The music world is in mourning following the death of Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, the legendary bassist for Manchester's iconic band The Stone Roses. He was 63 years old.
Cause of death confirmed by family
Mounfield passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Thursday, November 20. His family has now confirmed that his death was linked to respiratory issues stemming from a long-standing lung condition, specifically emphysema. Greater Manchester Police stated the death was non-suspicious, and it has not been referred to the coroner.
A musical legacy and personal loss
The news was shared publicly by his brother, Greg, on social media, prompting an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow musicians. Tributes poured in from former bandmate Ian Brown and Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, who hailed him as a 'magnificent musician and Mancunian'.
His death comes almost two years to the day after the passing of his beloved wife, Imelda, who died aged 50 on November 18, 2023, following a diagnosis of stage four bowel cancer. The couple are survived by their 13-year-old twin sons, Gene and George.
Funeral arrangements and career highlights
A funeral service for the musician is scheduled for Monday, December 22 at Manchester Cathedral at 11:30am. The service is by invitation only, followed by a private committal and an invite-only wake.
Mounfield's career defined an era of British music. After leaving school at 16, he joined The Stone Roses in 1987, playing on their seminal albums until the band's initial split in 1996. He then became a member of Primal Scream. In 2011, he was instrumental in reforming The Stone Roses after band members reunited at his mother's funeral, leading to several successful reunion tours.
