Farewell to a Legend: Music Icons Mourn the Death of Stone Roses Bassist Mani

 

Music icons across the industry are honoring the legacy of a rock great who has passed away at the age of 63, just two years after losing his wife of 23 years.

Stone Roses bassist Mani has sadly died at 63, marking another devastating blow for a family already grieving the loss of Imelda, his wife of over two decades, who died following a battle with cancer.

His family confirmed the heartbreaking news on social media, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow musicians.

His nephew shared on X: “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.”

Mani’s brother also posted on Facebook: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother. Gary Mani Mounfield RIP.”

It is believed Mani suffered a seizure at home.

The father of two was last seen in public at Manchester Cathedral for the funeral of legendary boxer Ricky Hatton just last month.

Bandmate Ian Brown honored him simply on X: “Rest in Peace Mani.”

A source close to the family told The Sun that Mani’s former bandmates and closest friends, including Liam Gallagher of Oasis, were privately informed earlier in the day.

“Mani’s death has rocked everyone,” the source said. “Noel and Liam Gallagher were phoned before the news became public. They’re currently touring in South America and were informed over the phone. The same goes for the Stone Roses and Primal Scream. Everyone is in total shock.”

Liam Gallagher later shared his own heartfelt tribute: “In total shock and absolutely devastated on hearing the news about Mani. My hero.”

The Charlatans’ frontman Tim Burgess posted: “One of the absolute best in every way – such a beautiful friend. Love you Mani xx Never to be forgotten.”

Mani’s passing comes just two years after the death of his wife, Imelda, who succumbed to bowel cancer at age 52 in November 2023 after being diagnosed in 2020. The couple shared twin boys, born in 2013.

Liam Gallagher and Stone Roses guitarist John Squire attended her funeral in Manchester.

Reflecting on Mani, Squire said: “Mani and his wife really doted on our girls when they were younger. We stayed close after the band first split — we vacationed together, our families side by side. They always spoiled the girls with gifts — Mani still throws money at them.”

Following Imelda’s diagnosis, Mani told the BBC he experienced “a whole spectrum of emotions.” He added, “One day you can be paranoid and fearful about everything, and the next day you see her fighting and you’re filled with pride. It really puts you through the wringer… it’s a constant balancing act of managing your own emotions while trying to support her.”

Her death came less than a month after the passing of Pete Garner, the Stone Roses’ original bassist, who died at 61.

Mani rose to fame as the Stone Roses’ bassist after joining in 1987. When the band split in 1996, he joined Primal Scream but remained vocal about wanting the Roses to reunite.

He continued performing with Primal Scream until 2011, when the Stone Roses reunited after a three-year hiatus to perform 17 major arena and stadium shows worldwide. Their final two singles, “All For One” and “Beautiful Thing,” were released in 2016.

John Squire later explained: “Both were really difficult to record, so an album would’ve been beyond us. That last tour was an obligation — we all knew we weren’t committing to anything beyond it. In that sense, it was a satisfying ending.”

More recently, Mani had been preparing for a solo “in conversation with” tour scheduled for next summer, where he planned to share stories from his time with the Stone Roses and Primal Scream. The tour was announced earlier this month.

Fans were told: “He’ll remember ‘Fools Gold’, Wembley Stadium, Ally Pally, court cases, bucket hats, Adidas, ‘Screamadelica’, and the ‘Second Coming’. It’s What The World Is Waiting For.”

Born and raised in Manchester, Mani left school at 16 to chase a career in music.

Happy Mondays singer Rowetta wrote on X: “Going to miss you so much. All my love to the boys, the family & all those who knew & loved him.”

Fans across social media praised him as a “true legend.” One tribute read: “Mani was the coolest member of the Roses… a Man United fan who just happened to be a bass guitar genius. One of us.”

Another wrote: “The Stone Roses were the first band that made music make sense to me. We’ve lost a legend today.”

One fan replied to the family’s announcement saying: “Awful news… he was a top bloke, always had time for everyone.”

This article originally appeared in The Sun and has been republished here with permission.