Gary “Mani” Mounfield, the iconic bassist and a founding member of the influential Manchester band The Stone Roses, has died at the age of 63. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
The news was confirmed by his brother, Greg Mounfield, in a social media post announcing “the sad passing of my brother.” Tributes from the music world quickly followed. Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown posted, “Rest in peace Mani,” while Liam Gallagher expressed his shock on X, calling the bassist “my hero.” Tim Burgess of The Charlatans remembered him as “one of the absolute best in every way – such a beautiful friend,” and Rough Trade Records praised him as “the perfect example of how a bassist can be the beating heart of a band.”
Born in Crumpsall, Manchester, on November 16, 1962, Mounfield formed an early friendship with Ian Brown. He initially played guitar in precursor bands before switching to bass, where his love for Northern Soul and funk grooves defined his distinctive, melodic style.
With Mounfield and drummer Alan “Reni” Wren forming a formidable rhythm section, The Stone Roses’ 1989 self-titled debut album became a cornerstone of the “Madchester” movement. The record, which fused indie rock with rave culture, is widely regarded as one of the greatest British albums ever made. Reflecting on its legacy, Mounfield once called it a “classic album that is still relevant” and “light years ahead of its time.”
After the band’s legendary 1990 gig at Spike Island, it took four years to release the follow-up, Second Coming, which received a mixed reception. The Stone Roses disbanded in 1996.
Mounfield then joined Primal Scream, contributing to a period of creative revival for the Scottish group. He remained a full-time member until The Stone Roses reunited in 2011 for a highly anticipated world tour that lasted until 2017 and included the release of two new songs. He also collaborated with Andy Rourke of The Smiths and Peter Hook of New Order in the bassist supergroup Freebass.
Mounfield had recently announced an extensive UK speaking tour for 2026-2027 to share stories from his career. His death comes after his wife, Imelda, passed away from cancer in 2023. He is survived by his twin 12-year-old sons.
Reflecting on his life in a 2006 interview, Mounfield expressed gratitude for his career path. “I’m from north Manchester, not the best part of town, and I’ve been around the world two or three times playing music,” he said. “I could have ended up dealing crack or stealing cars or robbing houses, like a lot of my friends. Or dead.”
