Stone Roses Bassist Gary 'Mani' Mounfield Dies at 63

Legendary Bassist Gary 'Mani' Mounfield Passes Away

Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, the iconic bassist of British rock band The Stone Roses, has died at age 63. His brother Greg Mounfield announced the tragic news on Facebook on November 20, 2025, stating: 'It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother Gary Mani Mounfield. RIP RKID.' No cause of death has been disclosed.

Musical Legacy and Career

Mounfield joined The Stone Roses in 1987, becoming an integral part of the band's classic lineup alongside vocalist Ian Brown, guitarist John Squire, and drummer Alan 'Reni' Wren. The band's 1989 self-titled debut album revolutionized British music, blending psychedelic rock with dance influences to create the distinctive 'Madchester' sound. Hits like I Wanna Be Adored and She Bangs The Drums became anthems, while Fool's Gold reached the top 10 in the Netherlands.

After The Stone Roses disbanded in 1996, Mounfield joined Scottish rock band Primal Scream, where he played bass for 15 years and contributed to acclaimed albums including Vanishing Point and XTRMNTR. The Stone Roses reunited in 2011 for several years of touring before disbanding again in 2017.

Tributes from Music World

The news prompted an outpouring of grief from fellow musicians. Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown posted 'REST IN PEACE MANI X' on social media. Oasis singer Liam Gallagher expressed being 'IN TOTAL SHOCK AND ABSOLUTELY DEVASTATED ON HEARING THE NEWS ABOUT MANI MY HERO RIP RKID' on X.

Tim Burgess, lead singer of The Charlatans, shared a photo with Mounfield on Instagram, writing: 'He always put a smile on my face. He was one of the absolute best in every way, a beautiful friend.'

Personal Life and Legacy

Born in Crumpsall, Manchester on November 16, 1962, Mounfield was a passionate Manchester United supporter and darts enthusiast. He met his wife Imelda during the recording of The Stone Roses' second album Second Coming at Rockfield Studios in Wales. The couple had twin sons before Imelda's death from bowel cancer in November 2023.

Mounfield's innovative bass playing, particularly his use of a Rickenbacker 4005 with Jackson Pollock-inspired paint splatters, influenced generations of musicians. His work helped define the Britpop era that followed, inspiring bands like Oasis, Blur, and Pulp. As music journalist Dave Simpson noted, 'Mani transformed The Stone Roses from tweeness to something slicker, sleeker, and groovier - his basslines were the heartbeat of Madchester.'

The bassist had recently announced a UK speaking tour scheduled for 2026-2027. His death leaves an immense void in the British music scene, where he was celebrated not only for his musical contributions but also for his warmth and approachability.