Gary “Mani” Mounfield’s family have shared another emotional update just days after the Stone Roses and Primal Scream icon died suddenly at the age of 63, leaving fans devastated across the world.
The heartbreaking news of his passing was first confirmed by his brother, Greg Mounfield, on Thursday (November 20). Greg wrote that he was speaking “with the heaviest of hearts” as he told the world his brother Gary had died, adding that he was now “reunited with his beautiful wife Imelda.” She passed away in 2023 after a long battle with bowel cancer.
In a new update posted on Saturday (November 22), Greg shared a deeply moving family photograph featuring Mani, Imelda and their loved ones. In his message, he said: “On behalf of myself and all my family Mounfield/McGill I would like to say a massive thanks for all the messages and tributes to RKid. RIP Gaz.”
The post has struck an emotional chord with fans, especially as it comes less than two years after Mani lost his wife. Friends of the family revealed that her death “left a hole that Mani never truly recovered from.”
On Friday, Mani’s stepbrother John Barlow also paid tribute, posting a childhood photo of the three boys — himself, Mani and Greg — and writing that he was “absolutely devastated.” He added: “Having recently lost his wife Imelda it now leaves the two boys without a mum or dad. My thoughts are with his brother Greg and the boys, absolutely tragic.”
Greg later shared another nostalgic snap of himself and a young Mani, simply saying he was “heartbroken.” The raw simplicity of the post resonated across social media, with thousands reacting to the family’s grief.
Born in Crumpsall, Manchester, Mani became a cultural icon after joining The Stone Roses in the 1980s. He played on both of the band’s defining albums and was celebrated for his electrifying bass lines before moving on to Primal Scream in 1996. In 2011, he reunited with The Stone Roses for their highly anticipated comeback.
Tributes from the music world have poured in. Ian Brown said, “Rest in peace Mani,” while a post from The Stone Roses called him “the greatest bass player and friend we could ever have wished for.”
