Fans of the Brit Awards have criticised the 'terrible' In Memoriam segment honouring Stone Roses bassist Mani, who died last year. The tribute, led by Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess, was intended to celebrate Mani's life and legacy, but viewers were left unimpressed by the presentation.
During the segment, Burgess paid an emotional tribute, saying: 'Hi everyone, I'm here tonight to pay tribute to my good friend. Mani changed music and inspired generations ahead of him. These songs he recorded will be his legacy.' However, fans took to social media to express their disappointment with the layout, which saw names scattered across the screen. One wrote: 'Random cutting to ad break!?! #BRITs,' while another added: 'SPOTY do better tributes to people who have passed away…..that montage was poor #BRITs.' A third said: 'That was a terrible In Memoriam section #BRITs.'
The Stone Roses had previously paid tribute to Mani, describing him as 'the greatest bass player and friend we could ever have wished for'. A source had told The Mirror that Burgess was 'primed to talk about Mani who was both a dear friend and mentor', and that the segment would also honour other greats lost, including Ozzy Osbourne.
Mani, whose real name was Gary Mounfield, was a founding member of The Stone Roses before joining Primal Scream for 15 years. He had planned a 69-date tour titled 'The Stone Roses, Primal Scream, and Me - An Intimate Evening with Gary 'Mani' Mounfield' before his death. In one of his final interviews, he expressed a desire to return to the stage.
