The music world is in mourning following the tragic death of Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, the legendary bassist for The Stone Roses. He passed away on November 20, at the age of 63, almost exactly two years after his beloved wife Imelda lost her battle with cancer on November 18, 2023.
Their deaths have left their 12-year-old twin sons, Gene and George, orphaned. The boys, born in 2013, have only recently started secondary school. The couple's 25-year love story, which began during recording sessions for The Stone Roses' album Second Coming in 1992, has ended in profound tragedy.
A Heartbreaking Sequence of Events
Just 48 hours before his own passing, Mani paid a moving tribute to Imelda on the second anniversary of her death. He wrote online about missing her every day but learning to adapt to her being in 'the next room'. He signed off with 'Rest well my love'.
Tragically, Mani collapsed at his home in Heaton Moor, Stockport, following a seizure. Family sources confirmed an ambulance was called but he could not be revived. His brother, Greg, announced the news 'with the heaviest of hearts', adding that Mani had now 'reunited with his beautiful wife Imelda'.
A service will be held at Manchester Cathedral at 11.30am on Monday, followed by a private committal.
A Legacy of Music and Charity
Beyond his iconic basslines with The Stone Roses and later Primal Scream, Mani and Imelda were known for their charitable efforts. Following her diagnosis, they organised fundraisers and auctions featuring items from stars like David Beckham and Oasis, raising more than £100,000 for cancer charities.
Imelda had spoken bravely about her fight, telling the BBC she tried to focus on positive activities to balance the 'all-consuming' nature of her illness. Mani was deeply emotionally invested in supporting her throughout her battle.
In a cruel twist of timing, Mani had only recently announced a major national tour for 2026-2027, titled 'The Stone Roses, Primal Scream, And Me: An Intimate Evening With Gary 'Mani' Mounfield', where he planned to discuss his life in music.
An Outpouring of Grief from the Music World
Tributes have flooded in from across the industry, highlighting Mani's immense talent and warm character.
Liam Gallagher of Oasis said he was 'in total shock and absolutely devastated', calling Mani his hero. Shaun Ryder of Happy Mondays offered his heartfelt condolences to the twin boys and family.
Fellow Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown simply posted: 'REST IN PEACE MANi X.' Tributes also came from bands like Kasabian, Echo & the Bunnymen, and Joy Division's Peter Hook, who said 'words just fail me this time'.
Fans and organisations like ART for MCR expressed their devastation, noting that 'Manchester's beat won't ever be the same' without the influential musician from Crumpsall.
The loss of both Mani and Imelda in such a short time marks a devastating chapter for their young family and leaves a void in the heart of the British music scene.
