Mani: Stone Roses Bassist Dead at 63

The Music World Mourns the Loss of Bass Legend Mani

The music world is in shock following the announcement that Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, the iconic bassist for The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, has died at the age of 63. His brother, Greg Mounfield, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, stating, "It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother."

The news comes just over a year after the death of Mani's wife, Imelda, from cancer in 2023, and leaves behind their twin sons, Gene Clark and George Christopher, aged 12.

Tributes have poured in from across the music industry. Ian Brown, his bandmate in The Stone Roses, simply wrote, "Rest in peace Mani" on X. Liam Gallagher expressed his devastation, saying, "In total shock and absolutely devastated on hearing the news about Mani my hero." Tim Burgess of The Charlatans called him "one of the absolute best in every way – such a beautiful friend." Rough Trade Records hailed him as "the perfect example of how a bassist can be the beating heart of a band."

A Founding Figure of the Madchester Movement

Born Gary Michael Mounfield in Crumpsall, Manchester, on November 16, 1962, Mani's journey into music began in the early 1980s. He formed the band that would become The Stone Roses with John Squire and Andy Couzens. Originally a guitarist, Mani switched to bass, finding it more rewarding and becoming synonymous with the Rickenbacker bass. His playing, described by The Guardian's Alexis Petridis as "writhing, relentless," was the "secret sauce" of The Stone Roses, teaching indie kids how to dance.

The band's self-titled debut album, released in 1989 and produced by John Leckie, became a cornerstone of the Madchester movement. It blended indie rock with rave culture, and its grooves, driven by Mani and drummer Reni, created an infectious sound. Hits like "Fools Gold" and "Made of Stone" defined an era. Mani once reflected on the album's enduring impact: "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."

Despite their meteoric rise, the band faced challenges. The infamous Spike Island concert in 1990 was a landmark event, but the follow-up album, *Second Coming* (1994), was met with mixed reviews. The band officially split in 1996. Mani later said being in The Stone Roses saved his life, as he watched 17 friends die of heroin addiction.

A New Chapter with Primal Scream and Beyond

After The Stone Roses, Mani joined Primal Scream in 1996, revitalizing the band's creative output. He co-wrote the hit "Kowalski" and became a key member until The Stone Roses' reunion in 2011. He described Primal Scream as "more of a democracy," offering him more freedom than the Roses. He also played in the bass supergroup Freebass with Andy Rourke and Peter Hook.

The Stone Roses reunited in 2011, touring until 2017 and releasing two new songs. Mani was scheduled to begin a speaking tour in the UK in September 2026, reflecting on his career and the Madchester scene. His love for Manchester United and fishing were well-known, but his true passion was music.

Mani's Legacy

In a 2000 interview with Guitar World, Mani emphasized the importance of bass: "Dance music is very bass driven... Bass is mega important — anyone's got an ounce of groove in them realizes that." His unique style and rhythmic drive left an indelible mark on British music. He once said of his unlikely success: "I never can see it as a failed mission — fucking hell, I'm from north Manchester, not the best part of town, and I've been around the world two or three times playing music."

As Liam Gallagher said, Mani was "my hero." His loss is a profound one for the music community, but his legacy lives on in the grooves that defined an era.