The music world mourns the loss of Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, the renowned bassist of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, who passed away at the age of 63. His brother, Greg Mounfield, announced the heartbreaking news on social media on November 20, 2023, expressing profound sorrow over the sudden loss.
In a post on Facebook, Greg shared, “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother Gary Mani Mounfield. RIP RKID.” He added a poignant note in the comments, stating, “Reunited with his beautiful wife Imelda.” This announcement comes just two years after the death of Mani’s wife, Imelda, who succumbed to bowel cancer in 2023.
Tributes from Family and Friends
Just two days later, on November 22, Greg Mounfield posted a touching family photograph that included Mani, Imelda, and other loved ones. He wrote, “On behalf of myself and all my family Mounfield/McGill, I would like to say a massive thanks for all the messages and tributes to RKid. RIP Gaz.” This message reflects the family’s deep gratitude for the outpouring of support during this challenging time.
The family has shared several moving tributes since Mani’s passing. On November 21, his stepbrother, John Barlow, expressed his devastation on social media with a childhood photograph of Mani, Greg, and himself. He wrote, “Absolutely devastated to hear of the sudden passing of my step brother Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield. Having recently lost his wife Imelda, it now leaves the two boys without a mum or dad. My thoughts are with his brother Greg and the boys, absolutely tragic.” Greg reiterated his grief with a simple caption alongside the same photograph: “Heartbroken.”
The image captures a young Mani in a zip-up jacket, standing beside a bespectacled Greg, a reminder of their close bond and shared childhood in Crumpsall, Manchester.
Mani’s Musical Legacy
Gary Mounfield rose to fame as a pivotal member of The Stone Roses, a band that emerged during the late 1980s and became synonymous with the Britpop movement. He featured prominently on both of the group’s acclaimed albums before the band’s split in 1996. Following this, Mani joined Primal Scream, where he continued to make significant contributions to the music scene. In 2011, he returned to The Stone Roses, marking a celebrated reunion for fans of the iconic band.
Since the announcement of his death, tributes have poured in from across the music industry. Ian Brown, lead singer of The Stone Roses, shared a heartfelt message, writing, “REST IN PEACE MANi X.” The official statement from The Stone Roses conveyed similar sentiments, stating, “RIP our wonderful brother Mani. The greatest bass player and friend we could ever have wished for.”
As friends, family, and fans grapple with the loss of Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, his influence on music and the indelible mark he left on those around him will not be forgotten. The legacy of his artistry and the memories he created will continue to resonate in the hearts of many.
