Stone Roses legend bassist, Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield has passed away at the age of 63.
Taking to social media, the musician’s brother Greg revealed the new news via Facebook with “IT IS WITH THE HEAVIEST OF HEARTS THAT I HAVE TO ANNOUNCE THE SAD PASSING OF MY BROTHER GARY MANI MOUNFIELD. RIP RKID.(sic)”
Noting that his uncle would be “reunited in heaven” with his wife Imelda, following her death from cancer in 2023, Mani’s nephew paid tribute to the rocker via X with “Unfortunately with sad news my uncle Gary Mani Mounfield from the stone roses has sadly 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 Your annoying nephew.(sic)”
Though details about Mani’s passing have not yet been disclosed, insiders told England’s Daily Mail that the iconic guitarist died at his home in Stockport after collapsing, but could not be revived after an ambulance was called.
Taking to her X account, Happy Mondays singer Rowetta paid tribute to the British hitmaker (who was also known for his work with Primal Scream) with “Going to miss you so much. All my love to the boys, the family all those who knew loved him.”
ART for MCR, an organisation raising money for Manchester charities through musical events, noted the city’s beat “won’t ever be the same,” and sharing an image of the musician, they penned:
“Unreal this. Absolutely numbed us. We’re gutted to hear of the passing of Gary “Mani” Mounfield — a true giant of this city and a massive influence on anyone who’s ever picked up a guitar or stepped on a stage round here.” “Honestly, The groove, the attitude, the spirit… he shaped so much of the music that shaped us.” “This one really hurts. Everyone proper proper loved him. I remember crying my eyes out watching them at the Heaton Park gigs.” “All our love goes out to the Mounfield family, the Roses community, and everyone feeling this loss today. Rest easy Mani. Manchester’s beat won’t ever be the same.”
In a ironic twist, Mani’s passing comes less than a week after he announced an intimate in-conversation tour of the UK. “The Stone Roses, Primal Scream, and me” was to feature Gary’s look back on his life and career, including the Stone Roses’ legendary 1990 Spike Island gig.
While Mani shot to fame with the Stone Roses, he and the band went their separate ways in 1996 when he joined Primal Scream, but in 2011, he confirmed his departure from the group in order to reunite with the Stone Roses for a massive stadium tour.
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Author: Al Denté
Photo: Taken by Katherine Barton, edited by Gaz Davidson – Public Domain