Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, 63, the celebrated bassist for The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, died peacefully in his sleep of respiratory issues linked to long-standing emphysema, his family has confirmed.
- Fast Facts:
- Age: 63. Date of incident: morning of Thursday, November 20.
- Official cause: respiratory issues related to chronic emphysema.
- Location: family home in Heaton Moor, Stockport; death declared at scene.
- Death described as non-suspicious; not referred to the coroner.
- Funeral: Manchester Cathedral, 22 December, 11:30am (invite-only).
- Survived by twin sons Gene and George (born Jan 2013); wife Imelda died Nov 18, 2023.
Credit: Getty
Paramedics attended the family home on the morning of November 20; Greater Manchester Police say the circumstances were “non-suspicious.” The Manchester Evening News reports the musician was not taken to hospital and his death was confirmed at the scene. Family sources told the paper he passed away peacefully in his sleep.
The Legacy
Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield was a defining figure in the late 1980s and 1990s British music scene, widely celebrated for his work as bassist for The Stone Roses and later with Primal Scream. Highlights of his career include:
- Iconic tracks with The Stone Roses: “I Wanna Be Adored,” “I Am the Resurrection,” and “She Bangs the Drums.”
- Integral role in the Madchester movement and the band’s influential 1989 debut album, The Stone Roses.
- Longstanding collaborations with Primal Scream and a reputation as one of Manchester’s most respected musicians.
Reactions and Tributes
The star’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow musicians, public figures and fans. Ian Brown — his former Stone Roses bandmate — was among those to pay tribute. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, described Mani as a “magnificent musician and Mancunian.”
His brother Greg posted the family’s announcement on social media. Musicians, friends and fans flooded platforms with condolences and memories of Mani’s onstage presence and influence on British rock.
Family statements confirm Mani’s wife, Imelda, died in November 2023 after a battle with stage four bowel cancer. The couple leave behind twin sons, Gene and George, now 13.
Funeral arrangements: a service will be held at Manchester Cathedral on Monday 22 December at 11:30am. Entry is by invitation only; the family has asked for privacy as they mourn.
As details continue to be shared by family and local press, fans and fellow artists are expected to mark Mani’s contribution to music with further tributes in the coming days.
Image Referance: https://www.thesun.ie/news/16258136/gary-mani-mounfield-stone-roses-legend-death-cause/