Gary “Mani” Mounfield, the iconic bassist for The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, has died at the age of 63. His brother, Greg Mounfield, confirmed the news on Facebook, writing, “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother Gary Mani Mounfield. RIP Rkid.”
Born in Crumpsall, Manchester, England, Mani became a defining figure of the late ’80s and early ’90s Madchester movement after joining The Stone Roses. He played on both of the band’s studio albums, including their groundbreaking 1989 self-titled debut, which remains a cornerstone of British rock.
Mani stayed with The Stone Roses until their split in 1996, later joining Primal Scream before briefly reuniting with his original band in 2011 for a global comeback tour and new recordings.
Tributes from fans and fellow musicians poured in after the news broke. Rowetta of Happy Mondays shared on X, “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 ❤️ 🕊️ 🕊️.”
Greg Mounfield also noted in the Facebook thread that Mani had been reunited with his wife, Imelda, who passed away nearly two years ago. Fans flooded the comments with condolences, sending love and support to the family.
Mani was last publicly photographed at former boxer Ricky Hatton’s funeral on October 10, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Just a week before his passing, Mani shared what would become his final Instagram post, reflecting on life and an upcoming tour. He wrote: “I think I’m embarking on what could be my final road trip… Getting too old now…. Anybody wanting to hear slaggings off of bandmates … or titbits of dirt, conjecture & gossip…. I’m not that guy… I will be giving my skewed vision of my own life, i never did, and would never rat on my compadres… hope you come out and say hello !!!”
Mani helped shape the sound of The Stone Roses, who formed in 1983 and became pioneers of the Madchester scene with a unique blend of alternative rock, dance, and psychedelic influences. Alongside Ian Brown, John Squire, and Alan “Reni” Wren, Mani contributed to classics such as “She Bangs the Drums,” “Fools Gold,” “I Wanna Be Adored,” “What the World Is Waiting For,” and “Love Spreads,” which reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart in 1994.
After their 2011 reunion and world tour, the group released two singles before splitting again in 2017, leaving behind a lasting legacy that Mani’s basslines helped define.