It’s the kind of news that makes you stop mid-scroll: Gary “Mani” Mounfield, the man whose basslines anchored the swagger of The Stone Roses and the psychedelic groove of Primal Scream, died on 20 November 2025 at the age of 63. His brother Greg broke the news on Facebook, and since then, tributes have poured in from fans and fellow musicians alike.
Full name: Gary Mounfield ·
Born: 16 November 1962 ·
Died: 20 November 2025 ·
Age at death: 63 ·
Pronoun name: Mani ·
Known for: Bassist for The Stone Roses and Primal Scream
Quick snapshot
- Gary Mounfield died on 20 November 2025 BBC News (UK public broadcaster)
- Brother Greg confirmed the death on Facebook Los Angeles Times (US news outlet)
- He was bassist for The Stone Roses and Primal Scream The Guardian (UK newspaper)
- Cause of death not announced initially Rolling Stone (US music magazine)
- Exact cause of death remains unconfirmed Rolling Stone
- Number of children: earlier reports named son Joe; TMZ reported twin sons Gene and George TMZ (US entertainment site)
- Whether Noel Gallagher attended the funeral is not officially confirmed (Rolling Stone)
- Net worth has not been disclosed (Rolling Stone)
- Paramedics called to a home in Heaton Moor at 10:42 a.m. on 20 November 2025 ITV News Granada (UK regional news)
- Death fell three days after his 63rd birthday The Telegraph (UK newspaper)
- Funeral held on 22 December 2025 with hundreds attending BBC News
- Tributes continue from fans and musicians across social media
- No official memorial concert has been announced as of late 2025
- Legacy secured through classic albums with The Stone Roses and Primal Scream
Nine key facts about Gary Mounfield’s life and death, one pattern: a career built on thunderous basslines and a quiet personal life.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gary Mounfield |
| Known As | Mani |
| Born | 16 November 1962 |
| Died | 20 November 2025 |
| Age at Death | 63 |
| Main Bands | The Stone Roses, Primal Scream |
| Occupation | Musician, bassist, composer, actor |
| Children | Unconfirmed reports: son Joe (earlier) or twin sons Gene and George (TMZ) |
| Cause of Death | Not announced |
What is Mani’s cause of death?
Official statement from family
Gary Mounfield’s brother Greg confirmed the death on Facebook, but did not disclose the cause. The Los Angeles Times (major US newspaper) reported Greg’s post simply asked for privacy. Rolling Stone (leading music magazine) noted that no cause had been given in the initial announcement.
Media reports on his passing
Paramedics were called to a home in Heaton Moor, Stockport, at 10:42 a.m. on 20 November 2025, according to ITV News Granada (regional UK news). The The Telegraph (UK broadsheet) obituary noted he died three days after his 63rd birthday. The cause of death has not been publicly announced, and the family has not released further details.
In an era when every celebrity death generates a rapid official statement, the silence around Mani’s cause leaves fans with no closure — and fuels speculation. The family’s request for privacy is unusual in its consistency.
The pattern: until the family speaks, the void remains.
How many children does Mani have?
His son Joe
Earlier internet searches and some biographical notes listed a son named Joe. However, these sources are not corroborated by major obituaries.
Family life
People magazine (US celebrity news) reported that Mounfield’s wife Imelda died in November 2023, and the announcement of his own death came nearly two years later. TMZ (US entertainment news) claimed he was survived by twin sons Gene and George, though this remains a medium-confidence report from a tier-3 source. ITV News quoted the family as saying Mounfield had been “reunited with his wife Imelda,” lending weight to the idea that his wife predeceased him.
The confusion around Mani’s children — one son named Joe versus twin sons Gene and George — shows how quickly unverified claims can spread in the wake of a death. Until a family statement or official obituary clarifies, the public is left guessing.
The implication: the family’s silence leaves a gap that rumors fill.
Who was the bassist of The Stone Roses?
Mani’s role in The Stone Roses
Gary Mounfield, universally known as Mani, joined The Stone Roses in 1987 and played on their self-titled debut album, widely regarded as one of the greatest British albums of all time. BBC News (UK public broadcaster) identified him as the band’s bassist when reporting his death. Rolling Stone called him “one of alternative rock’s premier bassists.”
His work with Primal Scream
After The Stone Roses disbanded in 1996, Mani joined Primal Scream in 1999 and played on albums including “XTRMNTR” and more. The Guardian (UK daily) described him as a bassist for both bands who spanned the Madchester and post-Britpop eras.
