Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield – a pillar of the British rock music scene who played with Primal Scream and The Stone Roses – has died at the age of 63.
Mounfield’s passing was announced by his brother, Greg, in a statement posted to social media, which read: “It is with the heaviest hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother, Gary Mani Mounfield. RIP RKID.”
News of Mounfield’s death tragically comes days after he announced an intimate run of in-conversation tour dates around the UK. The shows would have seen the legendary bassist look back on his time in both his bands, and reflect on milestone moments such as the Stone Roses’ comeback stadium tour.
Tributes for the bass veteran – whose singular sound shaped seminal Brit rock records such as the Stone Roses’ The Stone Roses and Second Coming, and Primal Scream’s Vanishing Point and Riot City Blues – have come flooding in, with the likes of Oasis’ Liam Gallagher and Happy Mondays’ Shaun Ryder leading the memorials.
The Stone Roses – Fools Gold (Official Video) – YouTube
Watch On
“In total shock and absolutely devastated on hearing the news about Mani. My hero. RIP RKID,” wrote Gallagher. Rowetta of the Happy Mondays said, “Back with your Imelda, Mani. Going to miss you so much.”
“One of the absolute best in every way,” The Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess wrote on X. “Such a beautiful friend. Love you Mani. Never to be forgotten.”
Mani’s old Stone Roses bandmate Ian Brown also posted his own tribute, writing, “Rest in peace Mani.”
Born in 1962 in Crumpsall, Manchester, Mani left school at the age of 16, later befriending Ian Brown and setting out on his path to becoming one of the British rock scene’s most influential exports.
He began his musical life as a rhythm player, though picked up bass when drafted in for The Waterfront – a band that featured none other than guitarist John Squire, and occasionally one Ian Brown.
Primal Scream – Burning Wheel (Live from Later… with Jools Holland 1997) – YouTube
“A True Giant of This City and a Massive Influence on Anyone Who’s Ever Picked Up a Guitar”: Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, Legendary British Rock Bassist, Dies Aged 63
Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield: Manchester’s Rock Icon
Gary “Mani” Mounfield, one of the most influential British rock bassists, has passed away at the age of 63. Renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to the renowned Manchester bands The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, Mani’s unmistakable basslines helped shape the sound of British rock during the late 20th century and beyond. His impact on musicians globally continues to resonate, earning him the heartfelt tribute of being a “true giant of this city [Manchester] and a massive influence on anyone who’s ever picked up a guitar.”
Musical Journey and Legacy
Born and raised in Crumpsall,Manchester,Gary Mounfield’s musical journey is tightly interwoven with the city’s vibrant and historic music scene. He rose to fame after joining The Stone Roses in the 1980s, a band that would pioneer the “baggy” sound-an eclectic mix of choice rock, psychedelia, and dance rhythms that dominated the UK music landscape.
His bass playing was essential in crafting this unique genre. Mani’s intuitive groove and melodic sensibility turned the bass guitar into a lead instrument in many Stone Roses tracks, inspiring countless musicians across genres.
Career Highlights
- Joined The Stone Roses in the mid-1980s, contributing to their eponymous debut album, considered a classic in British rock.
- Helped define the “Madchester” sound that blended indie rock with dance and acid house influences.
- Played with Primal Scream, becoming a vital part of their evolving sound in the 1990s onwards.
- Collaborated with other artists and projects, showcasing versatility and a passion for innovation.
Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield and The Stone Roses: Revolutionizing British rock
When Mani joined The Stone Roses, the band was on the precipice of transforming the British rock scene.Their debut album dropped in 1989 and was critically acclaimed for its freshness and energy. Tracks such as “I Wanna Be Adored,” “She Bangs the Drums,” and “Fools Gold” featured mani’s distinctive bass work, which balanced power with subtlety like few others could.
This debut helped lay the groundwork for the “Madchester” and “baggy” movements, influencing later Britpop and alternative rock bands.
| Year | Milestone | Band |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Joined The Stone Roses | The Stone Roses |
| 1989 | Released breakthrough debut album | The Stone Roses |
| 1996 | Joined Primal Scream as bassist | Primal Scream |
| 2012 | Stone Roses reunion tour | The Stone Roses |
Transition to Primal Scream: Reinvention and Enduring Influence
after The Stone Roses initially disbanded, Mani joined Primal Scream, a band known for their fusion of rock, dance, and electronic music. His arrival in 1996 coincided with some of Primal Scream’s most experimental and accomplished years, including participation in landmark albums such as “XTRMNTR.”
