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Gary “Mani” Mounfield, the bass player for the Stone Roses, has died at 63. 

His brother Greg shared the news Thursday on Facebook: “IT IS WITH THE HEAVIEST OF HEARTS THAT I HAVE TO ANNOUNCE THE SAD PASSING OF MY BROTHER GARY MANI MOUNFIELD.” 

A cause of death for the English musician wasn’t disclosed. 

According to the Manchester Evening News, paramedics were called to a property that was thought to be Mounfield’s home on Thursday morning. However, nobody was taken to the hospital.


  Gary Mounfield of the Stone Roses at the V Festival in Weston Park, England, Aug. 19, 2012. AP Gary Mounfield of the Stone Roses at the V Festival in Weston Park, England, Aug. 19, 2012. AP

  The Stone Roses posed in a London studio in July 1990: Reni, Mani, Ian Brown, John Squire. Redferns The Stone Roses posed in a London studio in July 1990: Reni, Mani, Ian Brown, John Squire. Redferns

Before his death, Mounfield had been planning to go on tour.

In his final Instagram post on Nov. 13, he wrote, “I think I’m embarking on what could be my final road trip … Getting too old now. Anyway, there’s a lot to go at … Anybody wanting to hear slaggings off of bandmates … or titbits of dirt, conjecture & gossip … I’m not that guy.”

He concluded, “I will be giving my skewed vision of my own life, I never did, and would never rat on my comrades … hope you come out and say hello.”

On Thursday, Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown posted on X, “REST IN PEACE MANi X.”


  English musician Gary Mounfield in Manchester in 2014. Getty Images English musician Gary Mounfield in Manchester in 2014. Getty Images

The band’s account posted: “RIP our wonderful brother Mani. The greatest bass player and friend we could ever have wished for.”

Fellow musicians, such as Oasis singer Liam Gallagher, 53, have spoken out with tributes. Gallagher posted on X, “In total shock and absolutely devastated on hearing the news about Mani. My hero, RIP R Kid.”

Singer Lily Allen shared a photo of him on her Instagram story, accompanied by a heart emoji.

Liam Fray, who is in the Manchester band the Courteeners, posted on Instagram: “Absolutely devastated to hear the news about Mani. This is what true sadness feels like. Everyone who knew you will miss you so much. Thank you for the good times, every one of them was a privilege. Thinking of all your family and friends. Rest in Peace Brother.”


  Gary Mounfield performing onstage at Wembley Stadium on June 17, 2017. NurPhoto via Getty Images Gary Mounfield performing onstage at Wembley Stadium on June 17, 2017. NurPhoto via Getty Images

  Mani of the Stone Roses during a rehearsal in Manchester in 1994. Getty Images Mani of the Stone Roses during a rehearsal in Manchester in 1994. Getty Images

Born in 1962 in Crumpsall, England, Mounfield formed the band that would become the Stone Roses in the early ‘80s, along with John Squire and Andy Couzens. Frontman Ian Brown joined later, and they changed their name from the Fireside Chaps to the Stone Roses. The band’s self-titled first album came out in 1989. 

Known for songs such as “Love Spreads,” “This Is The One” and “Fools Gold,” they dominated the Manchester rock scene and were known for their often psychedelic sound. 

The band broke up in 1996 but got together for a reunion in 2011 and went on a world tour in 2012. In 2016, they released two new singles, “All For One” and “Beautiful Thing” — their first new material in over a decade — before they split again in 2017. 


  John Squire, Mani, Ian Brown and Reni of the Stone Roses in 2011. Getty Images John Squire, Mani, Ian Brown and Reni of the Stone Roses in 2011. Getty Images

  Gary Mounfield attends the launch of Esquire Magazine’s June issue in 2011 in London. Getty Images Gary Mounfield attends the launch of Esquire Magazine’s June issue in 2011 in London. Getty Images

  Mani Mounfield performing with Primal Scream in June 2006 at the Isle of Wight Festival in Britain. Getty Images Mani Mounfield performing with Primal Scream in June 2006 at the Isle of Wight Festival in Britain. Getty Images

After the band’s first split in 1996, Mounfield joined Primal Scream. The bassist was with the Scottish rock band for 15 years, playing on albums such as 1997’s “Vanishing Point,” 2002’s “Evil Heat” and 2008’s “Beautiful Future.” 

The Manchester rock band New Order shared on X, “We are really sorry and shocked to hear of the passing of Mani. He was a great guy, good fun and a father to two boys. Long may he live in the hearts and minds of all his family, friends and fans.”

The organization ART for MCR, which uses music events to raise money for charities in Manchester, posted, “Unreal this. Absolutely numbed us. 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.”

Mounfield shared twin 12-year-old sons with his wife Imelda, who died of cancer in November 2023. He is survived by his sons.

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