Mani’s basslines — the swaggering groove of “I Wanna Be Adored” and the punk-funk of “Loaded” — defined two of the most influential British rock acts of the past 40 years. For fans of the Madchester sound, his death marks the end of an era that began in the Hacienda dancefloors.
Who was Mani’s wife?
Details on his marriage
Gary Mounfield was married to Imelda, who died in November 2023. People magazine (US celebrity news) reported her death and noted that Mounfield’s own passing came nearly two years later. ITV News quoted the family saying he had been “reunited with his wife Imelda.” Further details about his marriage remain private.
The pattern: the family’s request for privacy extends to all personal relationships.
Who was the original bass player on Madonna’s song ‘Like a Prayer’?
Session musician details
This question is unrelated to Gary Mounfield. The original bassist on Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” is a session musician, not Mani. For exact credits, consult music databases or session musician archives. No further information is available in this obituary.
What this means: the search query reflects a common misattribution, likely because both involve bassists in iconic pop/rock.
Who is considered the best bassist ever?
General consensus in music
Subjective rankings vary, but Rolling Stone called Mani “one of alternative rock’s premier bassists.” Fans on Reddit and social media often place him among the greats of the Madchester era.
Mani’s ranking
While Mani is frequently cited in fan discussions as one of the best, there is no official consensus. His influence on the bass guitar in British rock is undeniable.
The catch: the “best” is always subjective, but Mani’s legacy in two iconic bands secures his place in the conversation.
What was Gary Mounfield’s net worth?
Estimated financial status
Exact net worth has not been disclosed. As a key member of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, he earned income from album sales, tours, and reunions. No public financial records are available.
Sources of income
Royalties from classic albums and reunion tours likely contributed to his wealth, but no verified figures exist.
The implication: without official disclosure, any net worth estimate remains speculation.
Timeline
- 16 November 1962: Gary Mounfield born in Manchester, England.
- 1987–1996: Bassist for The Stone Roses during their peak years, including the 1989 debut album and the “Second Coming” album.
- 1999: Joined Primal Scream as bassist, contributing to later albums.
- 2012: Reunited with The Stone Roses for reunion tours and festival headlining slots.
- 20 November 2025: Died at age 63; brother Greg confirmed via Facebook. Paramedics called at 10:42 a.m. to a home in Heaton Moor.
- 22 December 2025: Hundreds attended his funeral in Manchester, including family and fans (BBC News).
The pattern: from Madchester to the end, his timeline reflects a life fully dedicated to music.
Confirmed facts
What’s unclear
- Exact cause of death
- Number of children — earlier “son Joe” vs TMZ “twin sons Gene and George”
- Whether Noel Gallagher attended the funeral (rumoured but unconfirmed)
- Net worth / financial details
The catch: clarity on these points awaits a family statement.
Quotes from those who knew him
“He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. The family asks for privacy at this difficult time.”
— Greg Mounfield (brother), via Facebook announcement reported by Los Angeles Times
“I saw him play with The Stone Roses at Spike Island in 1990. The bass was so loud it vibrated through your chest. He was the heartbeat of that band.”
— Reddit user in a tribute thread (anecdotal)
The pattern is clear: Mani’s music spoke louder than any official statement. For the fans who grew up with the Madchester sound, his basslines will keep playing. The question now is how the music industry will choose to honour his memory — through reissues, tributes, or perhaps a permanent exhibit in Manchester’s music history.
Frequently asked questions
When did Gary Mounfield die?
He died on 20 November 2025 at the age of 63.
What bands did Gary Mounfield play in?
He was the bassist for The Stone Roses and later a member of Primal Scream.
What was Mani’s real name?
His real name was Gary Mounfield. He was widely known by his stage name Mani.
Is Primal Scream still active?
Primal Scream are still active, though they have not announced a new album since Mani’s death.
What are the most famous songs by The Stone Roses?
Key tracks include “I Wanna Be Adored”, “Waterfall”, “She Bangs the Drums”, and “Fools Gold”.
Where was Gary Mounfield from?
He was born in Manchester, England, and died in Heaton Moor, Stockport.
Did Mani have any siblings?
Yes, his brother Greg Mounfield publicly announced his death.
The implication: these FAQs address the most common curiosities, but the deeper questions about his private life remain.
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Alex Nguyen is Editor-in-Chief at BuzzLayer, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.