The music world continues to mourn the loss of Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, the legendary Stone Roses bassist who died suddenly at age 63. Now, for the first time since the tragic news broke, band frontman Ian Brown has been photographed, cutting a solemn figure while processing the loss of his longtime friend and collaborator.
A Musical Legacy Cut Short
Mounfield's death was confirmed on November 20 when his brother Greg shared the devastating news on Facebook. "It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother. Gary Mani Mounfield RIP," he wrote, adding in comments that Mani had been "reunited with his beautiful wife Imelda."
The bassist, who had lived in Stockport since 1991, collapsed at home according to reports. Despite paramedics' efforts, they were unable to revive him. The tragedy comes just two years after his wife Imelda died from bowel cancer in November 2023, leaving behind their twin sons born in 2012.
Stone Roses Frontman's Quiet Tribute
Ian Brown, the iconic Stone Roses singer, was spotted this weekend in Greater Manchester appearing deeply affected by his bandmate's passing. The 62-year-old musician kept his hands tucked in the pockets of his black puffer coat, his long grey hair and bushy beard adding to the sombre appearance as he wore casual dark jogging bottoms and white trainers.
Brown had previously shared a simple but powerful tribute on social media platform X shortly after news of Mounfield's death emerged, writing: "REST IN PEACE MANi X"
Music World Mourns Manchester Icon
The outpouring of grief from the music community has been immediate and heartfelt. Former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher expressed his shock, tweeting: "IN TOTAL SHOCK AND ABSOLUTELY DEVASTATED ON HEARING THE NEWS ABOUT MANI MY HERO RIP RKID LG"
Kasabian remembered Mounfield as a "beautiful man, Manchester Icon, a huge talent with huge heart and one of our first industry supporters as a band." Happy Mondays singer Rowetta sent "all my love to the boys, the family & all those who knew & loved him," while Shaun Ryder offered condolences to Mounfield's twin sons.
Richard Ashcroft of The Verve described him as "one of the loveliest positive musicians to spend time with," and Liam Fray of The Courteeners said the death represented "what true sadness feels like."
A Life in Music and Beyond
Mounfield's musical career spanned decades and genres. He joined The Stone Roses in 1987, performing on both of their albums as part of the classic lineup alongside Ian Brown, John Squire and Alan 'Reni' Wren until the band initially disbanded in 1996.
Following his time with The Stone Roses, Mounfield spent 15 years as bassist for Primal Scream before rejoining for the Stone Roses reunion. The band's comeback was warmly received by fans, leading to several major UK performances including concerts at Manchester's Heaton Park and London's Wembley Stadium in 2016.
Their final performance as the classic lineup took place at Glasgow's Hampden Park in 2017, where Brown famously told the crowd: "Don't be sad that it's over; be happy that it happened."
Beyond music, Mounfield made a guest appearance in the 2002 film 24 Hour Party People and was part of supergroup Freebass alongside bass players Andy Rourke of The Smiths and Peter Hook of Joy Division and New Order.
Manchester United, the football club Mounfield passionately supported, plans to honour him before their Premier League game against Everton at Old Trafford on Monday. The club released a statement noting that "the club was part of his DNA, and he was proud to be Red."
The music world has lost not just an exceptional bass player, but what many have described as one of its kindest souls, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
