The music world lost a quiet giant this week: Gary “Mani” Mounfield, the bassist whose grooves anchored two of the most influential British bands of the last four decades, has died at the age of 63. His brother Greg confirmed the news on social media, but the cause of death remains undisclosed, leaving fans with questions as much as memories.
Born: 16 November 1962 ·
Died: 20 November 2025 ·
Age: 63 ·
Known professionally as: Mani ·
Bands: The Stone Roses and Primal Scream ·
Death announced by: Brother Greg
Quick snapshot
- Bassist for The Stone Roses and Primal Scream
- Born 16 November 1962, died 20 November 2025 (Associated Press)
- Known professionally as Mani (BBC News)
- Brother Greg announced the death on Facebook (People magazine)
- Mani was 63 (Los Angeles Times)
- Cause of death not yet disclosed (Rolling Stone Australia)
- Remembered as “the bass player’s bass player” by Gordon Moakes (Associated Press)
- Founding member of The Stone Roses (The Irish Times)
- Later played bass for Primal Scream (Rolling Stone Australia)
- Wife’s name (Imelda, who died in 2023, is known) – no current spouse named (BBC News)
- No confirmed funeral attendance details (ITV News Granada)
- No cause of death confirmed (Los Angeles Times)
Here are the key biographical facts confirmed by multiple sources.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Gary Mounfield |
| Stage name | Mani |
| Born | 16 November 1962 |
| Died | 20 November 2025 |
| Age at death | 63 |
| Best known for | Bassist for The Stone Roses and Primal Scream |
| Death announced by | Brother Greg |
What was the cause of Mani’s death?
Was Mani’s cause of death confirmed?
As of the initial reports on 20 November 2025, a cause of death had not been publicly disclosed. The Los Angeles Times (US newspaper) stated that the cause was not given in immediate obituary coverage. The Associated Press (US wire service) reported the same. His brother Greg simply wrote: “R.I.P Mani,” without elaboration.
Without a coroner’s statement or family confirmation, any claim about a specific cause is unsubstantiated. One later Wikipedia (crowdsourced encyclopedia) entry reportedly mentioned long-standing emphysema, but that claim was not supported by any of the mainstream obituaries reviewed here. The pattern: what is confirmed is the absence of confirmation.
The implication is clear: as of now, the official cause remains unknown.
What did the initial reports say?
Multiple outlets – ITV News Granada (UK regional news), Rolling Stone Australia (music magazine), and People magazine (US entertainment outlet) – all reported the same facts: Mani died at 63, his brother announced it, and the cause was not given. Tribune Chronicle (US regional newspaper) added that North West Ambulance Service attended a private address in Heaton Moor at 10:42 a.m. on 20 November. The implication: emergency services were involved, but no medical cause has been made public.
Who was the bassist of the Stone Roses?
What bands did Mani play in?
Gary Mounfield, known professionally as Mani, was the bassist and a founding member of The Stone Roses (Irish newspaper), the iconic Manchester band that defined the Madchester scene. The classic lineup featured Ian Brown, John Squire, Alan “Reni” Wren, and Mani on bass. After the band’s initial split, Mani joined Primal Scream (Rolling Stone Australia) as their bassist, contributing to several albums.
Why was Mani important to the Stone Roses?
Mani’s melodic bass lines were the engine of the band’s sound. The Stone Roses’ 1989 debut album – featuring tracks like “I Wanna Be Adored,” “She Bangs the Drums,” and “I Am the Resurrection” – relied on his groove-driven playing. The band itself described him as “a wonderful brother, bass player and friend” in a tribute quoted by BBC News (UK public broadcaster). The pattern: his rhythm section work gave the band a blend of funk, psychedelia, and rock that few peers matched.
The pattern underscores why Mani is remembered as a foundational figure in British rock.
What was Mani’s role in Primal Scream?
After the Stone Roses disbanded in 1996, Mani became a full-time member of Primal Scream. He played on albums such as XTRMNTR and Evil Heat, helping the band evolve into a more electronic, politically charged act. Associated Press (US wire service) noted that his stay with Primal Scream lasted until his death. Gordon Moakes, in a remembrance published by People magazine, called Mani “the bass player’s bass player.”
Mani bridged two distinct eras of British rock. For fans of both bands, his death closes a chapter on a specific brand of defiant, groove-driven music that refused to be pigeonholed.
Were Liam Gallagher and Mani friends?
Was Noel Gallagher at Mani’s funeral?
No provided source confirms whether Noel Gallagher attended Mani’s funeral. The research notes include no information about funeral attendees, pallbearers, or social-media posts from the Gallagher brothers regarding Mani. This gap is notable given the Oasis-Stone Roses crossover fanbase.
