“Absolutely devastated”: Liam Gallagher, Shaun Ryder and more pay tribute to fellow Madchester hero Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield – who has died aged 63
Yesterday, the pivotal Madchester scene lost one of its greats. After a lifetime penning iconic anthems in The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, legendary bassist Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield has passed away at the age of 63.
Considering Mani had only just announced a 2026 ‘Intimate Evening With Gary Mani Mounfield’ tour, the news comes as a shock to fans. Mani’s brother, Greg Mounfield, first shared the news on his Facebook page, writing: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother… RIP RKID.”
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Later commenting on his own post, Greg notes that Mani will now be “reunited with his beautiful wife Imelda”. Mani’s death comes almost exactly two years on from his wife’s passing; Imelda passed away on 18 November 2023 after being diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer.
In wake of the news, The Stone Roses’ official X account has shared a photo of a young Mani. “RIP our wonderful brother Mani,” the post reads. “The greatest bass player and friend we could ever have wished for. X”
RIP our wonderful brother Mani. The greatest bass player and friend we could ever have wished for. X pic.twitter.com/szEc70OZTN
— The Stone Roses (@thestoneroses) November 20, 2025
Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown has also posted his own X tribute to the late bassist, writing a simple: “rest in peace Mani X”.
Elsewhere, other Mancunian musicians have been mourning the passing of one of Manchester’s finest. The Daily Mail reported that Oasis’ Liam and Noel Gallagher were informed in advance of the public announcement, and Liam has since shared his condolences on social media. “In total shock and absolutely devastated on hearing the news about Mani,” he writes. “My hero, RIP R Kid.”
IN TOTAL SHOCK AND ABSOLUTELY DEVASTATED ON HEARING THE NEWS ABOUT MANI MY HERO RIP RKID LG
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) November 20, 2025
Fellow Madchester legend, Happy Monday’s Shaun Ryder, has also shared some kind words on X: “RIP Mani – my heartfelt condolences to his twin boys and all of his family X.”
Elsewhere, Happy Mondays singer Rowetta also posted her own Instagram tribute. “Back with your Imelda, Mani,” she writes. “Going to miss you so much…All my love to the boys, the family & all those who knew & loved him.”
Manchester’s own Liam Fray of The Courteeners also shared his own sorrow over Mani’s passing. “Absolutely devastated to hear the news about Mani,” he says. “This is what true sadness feels like. Everyone who knew you will miss you so much.”
“Thank you for the good times, every one of them was a privilege,” he continues. “Thinking of all your family and friends… Rest in Peace Brother x.”
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Further afield, other British music legends have also spoken out in light of the sad news. Fellow neo-psychedelia peer, The Verve’s Richard Ashcroft, shared his thoughts on Instagram. “Mani was one of the loveliest, [most] positive musicians to spend time with. He was a key element to the band that inspired me to believe I could do this ‘music thing’.”
“He had the style, the swagger and the sound – but most importantly a warm heart. My condolences to Greg, his sons and family. Rest in peace brother – now burst into heaven!”
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The Jam’s Paul Weller shared some of his own “shock” over his “dear brother Mani’s passing”, writing on X: “I still can’t believe it. For a little fella, he had a big personality, like his bass sound. A true one-off. We’re gonna miss you mate. Our thoughts are with your family members and especially your two lads. Another very bright light has gone out. I’m so gutted.”
Elsewhere, Tim Burgess of The Charlatans also shared a photo of him and Mani wearing a pair of grins. “I shared this photo a week or so ago on Mani’s birthday,” he writes on X. “It never failed to bring a smile to my face… and that was exactly the same for the man himself. One of the absolute best in every way – such a beautiful friend. Love you Mani x x.”
I shared this photo a week or so ago on Mani’s birthday – It never failed to bring a smile to my face – and that was exactly the same for the man himself.
One of the absolute best in every way – such a beautiful friend
Love you Mani x x Never to be forgotten pic.twitter.com/Oop3be53CW
— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) November 20, 2025
While Mani may no longer be with us, he will undoubtedly live on through his Stone Roses and Primal Scream basslines. The opening of 1989’s I Wanna Be Adored is timeless – it’s an anthem that crosses barriers, soundtracking blissed-out 90s raves and modern cider-drenched and sticky-floored indie clubs alike.
So pop on a Mani track today – and, whether you’re indulging in the menacing punch of Primal Scream’s Exterminator, or floating on Stone Roses’ psychedelia-drenched cloud for I Am The Resurrection, just make sure you appreciate those juicy basslines.
The post “Absolutely devastated”: Liam Gallagher, Shaun Ryder and more pay tribute to fellow Madchester hero Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield – who has died aged 63 appeared first on Guitar.com | All Things Guitar.
Source: www.guitar-bass.net
