Liam Gallagher carries Stone Roses’ Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield’s coffin at funeral as David Beckham & Ian Brown lead mourners
Mani’s coffin featured a heartwarming nod to his former band
LIAM Gallagher helped carry legendary bassist Gary Mounfield’s coffin at the rock icon’s funeral – as a host of stars said their final goodbyes.
Sir David Beckham and Ian Brown also paid their respects to Stone Roses’ Mani, who died just two years after losing his wife, Imelda, to cancer.
The dad-of-two was last seen in public alongside Oasis icon Liam Gallagher at the funeral of legendary boxer Ricky Hatton in October.
Just weeks later, the rocker’s family announced the sad news of his death on social media – sparking floods of tributes from across the globe.
His nephew posted on X: “Unfortunately with sad news my uncle Gary Mani Mounfield from the Stone Roses has sadly passed away today.
“Thinking of his twins and my uncle Greg at this sad time. He will be reunited in heaven with his lovely wife Imelda. RIP Mani.”
Hundreds of locals in his hometown of Manchester were spotted lining the streets as Mani’s procession came past earlier today.
A floral tribute with his nickname could be seen in the hearse as it made its way to Manchester Cathedral.
Dozens of stars were spotted piling into to the cathedral ahead of the 11.30am service.
Sir David Beckham walked in alongside former United teammate Gary Neville, while Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham was also in attendance.
Mani’s former bandmates John Squire, Ian Brown and Aziz Ibrahim were all spotted ahead of the service.
Music icon Liam Gallagher looked emotional as he helped carry the coffin alongside Primal Scream singer Bobby Gillespie.
Mani’s coffin was fittingly decorated in the iconic art ‘Bye Bye, Badman’ – painted by John Squire for the cover of the Stone Roses debut album.
The rock icon – born in November 1962 – was raised in Manchester and left school aged 16 to pursue a career in music.
Proud Mancunian Mani first found fame as a bassist for the Stone Roses after initially joining the band in 1987.
Featuring on the bass, he helped oversee huge hits such as Fools Gold, Made of Stone, I Wanna Be Adored, Waterfall and I Am The Resurrection.
The rock band are widely considered to be one of the pioneers and main driving forces of the “Madchester” music scene in the late ’80s.
And after they disbanded in 1996, Gary remained a vocal advocate for the band to get back together and later went on to join Primal Scream.
He played with them for almost two decades, having a huge role in the band’s success until 2011, when he left for the Stone Roses reunion.
The iconic group came back together to play 17 arena and stadium shows across the globe.
And in 2016, they released their final two new singles, All For One, and Beautiful Thing.
Frontman John Squire said at the time: “Both were really difficult to record so an album would’ve been beyond us.
“That last tour was an obligation, we all knew we weren’t signing up for anything more, so, in that sense, it was a satisfying ending.”
Mani had been preparing to go out on a solo “in conversation with” tour next summer – announcing his run of live dates last month.
It would have seen him recount his memories with Stone Roses and Primal Scream.
The Manchester Evening News revealed the musician died peacefully in his sleep of ‘respiratory issues’ linked to a long-standing lung condition.
Paramedics attended the family home in Heaton Moor, Stockport, on the morning of Thursday, November 20.
The paper understands he was not taken to hospital, with his death being declared at the scene.
Reacting to the tragic news of Mani’s death, his bandmate Ian Brown posted on X: “Rest in Peace Mani.”
A source told The Sun his former bandmates and closest friends, including Liam Gallagher, were told of his passing prior to the announcement.
They added: “Mani’s death has rocked everyone.
“Noel and Liam Gallagher were phoned before the news of his passing was made public.
“They’re on tour in South America and were informed by telephone.
“Likewise with the Stone Roses and Primal Scream.
“It’s an incredibly sad time and everyone is shocked.”
Liam shared his own tribute to Mani on X, writing: “In total shock and absolutely devastated on hearing the news about Mani. My hero. RIP.”
The Charlatans’ frontman Tim Burgess also posted a sweet tribute online: “One of the absolute best in every way – such a beautiful friend.
“Love you Mani xx Never to be forgotten.”
Happy Mondays singer Rowetta posted on X: “Going to miss you so much.
“All my love to the boys, the family & all those who knew & loved him.”
Mani’s wife, Imelda, passed away at the age of 52 in November 2023, having been diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2020.
Liam Gallagher and Stone Roses frontman John Squires attended her funeral in Manchester.
Speaking about his relationship with Mani, John said: “Mani and his wife really doted on our girls when they were younger.
“I’ve been in touch with Mani a lot since the first time the band broke up. “We used to go on holiday together, the two families.
“They’d always shower the girls with gifts – Mani still chucks money at them.”
After her diagnosis, Mani told the BBC he was going through a “whole spectrum of emotions.”
He added: “One day you can be paranoid and flapping and very, very fearful about stuff.
“Then the next day you can see she’s putting in the effort, there’s a pride in the fight of the lady. It really puts you through the wringer.
“It’s an old juggling balancing act of keeping your own emotions in check while also trying to offer a bit of support.”
The couple had twin boys, who were born in 2013.
Imelda’s tragic death came less than a month after Stone Roses’ bassist, Pete Garner, died aged 61.
In 1989, the Stone Roses released their namesake debut album, hailed by many as the one of the greatest British albums ever recorded.
