Manchester Comes Together to Say Goodbye to Stone Roses Icon Mani
Right now, Manchester is still echoing with emotion after an extraordinary farewell for Gary “Mani” Mounfield, the legendary bass player from The Stone Roses and Primal Scream. This wasn’t just a funeral. It felt more like a celebration of a life that shaped a city’s sound, soul, and swagger for decades.
Hundreds of family members, friends, fellow musicians, footballing legends, and devoted fans gathered in and around Manchester Cathedral to say goodbye to a man who was clearly loved far beyond the stage. Streets were lined with people as the cortege made its way from Mani’s home in Heaton Moor into the heart of the city. Applause followed every step, and it was made clear that this was a goodbye Manchester wanted to witness together.
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Inside the cathedral, some of the biggest names in British music were present. Ian Brown, Mani’s longtime bandmate and frontman of The Stone Roses, led the tributes. He spoke openly, emotionally, and without pretense, describing Mani as a brother and calling him a “beautiful soul and spirit.” It was said that Mani had a rare gift for laughing through darkness and lighting up every room he entered. Those words were broadcast outside so the crowds could share the moment, and they were met with cheers, tears, and long applause.
The coffin itself told its own story. It was decorated with the iconic paint-splashed artwork from The Stone Roses’ debut album, alongside a Manchester United scarf and floral tributes spelling out “Mani” and “R Kid.” Former bandmates John Squire and Alan “Reni” Wren carried the coffin, helped by Liam Gallagher and Primal Scream’s Bobby Gillespie. As The Stone Roses’ “I Wanna Be Adored” played, scooter riders formed a guard of honor, a nod to Mani’s love of Mod culture.
Bobby Gillespie later spoke about first meeting Mani at the Hacienda nightclub and how he had an effortless way of making people feel special. His enthusiasm, positivity, and warmth were described as contagious. Mani was even compared to football greats like Maradona and Cantona, not just for talent, but for presence and aura.
For many fans outside, wearing bucket hats and Stone Roses T-shirts, this moment felt deeply personal. Mani wasn’t seen as distant rock royalty. He was spoken about as someone you could bump into, laugh with, and remember forever. His basslines helped define the Madchester era, but his kindness defined him as a person.
As Ian Brown reminded everyone, this wasn’t about sadness alone. It was about being grateful. Don’t be sad that it’s over, he said. Be happy that it happened.
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