Stone Roses Bassist Gary 'Mani' Mounfield Dies at 63—A Manchester Music Legend

The music world has lost a true legend. Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, the brilliant bassist for The Stone Roses and later Primal Scream, has passed away at 63. He was responsible for some of the most memorable basslines in British rock history, including the iconic opening of "I Wanna Be Adored." His brother Greg confirmed the sad news on social media, though the cause of death has not been revealed.

Key Points: Stone Roses and Primal Scream Bassist Gary Mani Mounfield Dies

  • Played the iconic bassline on The Stone Roses' hit "I Wanna Be Adored"
  • Joined Primal Scream in 1996 and played on five of their albums
  • The Stone Roses had four UK Top 10 singles including "Love Spreads"
  • His death was announced by his brother Greg on social media
3 min read

Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, Stone Roses and Primal Scream Bassist, passes away at 63

Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, bassist for The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, known for the iconic opening of "I Wanna Be Adored," has passed away at age 63.

"It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother Gary Mani Mounfield. - Greg Mounfield"

Los Angeles, November 21

Stone Roses bassist Gary "Mani" Mounfield, who played the iconic opening notes on the Manchester band's 1989 hit "I Wanna Be Adored" and later joined Primal Scream, has passed away. He was 63.

The news of his demise was confirmed by brother Greg Mounfield on social media.

"It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother Gary Mani Mounfield," he wrote on Facebook. "Rip Rkid."

The cause of his death has not been revealed yet.

After learning about his demise, 'Game of Thrones' star Alfie Allen took to Instagram and paid a heartfelt tribute to Mani.

"Very sad to hear of Mani's passing today. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. He was the warmest, kindest man to me as a kid and always had a smile on his face. I have fond memories of him. Rest in peace legend," he posted.

Born on November 16, 1962, in Manchester and known to fans as Mani, Mounfield played on The Stone Roses' two studio albums -- the group's eponymous 1989 debut and Second Coming (1994) -- both of which made the UK Top 5, as per Deadline.

Associated with the indie "Madchester" sound of the early '90s that also included Happy Mondays, James, The Charlatans and others, the group had four Top 10 singles in Great Britain: "Fool's Gold"/"What the World Is Waiting For," "Elephant Stone," "One Love" and "Love Spreads," the latter reaching No. 2 to become its biggest hit.

The Stone Roses didn't hit as big on the U.S. pop scene but made Top 10 of Billboard's Modern Rock chart with "Elephant Stone," "One Love" and "Love Spreads" and "She Bangs the Drums." Both of the group's album also reached the Top 100 stateside. Its other popular tracks include "Ten Storey Love Song," "I Wanna Be Adored," "I Am the Resurrection," "Made of Stone," "All for One," "Waterfall" and "Begging You."

Mounfield left the group in 1995, and the group disbanded the following year.

In 1996, Mounfield joined the popular Scottish alt-rock group Primal Scream, which was coming off a short hiatus. He played bass on five of its albums from 1997's Vanishing Point through 2008's Beautiful Future, including UK Top 10 singles "Kowalski" and "Country Girl," and during that time Mounfield also toured with Stereophonics.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
So sad to hear this. Primal Scream's "Country Girl" was my introduction to alternative rock when I was studying abroad in London. Mani's bass work was always so distinctive and groovy. Condolences to his family and friends.
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Priya S
While I respect his musical contributions, I wish the article had focused more on his later years and what he was doing recently. 63 is too young to go. May his soul attain moksha. 🙏
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Arjun K
Stone Roses was one of the first international bands I got into after hearing "Fool's Gold" at a Mumbai cafe. Mani's basslines had that perfect balance of melody and rhythm. His legacy will continue to inspire musicians across India and beyond.
M
Michael C
The transition from Stone Roses to Primal Scream showed his incredible versatility. "Vanishing Point" remains one of my favorite albums. Sad day for music lovers everywhere.
K
Kavya N
Alfie Allen's tribute shows what a kind soul Mani was beyond his musical genius. Sometimes we focus so much on the art that we forget the artist's humanity. Rest in peace to a true legend. 🕊️

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