Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, the legendary bassist who anchored both The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, has tragically passed away at the age of 63. While the music world mourns the loss of the affable rocker who helped define the ‘Madchester’ era, his most enduring legacy is defined by the sound of his instrument.
Mani’s distinctive, funky, and often prowling basslines were not mere rhythmic support; they were the central grooves that made some of the most influential rock songs of the last three decades indelible. To celebrate the life and profound talent of this iconic musician, we look back at the 10 best songs underpinned by his unmistakable sound.
I Am the Resurrection (The Stone Roses, 1989)
This song features arguably Mani’s most iconic bass line. It’s a relentless, funky groove that takes over in the second half of the song, transforming it from a psych-rock tune into a massive dance track, perfectly bridging the gap between rock and rave.
I Wanna Be Adored (The Stone Roses, 1989)
The band’s definitive anthem begins with Mani’s echoing, ominous, and instantly recognizable bass riff. It sets the atmosphere for the entire track and stands as a masterclass in using space and simplicity to create maximum impact.
Fools Gold (The Stone Roses, 1989)
This extended jam exemplifies Mani’s immersion in funk and dance rhythms. The bass line is fluid, syncopated, and propulsive, driving the song’s baggy, psychedelic groove and making it an essential late-night club track.
She Bangs the Drums (The Stone Roses, 1989)
A prime example of his pop sensibilities, the bass line here is bright, melodic, and joyful. It is layered with Reni’s drums to provide the upbeat, irresistible rhythm that makes this song one of the greatest indie singles of its era.
Love Spreads (The Stone Roses, 1994)
On the band’s second and final studio album, Second Coming, the music took a heavier, blues-rock turn. Mani’s work here is thick and powerful, providing a deep, rolling thunder beneath John Squire’s heavy guitar riff.
Waterfall (The Stone Roses, 1989)
The bass line on this track has a beautiful, almost circular quality. It weaves seamlessly with the melody and is essential to the song’s hypnotic, flowing feel, creating a sense of dreamy movement.
Kowalski (Primal Scream, 1997)
Mani’s first major contribution to Primal Scream’s sound, this track is heavily influenced by Krautrock. The bass line is a powerful, repetitive loop that locks into a mechanical, hypnotic rhythm, which revitalized the band’s sound into something darker and more electronic.
Swastika Eyes (Primal Scream, 2000)
A searing electro-punk anthem from the XTRMNTR album. The bass is high-octane and aggressive, perfectly complementing the song’s political rage and chaotic energy, proving his ability to adapt to extreme genres.
Motorhead (Primal Scream, 1997)
Though sharing a name with the heavy metal band, this song is a slinky, cinematic slice of funk-rock. Mani’s nimble, playful bass adds a swaggering groove and a constant momentum, making it a standout track from the Vanishing Point era.
Breaking Into Heaven (The Stone Roses, 1994)
The epic opening track of Second Coming. While it starts with a sprawling ambient intro, when the full band kicks in, Mani provides a dense, solid foundation that anchors the band’s new, heavier direction.
