Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, the former bass player of the Stone Roses and Primal Scream, has died at the age of 63. His death was confirmed by Stone Roses singer Ian Brown, who posted on social media: 'rest in peace Mani', alongside a kiss symbol.
Mounfield was a key figure in two of the most influential British rock bands of the past four decades. He was part of the classic Stone Roses line-up alongside Ian Brown, guitarist John Squire and drummer Alan 'Reni' Wren. Their 1989 self-titled debut album, featuring hits such as 'I Wanna Be Adored', 'She Bangs The Drums', and 'I Am The Resurrection', heralded a new sound in British music, mixing classic rock riffs with dance music.
Hailing from Manchester, the band emerged in the 'Madchester' era that dominated the late 1980s and early 1990s and laid the foundations for the Britpop phenomenon that produced Blur, Oasis and Pulp. Mounfield also played on the band's less well-received second album, 1994's 'Second Coming'.
After the Stone Roses broke up in 1996 due to musical differences, Mounfield joined Scottish rock band Primal Scream, first appearing on their album 'Vanishing Point' in 1997. His bass playing was a key part of the Krautrock-influenced lead single 'Kowalski'. He went on to record four more albums with the band.
Tributes have poured in from fellow musicians and public figures. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said Mounfield would 'forever be a Manchester legend', while Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher called him 'my hero'. Tim Burgess of The Charlatans shared a photo with Mounfield, noting it 'never failed to bring a smile' to his face.
Mounfield also had a guest role in the 2002 film '24 Hour Party People' and was part of the supergroup Freebass alongside bassists Andy Rourke of The Smiths and Peter Hook of Joy Division and New Order. He was due to embark on a speaking tour in September 2026 called 'The Stone Roses, Primal Scream, And Me'. Mounfield is survived by his twin sons from his marriage to his late wife Imelda.
