A Pillar of the Manchester Music Scene
The British music industry is in mourning following the announcement that Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, the revered bassist for iconic bands The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, has died at the age of 63. The news was confirmed on Thursday, 20th November 2025, sending waves of grief through fans and fellow musicians alike.
A Life in Pictures: From Madchester to Global Stages
Mani's career was a defining force in the UK's indie rock landscape. His journey with The Stone Roses began in the 1980s, a period captured in a nostalgic publicity image from circa 1980. He was an integral part of the band's legendary performance at the Futurama festival in Belgium in October 1989, alongside frontman Ian Brown.
The band's meteoric rise continued, culminating in events like their performance to 27,000 people in Widnes, Cheshire, in 1990, and a studio photoshoot in London in July of that same year. Even as the original lineup of the Stone Roses eventually dissolved, Mani's stage presence remained a constant, as seen in rehearsal shots from Manchester in 1994 and a performance at the Corn Exchange in Cambridge in 1995.
Following his time with The Stone Roses, Mani found a new musical home with Primal Scream. He became a fixture in the band, documented performing with them at Brixton Academy in London in December 2006 and again in March 2011.
Beyond the Bass: A Manchester Icon
Mani's influence extended far beyond the recording studio and the stage. He was a well-known figure in the DJ scene, spinning records at venues like London's 100 Club in 2003. His passion for his hometown football club, Manchester City, was also well-documented, with photographs showing him at the Champions League final at Wembley Stadium in May 2011.
His life was also filled with personal milestones and public appearances. He attended the premiere of The Stone Roses: Made of Stone documentary in Manchester in May 2013 with his wife, Imelda. More recently, he was photographed with former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher at Ricky Hatton’s funeral at Manchester Cathedral in October 2025.
The legacy of Gary 'Mani' Mounfield is indelibly etched into the history of British music. From the birth of the 'Madchester' sound with The Stone Roses to the psychedelic rock of Primal Scream, his bass lines provided the backbone for an era. He is survived by his wife and remembered by millions of fans worldwide.
