Primal Scream Honors Mani as Manchester United and Fans Pay Tribute: “His Light Shines On”

From the terraces of Old Trafford to the heart of the Madchester scene, Mani’s legacy as a bass legend and lifelong Red continues to inspire.

A Bassist’s Final Encore: Mani’s Legacy Lives On

When a true legend leaves us, their impact often echoes far beyond the music itself. Mani, the iconic bassist of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, was more than just a musician—he was a beacon for Manchester’s vibrant music scene and a passionate supporter of Manchester United. His passing on November 20, 2025, at age 63 left a void that fans, friends, and the football community deeply feel.

Mani soaking in the atmosphere at Wembley, a lifelong Red through and through.

Mani’s Musical Journey: From Madchester to Primal Scream and Back

Mani’s rise to fame began with The Stone Roses in 1987, joining the band just in time to help shape the sound that became synonymous with the Madchester movement. His bass lines anchored both of their seminal albums, creating melodies that fans still cherish today. After the band’s initial split in 1996, Mani found a new home with Primal Scream, contributing to their evolving sound until 2011. When The Stone Roses reunited, he returned, much to the delight of fans old and new.

His brother Greg broke the heartbreaking news on social media, sharing the immense loss felt by those closest to Mani. Tributes poured in from music legends and close friends alike, including Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown, Primal Scream’s Simone Butler, and Oasis’s Liam Gallagher.

Manchester United’s Heartfelt Tribute

It’s not every day a football club honors a musician with such reverence, but for Manchester United, Mani was family. The club released a moving statement upon hearing the news:

“Manchester United is deeply saddened by the news that Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, the much-loved bass player with The Stone Roses, has passed away aged 63... Mani’s music continues to be played at every Old Trafford matchday and most notably when ‘This is the One’ signals the teams walking out of the tunnel.”

— Manchester United FC

The statement continued, highlighting how Mani's bond with the club was woven into his very being: a lifelong Red, proud to be part of Manchester’s football legacy.

Fans and The Red Army Celebrate Mani at Old Trafford

At the match against Everton on November 24, the atmosphere was electric—not just for the football but as a celebration of Mani’s life. Supporter group The Red Army unfurled a banner reading “RIP Mani,” complete with a striking image of the bassist. The crowd's cheers and applause swelled as iconic Stone Roses tracks like “I Wanna Be Adored” and “This Is The One” filled the stadium, bringing the audience together in a heartfelt communal moment.

Primal Scream echoed this sentiment with a touching post on their Instagram page:

“Mani … Knighted by the terraces. Loved by everyone who ever knew or met him. He lit up our lives and funked up our sound. A true punk and working class hero. His light shines on.”

Primal Scream’s Onstage Tribute at Manchester Warehouse Project

Just two days after Mani's passing, Primal Scream took to the stage at their Manchester Warehouse Project gig and paid tribute by performing “I’m Losing More Than I’ll Ever Have,” a poignant moment in the bassist’s hometown. Behind them, a giant backdrop of Mani’s image reminded the crowd of the man behind the music. Simone Butler, the current bassist, shared the emotional scene on her Instagram, expressing her heartbreak and admiration for Mani’s generous spirit and sharp wit.

Mani’s Wit and Charm Remembered: The 2008 NME Awards Moment

Fans have been revisiting a gem from 2008 when Mani, alongside Primal Scream’s Bobby Gillespie, presented the Best Album award. The clip captures his quick humor as he breaks the ice with the audience:

“How are you all doing? Fucking hell, you woke up... It’s been like a Leonard Cohen B-side at a snooker tournament in fucking space.”

His comedic timing and down-to-earth charm instantly lifted the crowd, showcasing the personality behind the bass.

Mani bringing the laughs during the 2008 music awards.

A Community of Legends Pays Their Respects

Mani’s death has resonated throughout the music world. The Cribs fondly recalled a cheeky interaction with him at the 2008 awards, where he joked about being in a band with a “legend” — not the Smiths’ Johnny Marr, but rather “your kid.” It’s these personal moments that remind us how personable and endearing Mani was to his peers.

Tributes extended to stages far beyond Manchester. Oasis and Richard Ashcroft honored Mani during their Brazilian performances, with Ashcroft dedicating “Bittersweet Symphony” and Oasis playing “Live Forever” in his memory. Meanwhile, My Bloody Valentine kicked off their first tour in seven years in Dublin, dedicating their show to Mani—a testament to how deep his influence ran.

The Enduring Spirit of Mani

Mani wasn’t just a bassist or a football fan—he was a symbol of a working-class spirit, a punk heart, and a lifelong commitment to roots and passion. His music continues to reverberate in stadiums, in clubs, and in the hearts of fans.

Whether roaring with the crowd at Old Trafford, slapping bass strings on stage, or lighting up a room with his grin and humor, Mani’s light truly shines on.

FAQ

• Who was Mani and why is he significant?
  Mani, born Gary Mounfield, was the bassist for The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, influential bands pivotal to the Madchester music scene.
• How did Manchester United honor Mani?
  Manchester United paid tribute by sharing a heartfelt statement, playing Stone Roses songs at Old Trafford, and fans displaying banners in his memory.
• What did Primal Scream do to remember Mani?
  They performed a dedicated song at their Manchester Warehouse Project show and shared heartfelt tributes on social media.
• Are there memorable moments from Mani’s public appearances?
  Yes, notably his witty banter at the 2008 music awards, which fans have been revisiting to celebrate his humor and charm.
• Which artists have paid tribute to Mani following his passing?
  Artists including Oasis, Richard Ashcroft, My Bloody Valentine, The Cribs, and many others have honored Mani through performances and social media.

Celebrate the spirit and legacy of Mani by bringing home your favorite album cover poster — a perfect homage to a true Madchester icon. Explore the collection at Architeg Prints.