One of the true giants of British rock has left us, and the loss is hitting the music world with a weight that’s hard to put into words.

Gary “Mani” Mounfield — the legendary bassist whose unmistakable groove powered both The Stone Roses and Primal Scream — has died at 63. His cause of death has not yet been revealed, leaving fans and fellow musicians stunned.

Like so many others, I fell in love with The Stone Roses the instant their music reached me — and Mani was a massive part of that connection. He wasn’t just a bassist; he was the soul of the rhythm section, the warmth in the sound, and one of the most genuinely beloved figures in the scene. His playing shaped the soundtrack of countless young lives, and his influence still ripples through entire generations of bands.

News of his passing was shared by his brother Greg on Facebook.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother Gary Mani Mounfield. RIP RKID.”

Later, Greg added in the comments:

“Reunited with his beautiful wife Imelda.”

According to the Manchester Evening News, emergency services were called to a private residence in Heaton Moor, Stockport, early Thursday morning — the home where Mani had been living. Neighbors described him as a quiet, private man. One resident said she only saw him occasionally, mostly when signing for parcels. Another recalled passing by the scene that morning: two ambulances outside, staff working inside the home. No further details have been released.

Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown also confirmed the devastating news, sharing a simple message on X:

“REST IN PEACE MANI X.”

Born in Crumpsall, Manchester, Mani’s musical journey began long before his fame. He first played with rival band The Waterfront before joining The Stone Roses in 1987 — a move many fans and critics consider a pivotal moment for the band. His bass lines added depth, swagger, and character to their sound, helping define the era-defining tracks that would influence seismic changes in British rock.

After The Stone Roses split in 1996, Mani became a full-time member of Primal Scream. There, he formed a close creative bond with guitarist Robert “Throb” Young, and the two even appeared together on a Scottish TV show, Trout ‘n’ About, in 2004. Mani would later describe Primal Scream as “most of a democracy,” noting that the Roses often created under the looming expectations set by Ian Brown and John Squire.

“For me now, there’s a lot more freedom. Primal Scream are as good at bulls*** detection as the Stone Roses ever were.”

He reunited with Brown, Squire, and Reni for The Stone Roses’ triumphant comeback between 2011 and 2017, giving fans one more chance to see the full band together on stage.

Offstage, Mani had a lifelong passion for fishing — a hobby born during childhood explorations of Manchester’s canals. In a 2008 interview with The Guardian, he talked about the wildlife he encountered, from otters to kingfishers, and the grittier side of those canals as well: “people shagging in bushes” and “smackheads on the mooch at night, looking to rob houses.”

He also had a deep love for darts, a sport he supported throughout his life.

His personal life carried its share of heartbreak. His wife, Imelda, passed away from cancer in November 2023, almost exactly two years before his own death. The couple often raised money for cancer charities, auctioning memorabilia donated by friends including members of Oasis and even David Beckham. They shared twin sons, Gene Clarke and George Christopher, born in 2012.

Just recently, Mani announced a nationwide conversation tour scheduled for September 2026 — a chance to reflect on his four decades in music. Fans were already excited to celebrate his legendary career through his own stories.

Tributes are pouring in from across the music world. Liam Gallagher, whose own musical journey was shaped by The Stone Roses, wrote:

“IN TOTAL SHOCK AND ABSOLUTELY DEVASTATED ON HEARING THE NEWS ABOUT MANI MY HERO RIP RKID LG.”

Shaun Ryder of The Happy Mondays also shared his grief, sending love to Mani’s twin sons and family.

Fans everywhere are revisiting the music that made him immortal — those hypnotic bass lines, those unforgettable live performances, and that unmistakable energy that made him one of the most cherished figures in British rock.

RIP Mani. Thank you for the music, the memories, and the soul you poured into every note. Your groove lives on forever.