Obituary: Stone Roses bass player Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield

Gary “Mani” Mounfield, the renowned bass player of the Stone Roses, passed away at the age of 63. Known for his confident and boasting personality when it came to the band’s music, Mani didn’t shy away from praising their first album as groundbreaking. He was a friendly and jovial member of the band who loved to spend his free time fly fishing and playing darts at the pub.

In contrast to some of his bandmates’ arrogance, especially lead singer Ian Brown, Mani’s personality was more restrained and humble. The Stone Roses’ debut album was a smashing success and held great influence, remaining on the charts for a whole year and setting the stage for a new era of British guitar bands.

The Stone Roses’ emergence from the late-1980s Manchester music scene, known as “baggy” and “Madchester,” was met with great enthusiasm. The band’s unique blend of various musical styles like post-punk, garage, psychedelia, indie, soul, dub, and dance revolutionized indie rock. Mani’s dynamic and funky basslines, in conjunction with Reni’s drumming, created a rhythm that set a new standard in the genre.

When Mani joined the Stone Roses in 1987, the band’s dynamics shifted significantly, resulting in a fresh and exhilarating sound. Their hit single “Fools Gold” showcased Mani’s funky bassline, which elevated the song to the top of the charts and made them a household name. Mani freely admitted to being inspired by American rapper Young MC’s single “Know How” while touring clubs, constantly looking for new influences.

Although the Stone Roses became a colossal success in a short amount of time, their fall from grace was just as quick. An ill-fated rave party performance at Spike Island in 1990 marked the beginning of their decline. Following legal disputes with their record label and in-fighting within the band, the Stone Roses struggled to recapture their former glory with the release of their second album, “Second Coming,” in 1994.

Despite the band’s turbulent history and eventual disbandment, Mani discovered personal happiness when he met his wife Imelda while recording the second album. Tragically, Imelda passed away from bowel cancer in 2023, leaving Mani devastated. Despite his struggles with alcohol and grief, he had recently expressed a positive outlook and was planning to share his experiences as part of a speaking tour.

Gary Mounfield is survived by his twin sons Gene and George. His legacy as a member of one of the most influential bands in British music history, the Stone Roses, will forever be remembered by fans and musicians alike.