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FANS have been seen lining the streets as they prepare to bid farewell to the legendary bassist Gary Mounfield.
Stone Roses’ Mani passed away at the age of 63 last month – just two years after losing his wife, Imelda, to cancer.
Mani’s passing occurred just two years after the rock bassist tragically lost his wife to cancerCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
(L-R) John Squire, Mani, Ian Brown, and Reni of Stone Roses pose for a portrait in October 2011Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Hundreds have gathered along the streets near his homeCredit: Zenpix
The father of two was seen alongside Oasis icon Liam Gallagher at the funeral of legendary boxer Ricky Hatton in October.
Just weeks later, the rocker's family announced the heartbreaking news of his passing on social media – prompting an outpouring of tributes from around the world.
His nephew shared on X: “Unfortunately, I have sad news that my uncle Gary Mani Mounfield from the Stone Roses has passed away today.
“Thinking of his twins and my uncle Greg during this difficult time. He will be reunited in heaven with his beloved wife Imelda. Rest in peace, Mani.”
Hundreds of locals from his hometown of Manchester have been seen lining the streets in anticipation of his funeral today.
Mani – born in November 1962 – was raised in Manchester and left school at 16 to pursue a career in music.
A proud Mancunian, Mani first gained recognition as a bassist for the Stone Roses after joining the band in 1987.
With his contributions on bass, he played a significant role in creating massive hits such as Fools Gold, Made of Stone, I Wanna Be Adored, Waterfall, and I Am The Resurrection.
The rock band is widely regarded as one of the pioneers and driving forces behind the “Madchester” music scene of the late ’80s.
Following their breakup in 1996, Gary continued to advocate for the band’s reunion and later joined Primal Scream.
He performed with them for nearly two decades, playing a crucial role in the band's success until 2011, when he returned for the Stone Roses reunion.
The iconic group reunited to play 17 arena and stadium shows worldwide.
In 2016, they released their final two singles, All For One and Beautiful Thing.
Frontman John Squire remarked at the time: “Both were really challenging to record, so an album would have been too much for us.
“That last tour was an obligation; we all knew we weren’t committing to anything beyond that, so, in that sense, it was a fulfilling conclusion.”
Mani had been preparing for a solo “in conversation with” tour next year, announcing his series of live dates last month.
It would have featured him sharing his memories with the Stone Roses and Primal Scream.
Mani’s wife passed away at the age of 52 in November 2023, having been diagnosed with cancer in 2020.
John Squire, the Stone Roses frontman, attended the funeral in Manchester.
Reflecting on his relationship with Mani, John said: “Mani and his wife were very fond of our daughters when they were younger.
“I’ve stayed in touch with Mani a lot since the band first split up. We used to go on holidays together, both families.
“They always showered the girls with gifts – Mani still tosses gifts to them.”
After her diagnosis, Mani expressed to the press that he was experiencing a “whole spectrum of emotions.”
He added: “One day you can feel paranoid and anxious, very fearful about everything, and then the next day you can see she’s making an effort; there’s pride in her fight.”
He continued: “It really puts you through the wringer… it’s a delicate balancing act of managing your own emotions while trying to provide support.”
The couple had twin boys, who were born in 2013.
Her tragic passing occurred less than a month after another close friend passed away at the age of 61.
Proud Mancunian Mani first gained recognition as a bassist
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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