25 Things You Need to Know About Gary “Mani” Mounfield

Gary “Mani” Mounfield wasn’t just the bassist of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream. He was a cornerstone of the Madchester sound, a beloved figure in British music, and one of the most universally admired musicians to ever pick up a bass. Following the news of his death on November 20, 2025, we look back on 25 things you should know about the man behind the groove.

1. He was born in Crumpsall, Manchester on November 16, 1962.
2. His father, Colin, worked as a chef for the Manchester United football team.
3. He developed an early love of darts, which became a lifelong passion.
4. Mani joined The Stone Roses in 1987, just as they were finding their sound.
5. His basslines defined Madchester, especially on tracks like “I Wanna Be Adored” and “Fools Gold.”
6. He played a Rickenbacker 4005 bass, famously painted in a Pollock-inspired splatter style.
7. After The Stone Roses split in 1996, he joined Primal Scream full-time.
8. He was considered the most likely Rose to support a reunion, often quoted saying it would happen when “Man City won the European Cup.”
9. Mani was a live wire on stage, with an energy that radiated through every performance.
10. He performed with Ian Brown during the Roses’ hiatus, including festival sets in Madrid and Barcelona.
11. He formed Freebass, a supergroup with Peter Hook (Joy Division, New Order) and Andy Rourke (The Smiths).
12. He appeared in the film 24 Hour Party People in a small but fitting guest role.
13. He was a dedicated Manchester United fan, despite being raised with Irish roots.
14. Mani’s musical influences ran deep, drawing from funk, punk, reggae, and psychedelic rock.
15. He met his wife Imelda at Rockfield Studios, during the making of Second Coming.
16. The couple had twin sons, and remained married until Imelda’s passing in 2023.
17. He lived in Heaton Moor, Stockport since 1991, never losing his North West roots.
18. He rejoined The Stone Roses in 2011, igniting a wildly successful reunion tour.
19. He performed six nights at Manchester’s Heaton Park during their comeback.
20. In 2019, he received the Made of Athy Award, celebrating his Irish heritage.
21. He was always up for a jam, once playing tambourine at a Paul Weller show.
22. He supported the “Manchester Versus Cancer” benefit, reuniting with Ian Brown to play “I Am the Resurrection.”
23. He was a beloved presence in backstage darts tournaments, bringing the same fire he had on stage.
24. His awards included Best Bass Guitar and Godlike Genius as part of Primal Scream.
25. Mani passed away on November 20, 2025, leaving behind a musical legacy that shaped generations.

Whether it was the swirling psychedelia of “She Bangs the Drums” or the raw power of Primal Scream’s live shows, Mani was the pulse behind it all. His presence, humor, and unmistakable sound will echo forever.