Manchester Cathedral became the center of Britain’s music world as hundreds gathered to bid farewell to Gary “Mani” Mounfield, the legendary bassist of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream. Family, friends, and fans lined the streets as the funeral cortege traveled from his home in Stockport to the city center. The coffin, decorated with the iconic paint-splashed artwork from The Stone Roses’ debut album, was carried inside by close friends, including Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher.
Music Icons Pay Tribute
The service drew some of the biggest names in British music. Ian Brown, Mani’s longtime Stone Roses bandmate, described him as “a brother” and “a beautiful soul and spirit.” His eulogy, broadcast outside to fans wearing bucket hats and Stone Roses T-shirts, was met with applause. Brown even suggested a campaign for a statue in Mani’s honor.
Primal Scream frontman Bobby Gillespie recalled first meeting Mani at Manchester’s Hacienda nightclub, praising his positivity and aura. “His enthusiasm and positivity was contagious,” Gillespie said. “He will always live forever in my soul and mind.” Other notable attendees included Paul Weller, Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs of Oasis, Mike Joyce of The Smiths, Peter Hook of New Order, and Bez of Happy Mondays. Former Manchester United stars David Beckham and Gary Neville also paid their respects.
Fans Celebrate His Legacy
Outside the cathedral, fans clapped as the cortege arrived, accompanied by scooter riders in a nod to Mani’s love of Mod culture. The Stone Roses’ anthem I Wanna Be Adored played as the crowd honored the musician who helped define the “Madchester” sound of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Mani’s basslines were central to classics like Fools Gold, She Bangs the Drums, and I Am the Resurrection. The Stone Roses’ debut album, released in 1989, remains one of Britain’s most celebrated records.
A Life in Music
After The Stone Roses disbanded in 1996, Mani joined Primal Scream, contributing to albums including Vanishing Point and XTRMNTR. He later reunited with The Stone Roses in 2011, playing reunion gigs until the band’s final split in 2017. Mani died peacefully last month at age 63 from respiratory issues linked to emphysema. His passing came just weeks after he announced plans for a UK tour to share stories from his career. He leaves behind twin sons, born in 2013, following the death of his wife Imelda in 2023.
Remembering a Manchester Icon
Music journalist John Robb described Mani as “the heart and soul of Manchester.” Tributes have poured in from across the music world, with John Squire sharing artwork in his honor and Doves dedicating a performance to him. For fans and fellow musicians alike, Mani’s legacy is not only in the grooves of his basslines but in the warmth and spirit he brought to every room.
