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Stone Roses bassist Gary 'Mani' Mounfield dies aged 63

Updated / Thursday, 20 Nov 2025 20:05
Gary Mounfield, pictured performing with The Stone Roses in July 2012 in Kinross, Scotland
Gary Mounfield, pictured performing with The Stone Roses in July 2012 in Kinross, Scotland

The Stone Roses bassist Gary Mounfield, known to fans as Mani, has died aged 63.

His brother, Greg Mounfield, confirmed the news on Facebook. Alongside a picture of Gary Mounfield with his late wife, Imelda, Greg Mounfield wrote: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother. Gary Mani Mounfield RIP."

No cause of death was given.

Greg Mounfield added in the comments section: "Reunited with his beautiful wife Imelda."

Imelda and Gary Mounfield at the world premiere of the film The Stone Roses: Made of Stone at Victoria Warehouse, Manchester, on 30 May, 2013
Imelda and Gary Mounfield at the world premiere of the film The Stone Roses: Made of Stone at Victoria Warehouse, Manchester, in May 2013

Mounfield was part of The Stone Roses' classic line-up alongside singer Ian Brown, guitarist John Squire, and drummer Alan 'Reni' Wren.

The band's tribute read: "RIP our wonderful brother Mani. The greatest bass player and friend we could ever have wished for. X."

In a post on X, The Stone Roses singer Ian Brown wrote: "REST IN PEACE MANi X."

Mounfield is regarded as one of the defining bassists of the Manchester music scene. He joined The Stone Roses in 1987 and became central to the band's sound through their era-defining debut album and their influential live performances.

The Stone Roses pose in a London studio in July 1990 (L-R) Reni, Mani (top), Ian Brown (bottom), and John Squire
The Stone Roses pose in a London studio in July 1990 (clockwise from top) Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, John Squire, Ian Brown, and Alan 'Reni' Wren

After the band split in the mid-1990s, he went on to join Primal Scream, contributing to a string of acclaimed records across the 1990s and 2000s.

Mounfield performed on both of The Stone Roses' reunion tours, including their 2012 return and their final shows in 2017. His work across both bands helped shape British indie and alternative rock for more than three decades.

In November 2018, Mounfield was honoured by his late mother Anne Patricia Farrell's hometown of Athy, Co Kildare, as part of the town's Made in Athy plaque project.

His wife, Imelda Mounfield, died of cancer in November 2023.

Mounfield married his late wife Imelda after the two met during the 13-month recording of The Stone Roses' 1994 sophomore album Second Coming at Rockfield Studios in Monmouth, Wales. They had two sons together.

Gary 'Mani' Mounfield performs onstage during Day One of the 2013 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club on 12 April, 2013 in Indio, California
Gary 'Mani' Mounfield performing onstage during Day One of the 2013 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club on 12 April, 2013 in Indio, California

The bass player was due to embark on a speaking tour in September 2026, called The Stone Roses, Primal Scream, And Me, which was to have seen him reflect on his life in rock 'n' roll.

Away from music, the Manchester-born star was a keen fan of Manchester United and often spoke about the team on TV and radio.

In its tribute, Manchester United said: "A Manchester music icon and a passionate, lifelong Red. Our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of Gary 'Mani' Mounfield."

Paying tribute to Gary Mounfield, Oasis singer Liam Gallagher wrote on X that he was "devastated" to learn of his passing, describing the bassist as his "hero".

Tim Burgess, the lead singer of The Charlatans, said Mounfield "never failed to bring a smile to my face".

Sharing a photo of them together, Burgess wrote: "One of the absolute best in every way - such a beautiful friend, Love you Mani x x. Never to be forgotten."

The Happy Mondays singer Shaun Ryder shared a photo on X of him with his arm around Mounfield and wrote: "RIP Mani - my heartfelt condolences to his twin boys and all of his family X."

The Rough Trade record label and record shops posted on X: "The perfect example of how a bassist can be the beating heart of a band. A legendary player with Primal Scream, the backbone of The Stone Roses' groove. RIP Gary 'Mani' Mounfield x."

Additional Reporting: Press Association

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