Stone Roses Bassist Mani mounfield Dies at 63
A foundational figure in the British music scene, Mani Mounfield, bassist for the iconic band the Stone Roses, has died at the age of 63. the news was shared by his brother, Greg mounfield, on facebook, who stated, “It is indeed with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother.”
The passing of Mounfield comes shortly after the declaration of “The Stone Roses, Primal Scream and Me Tour,” a planned U.K. tour between September 2026 and June 2027. The tour was envisioned as an intimate series of conversations, offering fans a glimpse into pivotal moments of his storied career. The cause of death has not been revealed.
Born in Crumpsall,a suburb of Manchester,in 1962,MounfieldS musical journey began in the early 1980s with the formation of the Fireside Chaps,alongside guitarists John Squire and Andy Couzens. This early collaboration would soon evolve into the Stone Roses with the addition of vocalist Ian Brown. Following Couzens’ departure and the arrival of drummer Alan “Reni” Wren, the band released their self-titled debut album in 1989.
That debut album quickly became a defining work of the Madchester scene, a cultural movement born in Manchester that fused psychedelic rave culture with indie rock sensibilities. Peaking at No. 5 on the U.K. charts, the album’s influence extended far beyond its initial success, laying the groundwork for the Britpop movement of the 1990s and inspiring bands like Oasis, Blur, and The charlatans.
The Stone Roses faced challenges following their breakthrough album, including a legal dispute with their record label, Silvertone, which led to a new deal with Geffen in 1991. Their second album,”Second Coming,” marked their last full-length project as a group before a gradual disbandment began in 1996. Mounfield than joined Scottish rock band Primal Scream, remaining with them until the Stone Roses announced a reunion in 2011. The reunited band released the single “All for One” in 2016 and continued to perform regularly until 2017.
Tributes have poured in from across the music world. Ian Brown posted on X, simply stating, “Rest in peace Mani.” Tim Gallagher of Oasis expressed his shock and devastation, calling Mounfield “my hero.” Shaun Ryder of Happy Mondays extended “my heartfelt condolences to his twin boys and all of his family.”
Mounfield is survived by his twin sons, Gene Clark and George Christopher, following the death of his wife, Imelda, to cancer in 2023. His legacy as a pioneering bassist and a key architect of British indie rock will undoubtedly endure.
