Crowdfunder Launched for Permanent Tribute Mural to Stone Roses Icon Mani in Manchester

Celebrate the legacy of Mani with a permanent mural in Manchester, honoring the Stone Roses bassist and lifting community spirits.

Honoring a Manchester Legend: Mani’s Enduring Impact

There’s something deeply touching about how music legends become woven into the fabric of their hometowns, and few embody this more than Gary “Mani” Mounfield. As the bassist for the legendary Stone Roses, Mani helped define the Madchester movement, crafting basslines that still echo through the city’s streets and beyond. Now, a heartfelt crowdfunder aims to immortalize his memory with a permanent mural in Failsworth — the North Manchester suburb where Mani grew up.

Mani’s influence wasn’t confined to the Stone Roses; he also lent his signature style to Primal Scream from 1996 to 2011, making his touch felt across multiple cornerstones of British rock. Sadly, in November 2025, Mani passed away due to respiratory issues at the age of 63, leaving a gap impossible to fill. His funeral at Manchester Cathedral in December gathered a roll call of music royalty, including Liam Gallagher, Paul Weller, and his Stone Roses bandmate Ian Brown, all paying their respects to a true rock hero.

A Community’s Call to Action: The Mural Campaign

In the wake of Mani’s passing, the outpouring of love and admiration has sparked a new initiative. GRIT Studios, a creative collective with personal ties to Mani, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to commission a striking mural in Failsworth. This tribute isn't just about remembering a bass legend; it’s about giving back to the community and supporting a cause close to Mani’s heart.

The campaign will also contribute part of the proceeds to Maggie’s Centre, a Manchester-based cancer support charity that played a crucial role supporting Mani and his wife Imelda during her treatment. There’s a beautiful symmetry here: celebrating a man whose music brought joy, while helping others facing life’s toughest battles.

If this sounds like something you want to support, there’s still time. With 40 days left and nearly half of the £10,000 target already raised, the community’s enthusiasm is unmistakable. You can visit the crowdfunding page to chip in and learn more about the project.

Picture Perfect: The Artist Behind the Vision

The mural will be crafted by Pic.One.Art, the same talented artist who made waves with the Liam and Noel Gallagher mural in Burnage, which stirred excitement ahead of Oasis’ ‘Live ‘25’ comeback shows. If you’ve ever seen that striking piece, you know the Mani mural is in capable hands — poised to become a vibrant landmark that merges street art with music heritage.

Ian Brown’s Dream and GRIT Studios’ Mission

Ian Brown’s emotional eulogy at Mani’s funeral planted a powerful seed. He spoke of a dream to erect a 50-foot gold statue to celebrate Mani’s life — a bold vision that may seem far-fetched now but speaks volumes about the impact Mani had on those around him.

John Macaulay, co-founder of GRIT Studios and a close friend of Mani, was moved by Brown’s words and inspired to channel that energy into the mural project. “Mani was one of the warmest, funniest and most generous people I’ve ever known,” Macaulay shared. “The work we did together in China over a decade ago genuinely changed the course of my life, and without Mani, GRIT Studios probably wouldn’t exist.”

Before The Stone Roses’ 2011 reunion, Mani and Macaulay spent meaningful time together, cementing a bond that still resonates. Though a towering gold statue might be a dream for the distant future, Macaulay emphasizes that a mural “feels like the least we can do.” It’s a way for fans and community members to unite, celebrate Mani’s legacy, and create something tangible and beautiful in his honor.

More Than a Mural: A Tribute That Gives Back

Beyond its visual appeal, the mural campaign is a heartfelt community endeavor. Any funds raised beyond the £10,000 goal will be donated to Maggie’s Centre, reinforcing the project’s spirit of generosity and support.

This echoes the sentiment many feel when reflecting on Mani’s career — that his work was not just about music, but about connection, warmth, and resilience. It’s fitting that his tribute will help others facing health challenges, continuing the cycle of care and compassion.

Mani’s Musical Legacy: The Bass Hero Who Defined an Era

Mani wasn’t just a bassist; he was a melodic force who crafted some of the most hypnotic basslines ever to grace British rock. His playing was at once weighty and melodic, often the driving pulse behind some of the Stone Roses’ most iconic tracks.

Tracks like “Elephant Stone,” “Made Of Stone,” and “She Bangs The Drums” relied on Mani’s infectious bass lines for their signature sound. Then there’s “Fools Gold,” a four-minute masterpiece that encapsulates the late-’80s dance rock scene and showcases Mani’s low-slung funk mastery.

“Mani’s bewitching basslines became the bedrock and, often, the driving force of The Roses’ breakthrough tracks… underpinned the band’s low-slung funk development on ‘Fools Gold’ — arguably a four-minute encapsulation of the entire late-’80s dance rock scene.”

— Tribute to Mani’s musical genius

A Wave of Tributes From the Music World

Mani’s passing sparked heartfelt tributes from fellow musicians and fans alike. My Bloody Valentine dedicated their first tour in seven years to him, marking their comeback with a nod to his influence. Oasis honored Mani by playing “Live Forever” during their performances, a fitting tribute from fellow Manchester legends. Richard Ashcroft also paid homage by covering “She Bangs The Drums” while supporting Oasis on tour in Brazil.

Even beyond the music scene, Mani’s impact was felt widely. Manchester United showed respect ahead of a major Arsenal game by having players don custom jackets emblazoned with “Mani 1962-2025,” accompanied by artwork reminiscent of the Stone Roses’ iconic debut album cover. It’s a testament to how deeply Mani's spirit is embedded in Manchester's culture.

Join the Movement: Celebrate Mani’s Life Through Art

This mural isn’t just about paint on a wall — it’s a beacon of Mani’s enduring influence, a gathering point for fans and locals, and a heartfelt tribute to a man who gave so much through his music and kindness.

If you want to help bring this vision to life and support a charity close to Mani’s heart, there’s no better time to join the crowdfunder and be part of this vibrant legacy.

Watch the Stone Roses classic “Fools Gold” below and let the groove remind you why Mani’s basslines still hold sway decades later.

FAQ

• What is the purpose of the Mani mural crowdfunder?
  To raise funds for a permanent tribute mural in Failsworth honoring Stone Roses bassist Mani and to support Maggie’s Centre, a cancer support charity.
• Who is creating the mural?
  The artwork will be created by Pic.One.Art, known for the Gallagher brothers’ mural in Burnage, Manchester.
• Why is Maggie’s Centre involved in this project?
  Maggie’s Centre helped support Mani and his wife Imelda during her cancer treatment, making it a meaningful charity for the campaign.
• How much money does the campaign aim to raise?
  The target is £10,000, with any surplus funds donated to Maggie’s Centre.
• Can fans still contribute to the crowdfunder?
  Yes, contributions are open with over 40 days remaining to support the project and honor Mani’s legacy.

Celebrate Mani’s musical journey and Manchester roots with a stunning tribute mural. Support the crowdfunder and keep his spirit alive — and perhaps take home a favorite album cover poster to keep the magic in your space. Visit Architeg Prints for exclusive music-inspired art that resonates as deeply as Mani’s basslines.