The music world is mourning the loss of Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, the legendary bassist who shaped the sound of British rock through his work with The Stone Roses and Primal Scream. The influential musician passed away at the age of 63, as confirmed by his former bandmate Ian Brown through social media.
Madchester Pioneer and Musical Legacy
Mounfield was an integral part of The Stone Roses' classic lineup, joining forces with vocalist Ian Brown, guitarist John Squire, and drummer Alan 'Reni' Wren. His bass playing became synonymous with the Madchester movement that swept through late-80s Britain.
The band's landmark 1989 self-titled debut album featured Mani's distinctive bass lines on era-defining tracks including "I Wanna Be Adored," "She Bangs The Drums," and "I Am The Resurrection." This groundbreaking album successfully blended rock riffs with dance rhythms, creating a unique sound that would influence countless bands and lay the foundation for the Britpop explosion that followed.
From Stone Roses to Primal Scream
Mani continued his musical journey with The Stone Roses through their second album, Second Coming, released in 1994. The band eventually split in 1996, citing musical differences as the primary reason for their separation.
In 1997, Mounfield began a new chapter when he joined Primal Scream, quickly becoming central to their evolving sound. His powerful bass work drove tracks like "Kowalski" from the krautrock-influenced album Vanishing Point. He went on to record four additional albums with the band, cementing his reputation as one of Britain's most versatile and respected bassists.
Tributes and Personal Life
The news of Mani's passing prompted an outpouring of grief from across the music industry. Tim Burgess of The Charlatans shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, posting a photo with Mani and writing: "It never failed to bring a smile to my face — and that was exactly the same for the man himself."
Beyond his musical achievements, Mani made cameo appearances in films including the 2002 movie 24 Hour Party People. He later formed part of the bass supergroup Freebass alongside Andy Rourke of The Smiths and Peter Hook from New Order.
Mounfield had been planning a 2026 speaking tour titled "The Stone Roses, Primal Scream, And Me", where he intended to reflect on his decades-long career in rock music.
In his personal life, Mani met his late wife Imelda during the recording of Second Coming at Rockfield Studios in Wales. The couple married and had two sons together.
The legacy of Gary 'Mani' Mounfield continues to resonate through the music he helped create, influencing generations of musicians and leaving an indelible mark on British rock history.
