Stone Roses bassist Gary “Mani” Mounfield has sadly died at the age of 63, almost exactly two years after the loss of his wife of 23 years, Imelda, who passed away following her battle with cancer.
His family confirmed the devastating news on social media, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from heartbroken fans and fellow musicians.
Mani’s nephew posted on X:
“Unfortunately, with sad news, my uncle Gary Mani Mounfield from The Stone Roses has passed away today. Thinking of his twins and my uncle Greg at this sad time. He will be reunited in heaven with his lovely wife Imelda. RIP Manni.”
His brother also wrote on Facebook:
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother. Gary Mani Mounfield, RIP.”
Reports indicate Mani is believed to have suffered a seizure at home.
The tragic news arrives just weeks after what is now known as the final public photograph of Mani — taken as he attended the funeral of boxing icon Ricky Hatton at Manchester Cathedral.
Liam Gallagher, who was informed while touring South America, paid tribute on X:
“In total shock and absolutely devastated on hearing the news about Mani. My hero. RIP.”
Ian Brown also wrote simply: “Rest in Peace Mani.”
A source close to the family told The Sun that the news “rocked everyone,” with former bandmates from both The Stone Roses and Primal Scream notified privately before the announcement went public.
Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess added:
“One of the absolute best in every way – such a beautiful friend. Love you Mani. Never to be forgotten.”
Mani’s wife Imelda passed away in November 2023 at age 52 following a diagnosis of bowel cancer in 2020. The couple shared twin boys, born in 2013. Her funeral was attended by Liam Gallagher and Roses frontman John Squire.
John Squire previously described the couple as deeply loving, recalling holidays together and how Mani and Imelda “always showered the girls with gifts.”
After Imelda’s diagnosis, Mani spoke openly about the emotional turmoil of supporting a loved one through cancer, describing the experience as a “juggling act” between grief, hope, and strength.
The bassist’s death also comes shortly after the passing of Pete Garner, the original Stone Roses bassist, who died at 61.
Mani rose to fame after joining The Stone Roses in 1987. After their 1996 split, he became a key member of Primal Scream, though he remained committed to pushing for a Roses reunion. He performed with them until 2011 before the band reunited for major shows worldwide. Their final releases came in 2016 with the singles “All For One” and “Beautiful Thing.”
Squire later commented that recording those singles “was difficult enough,” suggesting a full album would have been impossible, and that the final tour served as a natural conclusion.
More recently, Mani had been preparing for his first solo “in conversation with” live tour scheduled for next summer, where he planned to recount stories from his decades with The Stone Roses and Primal Scream.
Fans were promised memories of “Fools Gold,” Wembley Stadium, Ally Pally, court cases, bucket hats, Adidas, “Screamadelica,” and “Second Coming.”
Born and raised in Manchester, Mani left school at 16 to pursue music full time.
Rowetta from Happy Mondays wrote on X:
“Going to miss you so much. All my love to the boys, the family, and all those who knew and loved him.”
Tributes poured in across social media, with fans calling him a “legend,” a “genius,” and “the coolest member of the Roses.”
One emotional tribute read:
“The Stone Roses were the first band that made music make sense to me. We’ve lost a legend today.”
Another wrote: “He always had time for people who recognized him. A top bloke.”
Mani will be remembered as a central figure of the Manchester music scene, a beloved friend, and one of British rock’s most iconic bassists.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
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