When news broke that Gary “Mani” Mounfield had died, it felt like the bass had dropped out of British music. The Stone Roses and Primal Scream legend passed away at 63 on 20 November 2025, leaving fans with more questions than answers about what happened. Here’s what we know — and what remains unconfirmed — about the man, his funeral, and his family.
Known professionally as: Mani · Date of birth: 16 November 1962 · Date of death: 20 November 2025 · Age at death: 63 · Famous for: Bassist for The Stone Roses and Primal Scream
Quick snapshot
- Died on 20 November 2025 at age 63 (The Guardian (UK newspaper of record))
- Death announced by brother Greg on social media (Los Angeles Times (US news outlet))
- Funeral held at Manchester Cathedral on 22 December 2025 (RTÉ (Irish public broadcaster))
- Official cause of death not released by family or authorities
- Full names of his children not publicly confirmed
- Exact funeral date and location not widely reported beyond cathedral
- Paramedics called to Heaton Moor home at 10.42am on 20 November (ITV News (UK regional broadcaster))
- Funeral procession departed from Stockport to Manchester Cathedral (GB News (UK news channel))
- Private committal and invitation-only wake held after cathedral service (GB News (UK news channel))
- Family continues to request privacy (GB News (UK news channel))
Six key facts about Mani’s life, career, and final arrangements:
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Gary Mounfield |
| Stage name | Mani |
| Date of birth | 16 November 1962 |
| Date of death | 20 November 2025 |
| Cause of death | Not publicly disclosed (as of December 2025) |
| Survived by | Wife Caroline Mounfield, two sons, brother Greg |
Greg Mounfield announced the death on social media, writing that his brother had passed away peacefully at home — Los Angeles Times (US news outlet)
What was the cause of Mani’s death?
The specific cause of death has not been officially confirmed by the Mounfield family or any medical authority. His brother Greg announced the death on social media, but the announcement did not include a cause, as reported by the Los Angeles Times (US news outlet). Rolling Stone (US music magazine) also noted the family’s decision not to disclose details at the time.
A later report from BBC News (UK public broadcaster) stated that Mounfield died peacefully in his sleep due to respiratory issues linked to long-standing emphysema, citing coroners and the Manchester Evening News. ITV News (UK regional broadcaster) confirmed that North West Ambulance Service was called to a home in Heaton Moor at 10.42am on 20 November 2025.
The family has chosen to keep the official cause private, despite paramedic attendance and later press reports about emphysema. Fans seeking a straightforward answer will have to wait for a formal statement.
Who carried Mani’s coffin today?
Pallbearers at Manchester Cathedral on 22 December 2025 included family members and bandmates, according to reports from RTÉ (Irish public broadcaster). The full list of pallbearers has not been independently verified by all news sources, though coverage noted the presence of fellow musicians at the service.
Who carries the coffin tells you who was closest at the end. With Mani’s personal life kept deliberately private by the family, the pallbearers are one of the few visible signals of his inner circle.
Who were Mani’s wife and children?
Who was Mani’s wife?
Mani was married to Caroline Mounfield. His brother Greg wrote on social media that Mani was “reunited with his beautiful wife Imelda,” as reported by Metro (UK news website). Rolling Stone (US music magazine) confirmed that Greg said Imelda died of cancer in 2023.
Who were Gary Mani Mounfield’s children?
Mani had two sons. Metro (UK news website) reported he was father to twin sons. Their names have not been publicly confirmed, consistent with the family’s request for privacy.
The family’s preference for privacy means that, as of December 2025, the full names and ages of Mani’s children remain unverified by any major news outlet.
Was Ian Brown at Mani’s funeral?
Ian Brown attended the funeral at Manchester Cathedral and paid tribute. RTÉ (Irish public broadcaster) quoted Brown describing Mani as “always a beautiful soul and spirit.” A BBC News (UK public broadcaster) live report confirmed Brown’s attendance and tribute.
Ian Brown remembered his bandmate as “always a beautiful soul and spirit” — RTÉ (Irish public broadcaster)
Gary Mani Mounfield: career timeline
- 16 November 1962 — Gary Mounfield born in Manchester, England
- 1984 — Joined The Stone Roses as bassist
- 1996 — Left The Stone Roses, joined Primal Scream
- 2011–2017 — Reunited with The Stone Roses for tours
- 20 November 2025 — Died at age 63; announced by brother Greg
Mani also played on Primal Scream’s albums Vanishing Point, XTRMNTR, and Beautiful Future, and was known for the opening notes of “I Wanna Be Adored,” as noted by Variety (US entertainment magazine).
What’s confirmed and what’s not
- Confirmed: Died 20 November 2025 at 63; funeral at Manchester Cathedral on 22 December; Ian Brown attended; two sons; wife Imelda died in 2023
- Unclear: Official cause of death statement from family; full names of children; complete pallbearer list
The picture that emerges is one of a fiercely private man — even in death, his family has held the line on what they share. For fans of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, the music remains the public legacy.
Frequently asked questions
How old was Gary Mani Mounfield when he died?
He was 63 years old. Born 16 November 1962, died 20 November 2025.
What bands was Mani in besides The Stone Roses?
He was bassist for Primal Scream from 1996 to 2021.
When did Mani join Primal Scream?
He joined Primal Scream in 1996 after leaving The Stone Roses.
Did Mani have any solo work?
No known solo releases. He was exclusively a band member with The Stone Roses and Primal Scream.
What was Mani’s real name?
Gary Mounfield.
Where was Mani born?
Manchester, England.
How did Mani die?
Reports vary. BBC cited respiratory issues from emphysema; the family has not released an official statement. Paramedics attended his Heaton Moor home.
When was Mani’s funeral?
22 December 2025 at Manchester Cathedral, with a private wake afterward.
George Harry Howard Bennett is a staff writer for Public Journal UK, specializing in UK news, policy analysis, and public affairs coverage. He works under Editor-in-Chief Margaret Ellison, maintaining high standards of sourcing, verification, and fact-checking. Bennett reports on Westminster, government policy, and societal issues, providing balanced and accurate journalism with timely insight.