The Stone Roses bassist Gary “Mani” Mounfield has died at the age of 63, his family has said.
Mani’s brother, Greg, wrote in a post on Facebook: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother.”
“RIP RKID,” he added.
Formed in 1983, The Stone Roses were a mainstay of the “Madchester” scene.
The bassist joined the band in 1987 and formed part of its classic line-up alongside singer Ian Brown, guitarist John Squire and drummer Alan “Reni” Wren. He remained with the group until their split in 1996.
Mani’s death comes two years after that of his wife, Imelda Mounfield, who was diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer in November 2020. The couple welcomed twin boys in 2012.
The Stone Roses frontman Brown shared a tribute online, writing: “REST IN PEACE MANi X.”
Oasis singer Liam Gallagher said he was “in total shock and absolutely devastated”, describing the bassist as “my hero” in a post on X.
“RIP Mani – my heartfelt condolences to his twin boys and all of his family,” wrote the Happy Mondays’ Shaun Ryder, whose bandmate Rowetta added: “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.”
The Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess shared a photo of himself with Mani, writing alongside it: “I shared this photo a week or so ago on Mani’s birthday.
“It never failed to bring a smile to my face – and that was exactly the same for the man himself.
“One of the absolute best in every way – such a beautiful friend.”
Echo & the Bunnymen vocalist Ian McCulloch said Mani was someone “who I have always loved and always will love, deeply and forever. Like a brother”.
He continued: “I am in shock to be honest. Please tell me I’m just having a bad, bad dream. My thoughts and feelings and Mani. Love to all of his family from me.”
Mani (right) on stage with Ian Brown at one of the 2012 reunion concerts. Pic: Reuters
The “Madchester” bands were known for blending indie with acid house, psychedelia, and pop.
Mani played on both The Stone Roses’ eponymous debut album, released in 1989, and their 1995 follow-up, Second Coming.
Mani performing with Primal Scream in 2006. Pic: Robert Marquardt/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock
The first record, featuring tracks such as I Wanna Be Adored and I am the Resurrection was a huge success and later named the second greatest album of all time in a “Music of the Millennium” poll – losing out only to The Beatles’ Sgt Peppers‘ Lonely Hearts Club Band.
When The Stone Roses split in 1996, he joined Primal Scream and played with the Scottish outfit until 2011, when he left to rejoin the reuniting Roses.
