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 Mounfield announced the news on Facebook on Thursday, writing: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother.” His nephew also shared the news.
Tributes poured in from fellow musicians. Ian Brown, his bandmate in the Stone Roses, posted on X: “Rest in peace Mani.” Tim Burgess of the Charlatans called him “one of the absolute best in every way – such a beautiful friend”. Liam Gallagher wrote: “In total shock and absolutely devastated on hearing the news about Mani my hero.”
Mani had recently announced an extensive speaking tour of the UK, scheduled from September 2026 to June 2027, in which he planned to reflect on key moments of his career, including the Stone Roses’ 1990 Spike Island gig and their 2012 reunion tour.
Born on 16 November 1962 in Crumpsall, Manchester, Mani left school at 16 and befriended Ian Brown after they confronted National Front skinheads. He formed the Fireside Chaps with John Squire and Andy Couzens in the early 1980s, which evolved into the Stone Roses. Mani switched from guitar to bass, becoming known for his Rickenbacker sound, influenced by northern soul and funk.
The Stone Roses’ 1989 self-titled debut album became a cornerstone of the Madchester movement, with Mani’s basslines driving hits like ‘Fools Gold’. The band’s second album, Second Coming (1994), received mixed reviews. After the group dissolved in 1996, Mani joined Primal Scream, revitalising their sound. He once said being in the Roses “probably saved my life” after losing 17 friends to heroin addiction.
