Manchester Music and Football Stars Gather for Funeral of Stone Roses' Mani
Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, bassist for the Stone Roses and later a member of Primal Scream, died at his home in Stockport on 20 November 2025 at the age of 63. His funeral was held on 22 December 2025 at Manchester Cathedral, where hundreds of mourners gathered, including notable music and football personalities.
The coffin, which resembled the cover of the Stone Roses' debut album, was carried by Ian Brown, Liam Gallagher, Bobby Gillespie, Andrew Innes, John Squire, and Alan Wren. Among the attendees were Paul Weller, David Beckham, Gary Neville, Peter Hook, Tim Burgess, Bez, and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, alongside Mani's Stone Roses bandmates.
Ian Brown paid tribute to Mani as a true musical comrade and brother, highlighting his life filled with laughter and being the life and soul of those around him. Brown also called for a 50-foot solid gold statue of Mani to be erected in Manchester.
Mani had previously announced a UK speaking tour set for 2026–27 to reflect on key moments in his career, including Spike Island in 1990 and the band's 2012 comeback. Brown emphasized Mani's lifelong passions, which included his family, friends, fishing, football, support for Manchester United, Lambrettas, and dancing, reinforcing his strong ties to Manchester.
