Hundreds gather in Manchester to honour Stone Roses bassist Mani

A city comes together to say goodbye

Manchester paused to honour one of its most influential musical figures as family, friends, fellow musicians, and fans gathered to say farewell to Gary Mounfield, known universally as Mani. The much loved bassist, whose work helped shape a defining era of British music, was remembered in a deeply emotional send off that reflected both his cultural importance and his personal warmth.

The service was held at Manchester Cathedral, a location chosen for its strong symbolic ties to the city that shaped Mani’s life and career. Hundreds attended the service itself, while many more lined nearby streets, creating a moment of shared remembrance that felt communal rather than private.

A figure at the heart of British music

Mani rose to prominence as the bassist for The Stone Roses, a band widely credited with redefining British guitar music in the late 1980s and early 1990s. His distinctive bass lines were central to the group’s sound, combining rhythm and melody in a way that influenced countless musicians.

Following his time with The Stone Roses, Mani went on to join Primal Scream, where he continued to explore new musical directions. Across both bands, he was admired not only for his technical ability, but for his instinctive feel and musical intelligence. His playing brought depth and movement to songs that continue to resonate with listeners decades later.

Familiar faces from music and sport

The scale of the turnout reflected Mani’s wide influence beyond music alone. Among those attending were his former bandmates Ian Brown and Bobby Gillespie, each representing different chapters of his musical journey.

Also present was Liam Gallagher, frontman of Oasis, whose band rose to fame in the musical landscape shaped by The Stone Roses. Paul Weller, long regarded as one of Britain’s most respected musicians, attended to pay his respects, highlighting the cross generational impact of Mani’s work.

The service also drew figures from the world of sport. Former Manchester United players David Beckham and Gary Neville were among those in attendance, underlining Mani’s place within the broader cultural life of the city.

Fans line the streets in tribute

Outside the cathedral, fans gathered quietly, many holding flowers, records, and handwritten notes. The funeral cortege travelled from Mani’s home in Heaton Moor, Stockport, into Manchester city centre, passing through streets filled with people who wanted to pay their respects.

For many fans, the moment was deeply personal. People spoke of discovering The Stone Roses for the first time, attending gigs, and feeling a connection to the music that shaped their youth. As the cortege passed, applause broke out alongside moments of silence, capturing both grief and gratitude.

Manchester’s bond with its musicians

The farewell highlighted Manchester’s long standing relationship with its artists. The city has a history of embracing musicians not just as performers, but as part of its identity. When they succeed, the city celebrates. When they are lost, it mourns together.

Manchester Cathedral became a place where music, memory, and community met. It served as a reminder that while musicians may tour the world, their roots remain central to how they are remembered.

A legacy that continues

Mani’s influence lives on through the music he helped create and the artists he inspired. His bass lines remain instantly recognisable, forming part of the soundtrack of a generation.

As the crowds slowly dispersed and the city returned to its rhythm, there was a sense that something important had been honoured. The farewell was not only about loss, but about celebrating a life that helped define Manchester’s sound and spirit.

In a city where music is woven into everyday life, Mani’s legacy continues in records, memories, and the ongoing influence of the bands he helped shape. His send off reflected the depth of that connection and the lasting mark he leaves behind.