Richard Ashcroft Honors Mani with The Stone Roses’ ‘She Bangs The Drums’ During Oasis Gig in Brazil

Richard Ashcroft pays tribute to Mani with a heartfelt snippet of The Stone Roses classic, blending memories and music in Brazil.

A Touching Tribute on a Vibrant Night in São Paulo

When music legends collide, magic happens—and last night in São Paulo, Richard Ashcroft gave fans a deeply moving moment, honoring the late Mani with a nod to The Stone Roses’ iconic sound. Supporting Oasis on their mammoth ‘Live ‘25’ tour, Ashcroft wrapped up his set by dedicating a performance to the beloved bassist, Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield. The energy in the crowd shifted as the unmistakable bassline intro to ‘She Bangs The Drums’ echoed through the venue, a stirring remembrance of a true Madchester hero.

Richard Ashcroft paying tribute to Mani on stage

Remembering Mani: The Heart of Madchester Basslines

Mani, who passed away at the age of 63 earlier this week, was more than just a bassist; he was the heartbeat of two defining British bands—the Stone Roses and Primal Scream. His brother Greg shared the somber news on social media, writing: “IT IS WITH THE HEAVIEST OF HEARTS THAT I HAVE TO ANNOUNCE THE SAD PASSING OF MY BROTHER GARY MANI MOUNFIELD. RIP RKID.” Fans and fellow musicians alike have been reflecting on Mani’s legacy since.

Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield first rose to fame when he joined The Stone Roses in 1987, lending his signature grooves to their groundbreaking albums before their initial split in 1996. He later joined Primal Scream, contributing to the evolution of their sound until 2011, when The Stone Roses reunited to the delight of their loyal fanbase.

A Moment of Silence Turned Musical Celebration

As Ashcroft concluded his spot on stage, he dedicated The Verve’s classic ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ to Mani, setting a reverent tone. “I’d like to dedicate this next song to Mani of The Stone Roses. Rest in peace legend,” he said, his voice carrying the weight of respect and loss.

Then, in a beautiful gesture, his bassist broke into the instantly recognizable bass intro from ‘She Bangs The Drums,’ giving the crowd a fleeting but powerful connection to Mani’s spirit and the golden era of British indie rock.

Oasis Joins the Tribute: Liam Gallagher’s Emotional Dedication

The tribute didn’t end there. Oasis’s own Liam Gallagher followed by dedicating their performance of ‘Live Forever’ to Mani. Before the song kicked off, Liam addressed the crowd: “We wanna dedicate this to our dear friend, our hero, the one and only Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield.” As the audience soaked in the heartfelt words, Mani’s image appeared on the screen behind the band.

As the song wound down, Gallagher sang the moving line, “You’re gonna live forever,” while the stage lights dimmed and the band turned toward Mani's portrait. The moment was a poignant reminder of Mani’s lasting impact. Liam then added, “And he can have this one as well, ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Star’,” launching into the raucous anthem with fiery passion.

A Community United in Memory

Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, former Oasis guitarist, also paid homage in his own way, sharing a photo of himself wearing a Brazil football shirt emblazoned with Mani’s name on the back. It’s clear the music community and fans worldwide are rallying around Mani’s memory.

Earlier in the week, tributes flooded in from Ashcroft, Liam, Noel Gallagher, and many more. Ashcroft expressed his admiration and sadness on social media: “Mani was one of the loveliest positive musicians to spend time with. He was a key element to the band that inspired me to believe I could do this music thing. He had the style, the swagger, and the sound but most importantly a warm heart. My condolences to Greg, his sons, and family. Rest in peace brother now burst into heaven!”

Liam was equally moved, posting on X: “IN TOTAL SHOCK AND ABSOLUTELY DEVASTATED ON HEARING THE NEWS ABOUT MANI MY HERO RIP RKID LG.” Noel Gallagher also shared a heartfelt message alongside a photo of Mani, simply stating: “RIP Brother. It was a pleasure to have known you.”

The Legacy of Mani Lives On

The wave of tributes from contemporaries like Elbow, Tim Burgess, and Peter Hook shows just how much Mani was loved and respected across the music world. As Oasis’s ‘Live ‘25’ tour continues, tonight marks their second show in Brazil, with fans hoping to see more moments like last night’s touching homage.

Although future dates for Oasis remain uncertain—Liam recently hinted that the band needs to “sit down and discuss” their plans—the spirit of camaraderie and shared history is alive and well on this tour.

Reflecting on a Musical Brotherhood

Performances like Ashcroft’s tribute and Liam’s heartfelt dedications remind us how music bridges the gaps between loss and celebration. Mani’s basslines weren’t just notes; they were the pulse of a movement, a soundtrack for a generation.

“Mani was one of the loveliest positive musicians to spend time with... He had the style, the swagger and the sound but most importantly a warm heart.” – Richard Ashcroft

As the crowd in Brazil sang along, it was clear: Mani’s music will live on, forever etched in the hearts of fans and friends alike.

FAQ

• Who was Mani and why is he significant?
  Mani, born Gary Mounfield, was the legendary bassist for The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, playing a key role in the Madchester music scene.
• What tribute did Richard Ashcroft perform?
  Ashcroft dedicated a performance to Mani during his support set for Oasis, including a bass snippet of ‘She Bangs The Drums.’
• How did Oasis honor Mani during their Brazil show?
  Liam Gallagher dedicated their song ‘Live Forever’ to Mani and also performed ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Star’ in his memory.
• What have other musicians said about Mani?
  Artists like Noel Gallagher, Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs, and Richard Ashcroft praised Mani’s talent and warm heart, sharing heartfelt condolences publicly.
• What’s next for Oasis after their Brazil shows?
  Future Oasis dates are currently unclear as Liam Gallagher mentioned the band needs to discuss upcoming plans.

For fans wanting to keep the memory alive and add some iconic music history to their walls, be sure to shop your favorite album cover posters at Architeg Prints. Celebrate the legends who shaped our favorite sounds with timeless art inspired by the golden era of British rock.