Stone Roses bassist Gary “Mani” Mounfield has died aged 63, two years after the death of his wife Imelda following her battle with cancer.
His family confirmed the news on social media, prompting an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow musicians.
His nephew wrote on X, “Unfortunately with sad news my uncle Gary Mani Mounfield from the Stone Roses has sadly passed away today.
“Thinking of his twins and my uncle Greg at this sad time.
“He will be reunited in heaven with his lovely wife Imelda.”
Mani’s brother also posted on Facebook, “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother. Gary Mani Mounfield RIP.”
The musician is understood to have suffered a seizure at home.
He was last seen publicly at the funeral of boxer Ricky Hatton at Manchester Cathedral last month.
Bandmate Ian Brown paid tribute on X, writing, “Rest in Peace Mani.”
A source close to the family told The Sun that Mani’s former bandmates and friends, including Oasis’s Liam Gallagher, were notified earlier in the day.
“Mani’s death has rocked everyone,” they said.
“Noel and Liam Gallagher were phoned before the news of his passing was made public.
“They’re on tour in South America and were informed by telephone.
“Likewise with the Stone Roses and Primal Scream.
“It’s an incredibly sad time and everyone is shocked.”
Liam Gallagher later shared his own message on X, “In total shock and absolutely devastated on hearing the news about Mani. My hero.”
The Charlatans’ frontman Tim Burgess wrote, “One of the absolute best in every way – such a beautiful friend.
“Love you Mani xx Never to be forgotten.”
Mani’s death comes two years after losing his wife, Imelda, who died in November 2023 aged 52 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2020.
The couple share twin boys born in 2013.
Liam Gallagher and Stone Roses frontman John Squire were among those who attended her funeral in Manchester.
Reflecting on their long friendship, Squire previously said, “Mani and his wife really doted on our girls when they were younger.
“I’ve been in touch with Mani a lot since the first time the band broke up.
“We used to go on holiday together, the two families.
“They’d always shower the girls with gifts – Mani still chucks money at them.”
After Imelda’s diagnosis, Mani spoke to the BBC about the emotional strain. He described experiencing a “whole spectrum of emotions,” adding, “One day you can be paranoid and flapping and very, very fearful about stuff and then the next day you can see she’s putting in the effort, there’s a pride in the fight of the lady.”
He continued, “It really puts you through the wringer … it’s an old juggling balancing act of keeping your own emotions in check while also trying to offer a bit of support.”
Her death came just weeks after original Stone Roses bassist Pete Garner died aged 61.
Mani rose to fame after joining the Stone Roses in 1987.
Following the band’s split in 1996, he joined Primal Scream while continuing to advocate for a Roses reunion.
He performed with them until 2011, and the band later reformed for a global run of 17 arena and stadium shows.
Their final singles, All For One and Beautiful Thing, were released in 2016.
Reflecting on the band’s last chapter, Squire said at the time, “Both were really difficult to record so an album would’ve been beyond us.
“That last tour was an obligation, we all knew we weren’t signing up for anything more, so, in that sense, it was a satisfying ending.”
Mani had recently announced a solo “in conversation with” tour scheduled for next summer, where he planned to share memories of his career.
Fans were told, “He’ll remember ‘Fools Gold’, Wembley Stadium, Ally Pally, court cases, bucket hats, Adidas, ‘Screamadelica’, and the ‘Second Coming’. It’s What The World Is Waiting For.”
Born and raised in Manchester, Mani left school at 16 to pursue music.
Tributes from colleagues and fans have described him as an icon of the city’s musical identity.
Happy Mondays singer Rowetta wrote on X, “Going to miss you so much. All my love to the boys, the family & all those who knew & loved him.”
One fan called him “a Man United fan who just happened to be a bass guitar genius. One of us,” while another wrote, “The Stone Roses were the first band that made music make sense to me. We’ve lost a legend today.”
Replying to Mani’s nephew online, another added, “Awful news, was a top bloke your uncle, always had time for everyone if people recognised him.”
Images: Instagram
