Stone Roses Bassist Mani Dies Two Years After Wife’s Death, Leaving Legacy Marked by Triumph and Heartbreak
Gary “Mani” Mounfield’s death at 63 comes as a double tragedy for those who followed his personal story closely. Just two years ago, the Stone Roses and Primal Scream legend lost his wife, Imelda Mounfield, to cancer — a loss that devastated him and their young children. The emotional weight behind Mani’s later years has resurfaced in coverage following his passing, including reporting from The Sun and ITV News.
Mani and Imelda married in 2012 and were devoted parents to twin sons, Gene and George. Friends said Imelda’s passing in 2023 was a profound blow — and yet, Mani continued to find ways to stay connected to fans, planning a spoken-word tour for 2026–27 that would have seen him reflect on his life, career and family. The tour was announced shortly before his death, making the timing even more heartbreaking.
The Sun’s report highlights how Mani often spoke openly about grief, fatherhood and the difficulty of moving forward after losing his wife. Despite being a cornerstone of Manchester’s most influential musical exports, he remained grounded, spending much of his later years focused on family life in Stockport. Local neighbours described him as quietly friendly and deeply humble, a sentiment echoed in Yahoo News UK interviews following his death.
For fans, this human dimension is inseparable from his legacy. Mani wasn’t just the bassist behind some of the greatest British rock songs of the last 40 years — he was a father, a husband, a friend, and a Manchester lad who never separated his music from his roots. His journey was marked by joy, loss and resilience, adding emotional weight to the music that defined generations.
As tributes continue, many fans have reflected not only on the songs and shows, but on the humanity behind them — the life of a man who helped create the soundtrack to their youth, while carrying the same burdens, heartbreaks and hopes as those who loved his work.