Mani’s fluid playing style and deep understanding of rhythm provided the perfect complement to primal Scream’s ever-evolving sound, demonstrating his ability to adapt and thrive in multiple musical contexts.
Influence on Fellow Musicians and Guitarists
Gary Mani’s bass technique has inspired a generation of guitarists and bassists alike. His playing combined the raw energy of rock with a groove-driven approach that made the bass jump out as a melodic force rather then just a rhythmic underpinning. This distinctive style encouraged many to push their own boundaries, whether they picked up a guitar or bass for the first time.
- Innovative Basslines: Mani’s bass work often served as hooks and motifs, influencing band arrangements.
- Groove and Feel: Known for his impeccable timing and ability to groove,inspiring musicians to prioritize feel and emotion.
- Cross-Genre Appeal: Bridges the gap between rock,dance,and electronic music,illustrating versatility.
Tributes and Reactions Across the Music World
The news of Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield’s passing has triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes from musicians, fans, and critics globally. His brother, Greg Mounfield, confirmed his death on social media, leading to heartfelt messages that remember Mani as much more than just a musician-but a cultural icon of Manchester’s thriving music scene.
Fans emphasize his down-to-earth personality, humility, and passion for music, celebrating both his professional achievements and personal qualities.
First-Hand Experience: The Mani Sound
Musicians who have performed live with or listened intently to Mani describe his presence as electrifying. Whether onstage or in the studio, Mani’s bass playing elevated the entire band’s sound and energy.His ability to lock in with drummers whilst carving melodic pathways remains a masterclass for aspiring bassists and guitar players.
“Playing with Mani was an education in groove and restraint, his lines singing as much as they thumped.” – Former bandmate
benefits and practical Tips for Guitarists Inspired by Mani
If you are a guitarist or bassist inspired by Mani’s legacy, here are some practical tips based on his style and approach:
- Focus on Groove Over Speed: Master rhythm and timing to make your playing feel alive.
- Create Melodic Basslines: Treat the bass as an additional melodic voice within the band.
- Blend Genres: Don’t be afraid to explore blending rock with dance, electronic, or psychedelic elements.
- Stay Humble: Like Mani, let your passion for the music shine through without showboating.
- listen Intently: Pay close attention to how basslines interact with drums and guitar to tighten the overall sound.
Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield’s Discography Essentials
| Band | Iconic albums | Notable Songs |
|---|---|---|
| the Stone Roses | The Stone Roses (1989) | “She Bangs the Drums,” “Fools Gold,” “I Wanna Be Adored” |
| Primal Scream | XTRMNTR (2000),Evil Heat (2002) | “Swastika Eyes,” “Kill All Hippies,” “Autobahn 66” |
Watch On
He rose to prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and through his work with Brown and The Stone Roses – whom he co-founded in 1983 – helped introduce a whole generation of rock fans to the dance music and club culture scenes.
The band’s blend of psychedelic pop and acid house music – propped up by Mani’s inimitable groove and his trusty Rickenbacker 3000 – was a hit with a huge score of music fans, appealing to both ends of the music spectrum, from indie kids to clubbers alike.
Mani played on both of Stone Roses’ records, leaving for Primal Scream when the group disbanded. He stayed with Scream from 1996 to 2011, leaving with the announcement that he’d be reforming the Stone Roses.
In 2012, the band embarked on a historic comeback stadium tour, at first playing three homecoming shows in Heaton Park, Manchester, and one gig in Phoenix, Dublin, before traveling around Europe, Asia, North America, and Oceania for 50 additional dates.
Speaking to The Rockonteurs podcast weeks before his death, Mani had hinted at his intentions of returning to the road, despite alluding to the contrary in a 2021 interview.
“I’m in a great space at the moment,” he said. “Itching to get back bro. I’m ready to get back.
“Johnny Marr’s always trying to get me to do stuff. Liam (Gallagher) was always trying to get me involved with stuff before the Oasis thing. I’m feeling now that I could pick up again, you know? I’ve been in the lock up having a look at stuff and weeding out my collection.”
Charity ART for MCR released its own statement in response to Mani’s death, writing, “We’re gutted to hear of the passing of Gary “Mani” Mounfield – a true giant of this city and a massive influence on anyone who’s ever picked up a guitar or stepped on a stage ’round here.
“All our love goes out to the Mounfield family, the Roses community, and everyone feeling this loss today. Rest easy Mani. Manchester’s beat won’t ever be the same.”
