Hundreds of mourners, including music legends and football stars, gathered in Manchester on Monday to pay their final respects to Gary "Mani" Mounfield, the beloved bassist for The Stone Roses and Primal Scream. The funeral service at Manchester Cathedral was a poignant celebration of a life dedicated to music, laughter, and his native city.
A Final Farewell from Bandmates and Icons
The pallbearers who carried Mounfield's coffin from the cathedral represented a who's who of British rock history. They were led by his former Stone Roses bandmates in the classic line-up: singer Ian Brown, guitarist John Squire, and drummer Alan "Reni" Wren.
They were joined by Primal Scream frontman Bobby Gillespie and guitarist Andrew Innes, alongside Liam Gallagher of Oasis. The streets outside were packed with fans, underscoring the bassist's profound impact on the Manchester music scene and beyond.
Ian Brown's Heartfelt Tribute to a 'Brother'
Speaking during the service, Ian Brown delivered a moving eulogy for his friend of 45 years. He described Mani as "one of the greatest lads we ever met" and a "true musical comrade." Brown emphasised Mounfield's irrepressible spirit, calling him a "non-stop laugh machine" who lived his life in pursuit of joy.
"Mani's been in my corner whatever the situation, for 45 years – non-stop, unconditionally. Always a beautiful soul and spirit," Brown told the congregation. He listed his friend's lifelong passions: family, friends, fishing, football, Manchester United, music, Lambretta scooters, and dancing.
A City Unites in Grief and Celebration
The cathedral was filled with notable figures from music, sport, and culture, all united in their admiration for Mounfield. Among the mourners were music legend Paul Weller, former footballer and pundit Gary Neville, ex-England captain Sir David Beckham, Happy Mondays' Bez, and ex-New Order bassist Peter Hook.
Brown reflected on the "tsunami of love" that followed Mounfield's death last month, stating simply, "He loved everyone and everyone loves him." He credited Mani with "making every room he was in brighter" and lifting people up across the world with his bass guitar skills.
In a moment that sparked cheers within the cathedral, Brown declared that few had done more for Manchester than Mani and humorously called for a "50ft, solid gold statue" to be erected in his honour. While acknowledging the "Mani-sized hole" left behind, Brown concluded by giving thanks for the shared life of his friend, who lived "a full, a fulfilled and a blessed life."
