Gary “Mani” Mounfield, trailblazing bassist of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, dies aged 63

20 November 2025

Legendary Manchester rock bassist Gary “Mani” Mounfield, whose groove-laden riffing helped define the late-1980s Madchester sound with The Stone Roses and later powered the resurgence of Primal Scream, has died at the age of 63, his family announced on 20 November 2025.

Born on 16 November 1962 in Crumpsall, Manchester, Mounfield left school at 16 and began his musical journey in local bands before joining the Stone Roses in 1987, replacing founding bassist Pete Garner. His arrival marked a shift in the band’s sound. With his deep Northern soul influences and a Rickenbacker bass, he helped push the band into groove-heavy territory, contributing significantly to their landmark self-titled 1989 debut album widely regarded as a touchstone of British indie and dance crossover.

In the Stone Roses era, Mani’s playing stood out for its melodic yet rhythmic power. Songs like “Fools Gold,” “Waterfall” and “I Am the Resurrection” fused rock guitar textures with funk-informed bass lines, giving the Roses a distinctive identity that inspired contemporaries including Oasis. It was said that when Mani joined, everything “fell into place.”

When the Stone Roses disbanded in 1996, Mani transitioned to the Scottish band Primal Scream, where he remained a full-time member until 2011. With Primal Scream he played on albums such as Vanishing Point (1997), XTRMNTR (2000) and Beautiful Future (2008) records that blended rock, electronic and experimental modes, with Mani’s bass continuing to anchor the rhythm section.

Even after the Roses’ 2011-17 reunion ended, Mani remained a prominent figure. He also joined the bassist-supergroup Freebass alongside Andy Rourke (The Smiths) and Peter Hook (Joy Division/New Order), further cementing his status among British music’s most respected rhythm players.

His death was confirmed by his brother Greg on social-media posting: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother.” A cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed. Tributes poured in from bandmates and fellow artists. Ian Brown of the Roses wrote simply: “Rest in peace Mani.” Liam Gallagher posted that he was “in total shock and absolutely devastated … my hero.”

Beyond his musical achievements, Mani’s life story resonates with working-class authenticity. He often spoke of music as having saved him he grew up surrounded by friends lost to drug addiction and violence in Manchester’s north, and sees his success as improbable and hard-won.

He was deeply rooted in his home city, a passionate supporter of Manchester United, and maintained a love of fishing, pubs and community ties. He is survived by his twin sons, Gene Clark and George Christopher, born in 2012, and was preceded in death by his wife Imelda, who died of cancer in 2023.

When reflecting on his legacy, many point to how his bass playing gave the Stone Roses both propulsive drive and melodic subtlety. His playing allowed the groove to breathe, while remaining memorably hook-driven. That balance technically skilled but emotionally rich is part of what made the album of 1989 still sound fresh decades later.

His impact remains significant: he bridged indie rock, dance rhythms and funk in a way few bassists did at the time, and helped push British rock toward the new possibilities of the 1990s. The Madchester movement, and its influence on Britpop and beyond, carries his imprint.

In remembering Mani, musicians and fans alike highlight not only his skill but his generosity of spirit. Tim Burgess of The Charlatans described him as “one of the absolute best in every way such a beautiful friend.

The full scale of his work will likely continue to be reassessed in years to come. For now, the music world bids farewell to a bassist whose groove was foundational, whose sound took wings, and whose presence grounded the magic. Rest in peace Gary “Mani” Mounfield your bass lines will keep us moving.