Stone Roses legend Gary “Mani” Mounfield is being laid to rest in Manchester today. Mourners have been lining the street to celebrate his life and there are plenty of famous faces in attendance too
Today marks the funeral of the legendary Gary “Mani” Mounfield. The Stone Roses bassist, who also played with Primal Scream, is being remembered at Manchester Cathedral and mourners have been lining the streets to pay tribute to his remarkable life.
The Madchester band’s self-titled album of 1989 is considered one of the greatest of all time and was a huge influence in the Britpop movement. Mani’s melodic and funky bass playing was central to the band’s sound, especially on tracks like “I Wanna Be Adored” and “Fools Gold.”
It’s clear just how many lives Mani touched when you look at all the love he is receiving today. Oasis band members Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs and Andy Bell have arrived at the service.
Stone Roses star Ian Brown has also come to pay his respects at the venue. He spoke at the service and told the congregation: “Mani was like a brother to me, a musical comrade. Beautiful soul and spirit. Mani was able to laugh his way through any darkness. He was the life and soul of any room he was in.”
“Mani wouldn’t want us to be broken-hearted but we are,” said Ian, before suggesting that Manchester erect a 50 foot gold statue in his honour.
Primal Scream’s Bobby Gillespie said: “Mani’s not dead, he’s just gone. He will always live forever in my soul and mind.”
Plus, Paul Weller was spotted among a crowd of mourners celebrating Mani’s life today.
Mani was known for his love of Manchester United Football Club, so it’s very special to see football legends attend the service. David Beckham is attending the funeral with his close friend and former teammate Gary Neville.
Meanwhile, Happy Monday stars have also left tributes. Bez spoke to reporters on the way into the service and described Mani as “a proper one of the boys.”
He added: “Everyone loved him… He will be truly missed. We’ve just got a massive history together, sharing a history like that it’s special. He’s part of the Manchester heritage.”
In a heart-felt Instagram post, Shaun Ryder added: “Sending my heartfelt condolences to Mani’s boys and all of his family and loved ones today. Absolutely gutted I am bed ridden with flu and can’t be at his service and celebration of life, but my love and thoughts are with you all.”
Mani passed just two years after his wife Imelda. He joined The Stone Roses in 1987 stayed with the group until they first disbanded in 1996.
He went on to play in Primal Scream for 15 years until 2011, when he reformed The Stone Roses. Mani was also a member of the supergroup Freebass, with Andy Rourke from The Smiths and Peter Hook from Joy Division and New Order.
Mani’s passing was announced by his brother Greg on November 20, who wrote on Facebook: “IT IS WITH THE HEAVIEST OF HEARTS THAT I HAVE TO ANNOUNCE THE SAD PASSING OF MY BROTHER GARY MANI MOUNFIELD. RIP RKID.”
Gary’s nephew also paid a heartbreaking tribute to the rocker, writing on X: “Unfortunately with sad news my uncle Gary Mani Mounfield from the Stone Roses has sadly passed away today.
“Thinking of his twins and my uncle Greg at this sad time. He will be reunited in heaven with his lovely wife Imelda RIP Manni Your annoying nephew.”
Meanwhile, Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher – who often quoted The Stone Roses as a huge influence – said on X that he was in “total shock” about Mani’s death. He said he was “absolutely devastated”, describing the bass player as “my hero”.
Liam attended Mani’s funeral today [22 December] and helped to carry the Stone Roses icon’s coffin out of the church. The Oasis frontman looked emotional and raised his hand as he said one final goodbye to his pal.
His fellow Stone Roses bandmate Ian Brown wrote on X: “REST IN PEACE MANi X”.
Meanwhile, Happy Mondays singer Rowetta posted on X: “Going to miss you so much. All my love to the boys, the family & all those who knew & loved him.”
ART for MCR, an organisation raising money for Manchester charities through musical events, said the city’s beat “won’t ever be the same” following the tragic death of the music icon.
David Beckham also attended the service and was seen embracing Mani’s brother as they shared kind words to each other.
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