The UK music community is mourning the loss of Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, the legendary bassist for the Stone Roses and Primal Scream, who has died at age 63. In an emotional tribute, fellow Manchester musician Peter Hook of New Order has shared heartfelt memories of his friend, painting a picture of a talented musician and wonderful soul whose impact on British music remains profound.
A Manchester Friendship Forged in Music
Hook first encountered Mani when the Stone Roses' manager asked him to produce the band. They collaborated on Elephant Stone during what Hook describes as a lovely initial session. As Manchester transformed into the Madchester era, their connection deepened through shared experiences at legendary events.
I went to the great gig they did in Blackpool; I went to Spike Island, Hook recalled, describing it as a fantastic time to be together with the Haçienda nightclub serving as the social glue. The absence of VIP areas meant fans could freely mingle with musicians, creating an environment where punters would regularly spot Mani in the crowd.
Their professional relationship continued when Hook hosted the Stone Roses in his Suite 16 studio for demos intended for their second album, though these recordings were eventually scrapped. During this period, Hook grew closer to both Mani and his wife, Imelda, sharing what he openly admits was a wild period in their lives.
From Bandmates to Lifelong Friends
After their respective bands stopped touring, Hook, Mani and Smiths bassist Andy Rourke formed Freebass, an ambitious project featuring three bass players. The band was ill-fated – too many chefs according to Hook, and eventually led to a serious falling out after disagreements over a gig.
Mani publicly criticised Hook, but characteristic of his personality, phoned the very next day to apologise. This moment proved transformative for their relationship. Once we were no longer working together, we became friends and after that every day spent with him was a total pleasure, Hook remembered fondly.
Hook strongly reframes descriptions of Mani as merely a clown or joker. While acknowledging his friend was incredibly entertaining, funny and irreverent, he emphasises Mani's intensity and refusal to suffer fools gladly. He was very passionate about things he believed in, whether supporting Manchester United or defending his friends against injustice.
The Musician and Family Man
From a technical perspective, Hook describes Mani as the best bass player everyone wanted to emulate. Mani joining the Stone Roses made the difference, transforming them into a groove-oriented force. Hook recently watched footage of Mani playing Fool's Gold and found himself wondering how he was playing that, acknowledging his friend's subtle, melodic approach that wove around the guitar rather than competing with it.
Mani's career spanned two of what Hook considers the coolest bands of all time: the Stone Roses and Primal Scream. In a revealing anecdote, Hook mentions he actually auditioned for Primal Scream himself, but was deemed too much like New Order. When Mani secured the position, he immediately phoned Hook with characteristic banter, addressing him as No 2 while declaring himself No 1, with Rourke becoming No 3 in their friendly hierarchy.
When the Stone Roses reformed, Mani was desperate to recapture their early magic and it broke his heart when it wasn't. However, Hook notes the reunion provided a financial payday that allowed Mani and Imelda to build a lovely life together, particularly after having their two boys, which made them absolutely made up as a great little family.
In later years, Mani turned to DJing, with his musical selections reflecting his bass-playing roots in funk and soul. He never stopped working and was eagerly anticipating a speaking tour he'd recently announced. Hook expresses heartbreak that Mani passed before this new chapter could begin, and particularly grieves for his sons, who have now lost both parents in quick succession.
The remarkable outpouring of grief following Mani's death has touched Hook deeply. I don't think I've ever seen anything like it, for a pop star, certainly not for a long time, he observed. While acknowledging that every Manchester legend is now wondering if they'll receive similar recognition, Hook states with certainty that Mani will never be forgotten by the music community and fans whose lives he touched.
