharing the tribute.
Tributes poured in from fellow musicians. Ian Brown, his former Stone Roses bandmate, wrote on X: “Rest in peace Mani.” Tim Burgess of the Charlatans called him “one of the absolute best in every way”. Liam Gallagher expressed “total shock and absolutely devastated”, while Rough Trade described him as “the perfect example of how a bassist can be the beating heart of a band”.
Born in Crumpsall, Manchester, on 16 November 1962, Mounfield left school at 16 and befriended Brown after confronting skinheads. He formed the Fireside Chaps with John Squire and Andy Couzens, which evolved into the Stone Roses, playing their first official gig in October 1984. Initially a guitarist, he switched to bass, citing a love of northern soul and funk, and became synonymous with the Rickenbacker bass.
The Stone Roses’ 1989 debut album became a cornerstone of the Madchester movement, with Mani’s basslines driving hits. Despite a calamitous 1990 Spike Island gig and mixed reception for 1994’s Second Coming, the band’s influence endured. The group dissolved in 1996, after which Mani joined Primal Scream, reinvigorating their sound. He later said being in the Roses saved his life, as many friends died of heroin addiction.
Mani had recently announced a speaking tour of the UK for 2026-2027. His legacy as a bassist who taught indie kids to dance is widely celebrated.
