Manchester music figure Alfonso ‘Fonzo’ Buller dies aged 65 as Liam Gallagher leads tributes
Alfonso ‘Fonzo’ Buller, a long-standing figure on the Manchester music scene who performed alongside acts including Happy Mondays and the Stone Roses, has died aged 65, prompting tributes from across Britpop-era names and the city’s club culture.
Express.co.uk reported that Mr. Buller, known for founding the sound system MVITA and popularising the phrase “Manchester Vibes in the Area”, was remembered by Oasis singer Mr. Liam Gallagher, who posted “RIP FONZO MVITA REWIND” and later added “COME IN COME IN” on X.
The outlet said Mr. Buller was described as a “true Manchester legend” and noted he had used his MVITA catchphrases with successive generations of musicians. It added that Mr. Gallagher had previously used the “Manchester Vibes in the Area” motto to introduce Oasis onstage during dates at Heaton Park last year.
Other tributes cited included Stone Roses vocalist Mr. Ian Brown, who wrote: “Rest in Peace Alfonso Buller a King and Lion of Manchester X Love to the family and his many friends,” while Oasis guitarist Mr. Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs posted “MVITA”. Mr. Buller’s manager, Mr. Alan Ingram, told the publication he was “absolutely shocked and gutted”, adding that Mr. Buller “had not been too well recently”.
Fans of Mr. Gallagher have also followed his recent headlines beyond music, including when he accused Frank Ocean of being a ‘fraud’ in a separate online exchange.
Mr. Buller, who was raised in Withington in south Manchester and was the son of a Belizean immigrant and a Romany Gypsy, was known for exuberant dance moves and stage appearances with multiple artists over the years. His death leaves a notable gap in the city’s live circuit, with friends and collaborators continuing to share memories of his influence on Manchester’s nightlife and performance culture.
