Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, the highly respected bassist who anchored both The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, has sadly passed away at the age of 63. The news was first reported by BBC News after being confirmed by his brother, Greg Mounfield, who shared an emotional statement on Facebook announcing the loss.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother. RIP RKID,” Greg wrote, though the specific cause of the musician’s death was not immediately disclosed.
The Rhythmic Life of a Madchester Icon
Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield began his influential career in the late 1980s in his native North Manchester, joining The Stone Roses in 1987. His arrival solidified the band’s classic lineup and provided the signature, funk-infused basslines that became a key element of the nascent “Madchester” movement.
Source: Kiyoshi Ota/Getty Images
Mani’s dynamic playing—especially on tracks like “I Wanna Be Adored” and “I Am the Resurrection”—helped propel the band to international fame with their seminal 1989 self-titled debut album, widely regarded as one of the greatest British albums ever made. He remained with the band through their difficult second album, Second Coming (1994), until their initial breakup in 1996.
Following The Stone Roses’ dissolution, Mani quickly transitioned to another acclaimed rock outfit, joining the Scottish rockers Primal Scream a year later. His arrival was cited by many as providing a creative shot in the arm for the band, and he was a full-time member until 2011. During this period, he contributed to several influential albums, including Vanishing Point (1997) and XTRMNTR (1999). Mani was also part of the short-lived supergroup Freebass, featuring fellow bass legends Andy Rourke (The Smiths) and Peter Hook (Joy Division/New Order), underscoring his high standing among his peers.
In 2011, Mani was the loudest and most ardent advocate for a Stone Roses reunion, leading to him leaving Primal Scream to rejoin his former bandmates. The Stone Roses’ “Third Coming” saw them undertake a major world tour, including stadium-sized performances at venues like Wembley, before disbanding once more in 2017. Known for his affable nature and role as the band’s peacemaker, Mani also had revealed plans for an extensive UK speaking tour in 2026-2027 to reflect on the high and low points of his remarkable career.
Mani’s passing comes two years after the death of his wife, Imelda, who succumbed to cancer in 2023. He is survived by the couple’s twin sons. Despite the tumultuous nature of his most famous band, his influence on music is undeniable, with his signature bass work laying the foundation for an entire generation of indie and dance rock that followed.
