Mani, Stone Roses Bassist, Dead at 63

The music world mourns the loss of Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, the iconic bassist whose grooves defined the sound of both The Stone Roses and Primal Scream. The 63-year-old musician passed away recently, as confirmed by his brother Greg Mounfield in a heartfelt Facebook post. 'It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother,' Greg wrote, noting Mani was now 'reunited' with his late wife Imelda, who died from cancer in 2023.

The Heartbeat of Madchester

Born in Manchester's Crumpsall district in November 1962, Mani's musical journey began with local bands before co-founding The Stone Roses in the early 1980s. Though initially a guitarist, he switched to bass when the band—which included Ian Brown and John Squire—found its signature sound. His thunderous Rickenbacker basslines became the engine room for their 1989 debut album, a cornerstone of the Madchester movement that fused indie rock with dance culture.

As Mary Anne Hobbs wrote in NME, the album was 'the most fluent crossover album of the last decade.' Mani himself reflected on its enduring legacy decades later: 'We were light years ahead of our time... This album will always remain light years ahead of the new so called supergroups.'

'We were light years ahead of our time, and the Stone Roses album will always remain light years ahead of the new so called supergroups.'
— Mani, 2009

Spike Island, Second Coming, and Beyond

Mani played a pivotal role in The Stone Roses' legendary 1990 Spike Island gig and endured the band's turbulent split in 1996. Afterward, he joined Primal Scream, revitalizing their creative output with his unmistakable basslines. He described the shift as 'more of a democracy' compared to his time in the Roses, where he often felt 'looking over our shoulder seeing if Ian and John were pleased.'

When The Stone Roses reunited from 2011-2017, Mani seamlessly returned to the fold, contributing to new tracks like 'All for One' and headlining Wembley Stadium. His career also included the bassist supergroup Freebass with Andy Rourke and Peter Hook.

Tributes Pour In

The music community has been quick to honor Mani's legacy. Ian Brown simply wrote 'Rest in peace Mani' on X, while Liam Gallagher expressed being 'in total shock and absolutely devastated,' calling him 'my hero.' Tim Burgess celebrated him as 'one of the absolute best in every way – such a beautiful friend,' and Rough Trade Records noted he was 'the perfect example of how a bassist can be the beating heart of a band.'

Mani’s impact extended beyond music. He credited The Stone Roses with saving him from the fate of friends lost to heroin addiction, reflecting: 'I never can see it as a failed mission – fucking hell, I'm from north Manchester... I've been around the world two or three times playing music.'

Forever Remembered

Despite his global fame, Mani remained grounded—passionate about Manchester United, fishing, and pub camaraderie. He is survived by his 12-year-old twin sons, Gene Clark and George Christopher. His planned 2026 UK speaking tour, where he intended to revisit pivotal moments like Spike Island, will now stand as a testament to his storytelling spirit.

Mani's basslines weren't just notes; they were the pulse that powered two generations of British rock. As the tributes pour in, his legacy as the 'beating heart' of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream will forever echo through the annals of music history.