Steven McIntoshEntertainment reporter
Getty Images
Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield played on both Stone Roses albums and later joined Primal Scream
Gary “Mani” Mounfield, bassist with legendary Manchester band the Stone Roses, has died at the age of 63.
Mounfield’s bass playing was an integral part of the Stone Roses’ sound on both of their albums, and later reunited with his bandmates for their comeback tour in 2012.
He joined another seminal group, Primal Scream, in 1996 and played with them for 15 years.
The musician’s brother Greg announced his death “with the heaviest of hearts” in a post on Facebook. Mani’s bandmate Ian Brown led the tributes on X, writing: “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.”
Getty Images
The Stone Roses pictured in 2012, left to right: John Squire, Mani, Ian Brown and Reni
Mounfield’s wife Imelda died in November 2023, three years after she was diagnosed with bowel cancer. The couple have twin boys, who were born in 2013.
Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder posted: “RIP Mani – my heartfelt condolences to his twin boys and all of his family.”
Happy Mondays vocalist Rowetta posted a photo of herself with Mani and Imelda on X with the message: “Going to miss you so much. All my love to the boys, the family & all those who knew & loved him.”
The lead singer of the Charlatans, Tim Burgess, shared a picture taken days ago of the pair together celebrating Mounfield’s 63rd birthday.
“One of the absolute best in every way,” Burgess wrote. “Such a beautiful friend.”
Getty Images
With Mani on bass, Brown on vocals, John Squire on guitar and Alan “Reni” Wren on drums, the Stone Roses were at the forefront of the “Madchester” indie scene of the late 1980s and early 90s.
They released their debut album in 1989, and its follow-up Second Coming was released in 1994. Both albums reached the top five in the UK.
After the group disbanded in 1996, Mani joined Primal Scream and stayed with them until the Stone Roses reformed in 2012.
The Stone Roses released two further singles in 2016 and played more gigs in 2017, before disbanding once more in 2017 after old tensions resurfaced.
Mounfield’s death comes after he announced an in-conversation tour of UK venues, which would have seen him recount his experiences and memories in the Stone Roses and Primal Scream from September next year.