Mani, Legendary Bassist for The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, Dies at 63

Manchester — Gary “Mani” Mounfield, the iconic bassist whose swaggering, melodic playing was the backbone of The Stone Roses and a driving force in Primal Scream, has died at the age of 63. The cause of death has not been announced.

A pivotal figure in the 'Madchester' scene of the late 1980s and early 90s, Mani’s inventive basslines were fundamental to the sound that defined a generation and inspired countless musicians, including a young Noel and Liam Gallagher.

His death comes as a shock to fans, particularly as he had recently announced an extensive speaking tour of the UK scheduled for 2026 and 2027, where he planned to share stories from his storied career, including the Stone Roses’ legendary 1990 gig at Spike Island.

The news is compounded by recent personal tragedy; Mani’s wife, Imelda, died from cancer in 2023.

Born in Crumpsall, Manchester, on 16 November 1962, Mounfield left school at 16. His musical journey began in the early 80s when he formed the band the Fireside Chaps with future Stone Roses guitarist John Squire. After several lineup and name changes, which included recruiting Ian Brown as frontman, the band cemented their identity as The Stone Roses, playing their first official gig in October 1984.

While they quickly became local heroes, national success was a slow burn. However, by the late 80s, their self-titled debut album had become a seminal work of British rock, with Mani’s fluid, funky bass playing on tracks like, “She Bangs the Drums”, and, “Fools Gold”, becoming instantly recognisable.

Mani often credited the band with turning his life around. In a notoriously tough era in Manchester, he later reflected that being in the Roses, “probably saved his life”, noting that he watched 17 friends from his youth die of heroin addiction.

After the Stone Roses acrimoniously split in 1996, Mani seamlessly transitioned into another of Britain’s most influential bands, joining Primal Scream. His arrival is widely credited with sparking a creative revival for the group, powering them through acclaimed albums like Vanishing Point and the Mercury Prize-winning XTRMNTR.

He remained a full-time member of Primal Scream until 2011, when the seemingly impossible happened: The Stone Roses reformed. The reunion saw the band embark on a triumphant world tour, including a historic homecoming at Manchester’s Heaton Park in 2012. They also released two new songs, “All for One”, and, “Beautiful Thing”, before quietly disbanding again in 2017.

Outside of music, Mani was a famously down-to-earth character, a die-hard Manchester United supporter who, in later life, enjoyed fishing and a post-angling pint at the pub.

He is survived by his twin sons, Gene Clark and George Christopher, who are 12 years old.