The music world said a final goodbye to Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, the iconic bassist of The Stone Roses, at a private funeral service held in Adelaide on Monday. The service was attended by his grieving family and former bandmates, including frontman Ian Brown and guitarist John Squire.
Private Farewell for a Music Legend
The funeral took place on December 23, 2024, at a chapel in Adelaide's northern suburbs. Mounfield, a pivotal figure in the Manchester music scene, had been living in South Australia prior to his passing. His death at the age of 62 sent shockwaves through the global music community, marking the end of an era for fans of the influential band.
Close friends and family gathered to honour the musician's life and legacy. The presence of Ian Brown and John Squire was a poignant reminder of the enduring bonds formed during The Stone Roses' heyday. Their attendance underscored the deep personal and professional connection the band members shared, despite the group's eventual dissolution and various public disputes over the years.
Tributes from Bandmates and the Music Industry
While the service itself was a private affair, the outpouring of public grief has been substantial. Fellow musicians and fans have flooded social media with tributes, recalling Mounfield's distinctive bass lines that drove hits like 'Fools Gold' and 'I Wanna Be Adored'. His playing style, a funky, rhythmic anchor, was fundamental to the band's unique sound that defined the 'Madchester' era and inspired countless acts that followed.
Mounfield's career extended beyond The Stone Roses. After leaving the band, he found significant success as a member of Primal Scream, contributing to several of their acclaimed albums. This chapter of his career cemented his reputation as one of the most versatile and respected bass players in British rock history.
A Legacy That Resonates in Adelaide and Beyond
For residents of Adelaide, the funeral served as a sombre reminder that a genuine music legend had been living quietly among them. His choice to settle in South Australia added a unique local dimension to the global story of his passing. The city, known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, has now become part of the final chapter in the story of a man who helped shape the sound of a generation.
The loss of Gary 'Mani' Mounfield is deeply felt. It represents not just the passing of a talented musician, but the fading of a direct link to a revolutionary period in music. His work with The Stone Roses continues to inspire new listeners, ensuring that his musical legacy will live on far beyond the private chapel service in Adelaide.
He is survived by his wife and children, who have requested privacy during this difficult time. The family has not disclosed the specific cause of his death.