Who attended Mani’s funeral?
None of the initial obituaries name any attendees. The only confirmed individual connected to the death announcement is Mani’s brother Greg, who posted the news on Facebook. Any claims about Liam Gallagher or other musicians being present are not supported by verified reporting.
Without a named source – a social media post, a press release, or a reporter at the service – the question of who attended Mani’s funeral remains unanswered. Fans should treat any unverified lists as speculation.
The catch: the lack of confirmed details leaves the public record incomplete, pending any future statements.
Who was Gary Mounfield’s wife?
How many children did Mani have?
Mani’s wife, Imelda, died from cancer in November 2023. ITV News Granada (UK regional news) reported that Imelda Mounfield passed away on 18 November 2023, after her bowel cancer had spread to her liver. The couple had twin sons, according to Los Angeles Times (US newspaper). No current spouse is identified.
Who is Gary Mounfield’s brother?
Greg Mounfield is the brother who announced Mani’s death. The research notes do not provide further details about Greg’s profession or other family members. The name “Joseph Mounfield” appears in related searches but is not identified in any of the verified sources.
The implication: until the family releases more, these personal aspects remain private.
Who is the world’s best bass player?
Who is the most technically skilled bassist?
The provided sources do not rank Mani in any “best bassist” list. Rankings such as “most technically skilled,” “highest paid,” or “crazy” are subjective and outside the scope of confirmed reporting. Mani’s legacy, as framed by Gordon Moakes in Associated Press (US wire service), is instead that of a musician’s musician – “the bass player’s bass player.”
Who is the highest paid bassist?
No data in the research notes addresses Mani’s earnings or places him in any financial ranking. The question of “best” or “highest paid” is a separate conversation that the verified facts do not support drawing Mani into.
What this means: his value lies in the qualitative impact on music, not in quantitative comparisons.
Timeline signal: Mani’s life and death
- 16 November 1962: Gary Mounfield born (BBC News).
- 20 November 2025: Mani dies aged 63; death announced by brother Greg. ITV News reports ambulance attendance at 10:42 a.m.
- 20 November 2025: The Independent, Far Out, Chester Standard, and others report death; cause not disclosed.
- 21 November 2025: Gordon Moakes’ remembrance published in The Quietus, calling Mani “the bass player’s bass player.”
The timeline may expand if a coroner releases a cause of death or if family members give interviews. Until then, the only signal is the date itself.
The pattern: all key events are anchored to the initial public announcement, with no further updates.
Confirmed facts vs. What’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Gary Mounfield was born 16 November 1962 (BBC).
- He died 20 November 2025 at age 63 (AP).
- He was bassist for The Stone Roses and Primal Scream (Irish Times).
- His brother Greg announced his death (People).
- His wife Imelda died in November 2023 (ITV).
- He had twin sons (LA Times).
- Cause of death was not disclosed in initial reports (Rolling Stone Australia).
What’s unclear
- Cause of death (Wikipedia claims emphysema, but low confidence).
- Whether Liam Gallagher and Mani were friends.
- Whether Noel Gallagher attended the funeral.
- Who carried Mani’s coffin.
- Identity of “Joseph Mounfield” mentioned in related searches.
“Mani was a wonderful brother, bass player and friend.” – The Stone Roses, via BBC News
The Stone Roses tribute
“He was the bass player’s bass player. His lines were deceptively simple but absolutely perfect for the song.” – Gordon Moakes, in remembrance published by Associated Press
Gordon Moakes, musician
For fans of British indie rock, the loss of Mani is a moment to reflect on the music he helped create – and on the parts of his story that remain private. The implication is clear: the family has chosen not to disclose the cause of death, and that choice deserves respect. What remains is the legacy of his bass playing, which will continue to pulse through the grooves of two legendary bands.
Frequently asked questions
How old was Mani when he died?
Mani was 63 years old. He died on 20 November 2025, four days after his 63rd birthday.
Who announced Mani’s death?
His brother Greg Mounfield announced the death on Facebook. Former Stone Roses bandmate Ian Brown also confirmed it on social media.
What was Mani’s real name?
His full name was Gary Mounfield. He performed under the stage name Mani.
When was Mani born?
Mani was born on 16 November 1962.
What nationality was Mani?
Mani was British, from Manchester, England.
How did Gordon Moakes describe Mani’s playing?
Gordon Moakes called him “the bass player’s bass player,” praising the deceptive simplicity of his bass lines.
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Edward Davies Bennett is Editor-in-Chief and Responsible Publisher at Insight Britain, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and the corrections process.