The music world united in Manchester on Monday to bid a final, emotional farewell to Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, the legendary bassist of The Stone Roses, who passed away last month at the age of 63.
A Cathedral Filled with Icons
Manchester Cathedral provided the solemn backdrop for a service that felt like a gathering of British rock royalty. The congregation included Mounfield's former Stone Roses bandmates, singer Ian Brown and guitarist John Squire. They were joined by a host of famous faces from the era that Mounfield helped define, including Liam Gallagher, Paul Weller, Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie, and Happy Mondays' Bez.
Hundreds of mourners filled the historic building, with former Manchester United footballers David Beckham and Gary Neville also in attendance, underscoring Mounfield's status as a Manchester icon.
A Send-Off Fit for a Legend
The poignant ceremony commenced as Mounfield's coffin was carried into the cathedral. The casket was adorned with the classic cover art from The Stone Roses' seminal first album, a fitting tribute to his most famous work. Family and friends followed the coffin inside, while the sound of The Stone Roses' iconic track 'I Wanna Be Adored' played from speakers.
Outside, the scene was equally moving. Hundreds of fans gathered to pay their respects, breaking into sustained applause as the funeral cortege arrived. The procession was preceded by a guard of honour formed by scooter riders, a nod to the band's deep-rooted connection with Mod culture and the vibrant Manchester scene of the late 80s and 90s.
The Legacy of a Bass Icon
Gary Mounfield was a cornerstone of The Stone Roses' classic line-up, alongside Brown, Squire, and drummer Alan 'Reni' Wren. His melodic, driving bass lines were fundamental to the band's revolutionary sound, which fused indie rock with dance rhythms and inspired a generation.
Following the initial dissolution of The Stone Roses, Mounfield continued his influential career by joining the acclaimed rock band Primal Scream, contributing to their successful albums throughout the 2000s. His death marks the loss of a true pioneer of British music, whose work with The Stone Roses on albums like their 1989 debut continues to resonate powerfully with fans old and new.
Monday's service was not just a funeral; it was a celebration of a life that soundtracked a cultural movement and left an indelible mark on the history of Manchester music.
