UK
The Stone Roses bassist Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield dies aged 63
The Stone Roses bassist Gary “Mani” Mounfield has died at the age of 63, his family has said.
Mani’s brother, Greg, said in a post on Facebook: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother.”
“RIP RKID,” he added.
Gary “Mani” Mounfield and his wife Imelda at the world premiere of “The Stone Roses : Made Of Stone” in 2013. Pic: Reuters
Mr Mounfield joined the Manchester band in 1987 and played on both their albums, remaining with the group until their split in 1996.
He subsequently joined Primal Scream, and played with the Scottish outfit until 2011, when he left to rejoin the reuniting Roses.
His passing comes two years after the death of his wife, Imelda Mounfield, who was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in November 2020.
The couple had twin boys, born in 2012.
Ian Brown, left, with Mani, right, performing on stage during their 2012 reunion concerts in Manchester. Pic: Reuters
The Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown shared a tribute online, writing on X: “REST IN PEACE MANi X.”
Now the band’s musical contemporaries are offering their condolences.
Oasis singer Liam Gallagher said he was “in total shock and absolutely devastated” by the news.
Also on X, Shaun Ryder of the Happy Mondays wrote: “RIP Mani – my heartfelt condolences to his twin boys and all of his family.”
His bandmate, Rowetta, added: “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.”
The Charlatans’ frontman, Tim Burgess, shared a photo of himself with Mani.
“I shared this photo a week or so ago on Mani’s birthday,” he wrote.
“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.”
Pic: Robert Marquardt/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock
Echo & the Bunnymen vocalist Ian McCulloch said Mani was someone “who I have always loved and always will love, deeply and forever. Like a brother”.
He continued: “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”.
Formed in 1983, The Stone Roses were a mainstay of the “Madchester” scene, which was known for its indie dance music; a blend of indie, acid house, psychedelia, and pop.
Their eponymous debut album of 1989 was a huge success, and was named the second greatest album of all time in a “Music of the Millennium” poll conducted by HMV, Channel 4, The Guardian, and Classic FM.