Quick Read
- Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, legendary bassist of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, died at age 63 on November 20, 2025.
- Tributes poured in from musicians, fans, and Manchester United, highlighting Mani’s impact on music and local culture.
- Mani was a lifelong supporter of Manchester United, known for his humility and connection to the city.
- Heaton Park’s new ‘Northern Lights’ Christmas trail, covered live by Manchester Evening News, drew thousands and reflected Manchester’s festive spirit.
- No official cause of death was confirmed; Mani’s passing follows nearly two years after his wife’s death.
Manchester Unites in Tribute: The Passing of Mani
Manchester is no stranger to legends, but few have been as universally beloved as Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, the iconic bassist of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream. On November 20, 2025, news of Mani’s passing at age 63 swept through the city, leaving fans, fellow musicians, and the wider community in shock and sorrow.
Born in Crumpsall, Manchester, Mani’s journey began in the vibrant music scene of the 1980s. His basslines powered The Stone Roses through two seminal albums before he moved on to Primal Scream, only to return for a monumental reunion tour. But Mani’s legacy stretched far beyond his musical talent. He was described as ‘a proper Manc’—a man of the people whose grin and warmth made him approachable and relatable.
As the Manchester Evening News reported, tributes poured in from every corner of the music world. His brother Greg expressed the family’s heartbreak, while Rowetta from Happy Mondays shared her personal grief. Tim Burgess of The Charlatans called him ‘one of the absolute best in every possible way.’ Even Manchester United, the football club Mani passionately supported, honored him as a ‘Manchester music icon and a lifelong Red.’ The club highlighted how ‘This Is The One’—a Stone Roses anthem—echoes through Old Trafford each matchday, a testament to Mani’s imprint on Manchester’s culture.
Neighbors in Heaton Moor described Mani as reserved, a family man who kept to himself, while emergency services confirmed they were called to his home on Thursday morning, marking the end of an era for local residents. The emotional outpouring continued online, with fans invited to share tributes and memories through the newspaper’s dedicated page.
Manchester’s Musical Heartbeat: Reflections from Friends and Fans
What made Mani unique wasn’t just his talent—it was his humility. Stuart Greer, former journalist, recounted meeting Mani at DJ sets and festivals, always finding him down-to-earth and approachable despite his rock star status. Chris Gee, MEN reporter, remembered Mani’s role in the band’s rhythm section, his easygoing nature, and pride in the Stone Roses’ legacy.
Across Manchester and beyond, musicians and bands shared their grief. Fontaines D.C., Peter Hook, Paul Arthurs, Kasabian, Shaun Ryder, and many more expressed their shock and sadness. DJ Dave Sweetmore revealed Mani’s excitement for an upcoming conversational tour, and Luke Una recalled Mani’s warmth and humor at funerals and club nights.
Manchester’s mayor Andy Burnham reminisced about Mani’s generosity, especially at cancer charity events, highlighting Mani’s dedication to giving back to the NHS and local causes. Salford Lads’ Club noted his support for their institution, affirming that his distinctive bass lines would ‘rumble forevermore.’
Personal Losses and Final Farewells
Mani’s passing comes nearly two years after the death of his wife Imelda, who lost her battle with cancer in 2023. The couple had twin boys, Gene and George, born in 2013. Mani’s final Facebook post was a touching tribute to Imelda, expressing how her presence is still felt every day. The depth of his family’s loss resonated with many, as did his openness about grief and the importance of loved ones.
Images from Ricky Hatton’s funeral in October, where Mani appeared alongside Liam Gallagher, are now seen as his final public moments—a poignant reminder of his connection to Manchester’s wider community.
Manchester Evening News: Spotlighting Festivity Amid Loss
As the city mourned, Manchester Evening News also turned its lens toward brighter moments. Their live coverage of the ‘Northern Lights’ Christmas trail at Heaton Park illustrated how Manchester finds joy and unity even in difficult times. The new festive installation, featuring dazzling displays and interactive family events, drew thousands to the park, reinforcing a sense of togetherness.
Partnering with John Lewis, the trail brought to life the spirit of Christmas as seen in the retailer’s famed adverts, and became a highlight of Manchester’s seasonal calendar. The MEN’s social channels buzzed with reactions, sharing family-friendly activities and spotlighting how residents could make the most of the city’s festive offerings.
The Enduring Beat of Manchester
Manchester’s pulse is shaped by both its music and its people. Mani’s death is a loss that reverberates through every corner of the city—from the football stands to the gig venues, from family homes to public parks. The tributes illustrate a collective memory, one built on shared experiences, resilience, and the joy of community.
The Manchester Evening News, in its coverage, not only documents these moments but helps the city process and celebrate them. Whether reporting on the passing of a legend or showcasing the sparkle of Heaton Park’s Northern Lights, the MEN stands as a mirror to Manchester’s spirit—one that endures through loss and finds hope in connection.
In reflecting on Mani’s legacy and the city’s response, it’s clear that Manchester’s strength lies in its people—those who create, remember, and unite. Mani’s basslines will always echo in Manchester’s soundtrack, and the lights at Heaton Park will continue to shine for a community that knows how to mourn, celebrate, and move forward together.