Zak Starkey has shared heartfelt memories of the late Gary “Mani” Mounfield, the iconic bassist known for his work with The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, who passed away on November 20, 2025, at the age of 63. Starkey revealed that during their last conversation, Mani expressed enthusiasm about making music again, stating he was ready to “dust off me strings and give it a go.”
Mani’s brother, Greg, announced the musician’s death to fans, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fellow artists. Ian Brown, frontman of The Stone Roses, and Simone Butler from Primal Scream were among those who honored Mani, alongside notable figures like Liam Gallagher.
A Legacy of Music and Charity
Starkey, who is also a drummer, highlighted that Mani was set to join his supergroup, Mantra Of The Cosmos, which included Andy Bell of Ride and Shaun Ryder from The Happy Mondays. Starkey noted that Mani’s commitment to his family, particularly due to the illness of his wife, Imelda, prevented him from participating. “There was no substitute for Mani,” Starkey stated, reflecting on the profound impact the bassist had on those around him.
Imelda passed away nearly two years prior, after a battle with bowel cancer. Together, they were instrumental in raising over £100,000 for local charities, including The Christie and Stockport NHS Charity, through auctions of music memorabilia. Their efforts aimed to alleviate the suffering of families facing similar challenges, as Imelda once expressed.
Starkey’s emotional tribute on social media included a video of a performance featuring Mani alongside Paul Weller and Graham Coxon on the Jonathan Ross show. He reminisced about the joy they shared while playing together, stating, “We locked in immediately and could not stop grinning.”
Tributes from the Music Community
In the wake of Mani’s death, various artists have paid their respects. Richard Ashcroft dedicated The Verve’s classic “Bittersweet Symphony” to him during a performance in Brazil, while both Liam and Noel Gallagher honored him with a rendition of “Live Forever.”
The band My Bloody Valentine also dedicated their first concert in seven years to Mani during a show in Dublin, and Primal Scream paid tribute during their performance at the Manchester Warehouse Project.
In a tribute, NME emphasized Mani’s significant influence in music, noting how he “defined a scene with some of the most infectious and hypnotic basslines ever recorded.” His work on tracks like “Elephant Stone,” “Made Of Stone,” and “Fools Gold” has left a lasting legacy in the music world.
As the music community continues to mourn the loss of Mani, Starkey’s reflections capture the essence of a man who was not only a remarkable musician but also a beloved figure, remembered for his warmth, humor, and unwavering spirit. His contributions to music and charity will resonate with fans and fellow musicians alike for years to come.
