Ian Brown, Liam Gallagher, Shaun Ryder, Tim Burgess and Ian McCulloch among the first to pay tribute
Gary “Mani” Mounfield, best known as a founding member and bassist of the Stone Roses, has died aged 63.
His brother Greg Mounfield posted the news on Facebook: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother. RIP RKID.”
Mani joined the legendary Manchester band in 1987 and played on both their albums – 1989’s seminal eponymous debut and Second Coming (1994) – remaining a member until their breakup in 1996. He then joined Primal Scream, playing with the Scottish outfit until 2011, before rejoining the reformed Roses for their 2012 world tour. Sadly, that reunion fizzled out in 2017, having produced just two new songs (All For One and Beautiful Thing) and no new album.
However, with anthems like Made Of Stone, She Bangs The Drums, I Wanna Be Adored, Waterfall, I Am The Resurrection and UK Top 10 hits such as Fool’s Gold (No.8), Elephant Stone (No.8), One Love (No.4) and Love Spreads (No.2), the Stone Roses had already cemented their position as one of the most important British acts to emerge in the late 80s and early 90s.
Though they only completed two albums, their influence loomed large, and Mani’s groove-laden bass playing was an integral part of the band’s pulsing sound – few groups’ music defines an era like the Roses.
Mani had recently announced a mammoth In Conversation tour of the UK, spanning September 2026 to June 2027, in which he promised to look back on pivotal career moments such as the Stone Roses’ 1990 gig at Spike Island.
His passing comes two years after the death of his wife, Imelda Mounfield. The couple had twin boys.
Tributes Paid
The Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown shared a tribute online, writing on X: “REST IN PEACE MANi X.”
Oasis singer Liam Gallagher posted: “In total shock and absolutely devastated on hearing the news about Mani. My hero, RIP R Kid.”
Tim Burgess, lead singer with fellow Manchester band The Charlatans, shared a photo of himself with Mani and wrote: “I shared this photo a week or so ago on Mani’s birthday. It never failed to bring a smile to my face – and that was exactly the same for the man himself. One of the absolute best in every way – such a beautiful friend.”
Happy Mondays’ Shaun Ryder also shared a photo of himself with an arm around the bassist and smiling, saying: “RIP Mani – my heartfelt condolences to his twin boys and all of his family.”
Rowetta wrote: “Back with your Imelda, Mani. Going to miss you so much. All my love to the boys, the family & all those who knew & loved him.”
Echo & the Bunnymen vocalist Ian McCulloch said: “I’m absolutely gutted to hear the news about Mani, who I have always loved and always will love, deeply and forever. Like a brother. I am in shock to be honest. Please tell me I’m just having a bad, bad dream. My thoughts and feelings and Manilove to all of his family from me Mac Bunnyman Xxx”
Peter Hook posted: “Oh God. Mani… words just fail me this time, they really do. I cannot believe it. Sending all my love to his family. This is so sad. RIP mate. Love Hooky.”
Cast’s John Power said: “God bless you Mani. From the very early bass days of the Rose’s and the La’s, throughout the whole journey. Throughout Cast and Primal Scream, right up to Dublin when I last seen you. Fare ye well Mani. RIP brother.”
Shed Seven posted: “So saddened to hear the news about Mani. An inspiration to us …. And the greatest bass player there ever was. He was always a true gent whenever our paths crossed. Absolutely lost for words. We’ve lost a legend. Sending all our love to his friends and family.”
Away from music, the Manchester-born star was a keen supporter of Manchester United Football Club. The club posted a photo of the bassist saying: “A Manchester music icon and a passionate, lifelong Red. Our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield.”
Northside, The Coral, Reverend & The Makers and The Farm are among the many artists taking to social media to express their condolences.
Classic Pop also extends its condolences to his family, friends, and fans.
Featured image credit: Martyn Goodacre/Getty Images
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