Mounfield, one of the defining figures of the Madchester music era, helped shape the sound of the Stone Roses alongside Ian Brown, John Squire, and Alan “Reni” Wren before moving on to join Primal Scream.
His brother, Greg Mounfield, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, writing that it was “with the heaviest of hearts” that he announced Mani’s passing.
Tributes quickly poured in from across the music world. Ian Brown honored his former bandmate with a simple message on X: “Rest in peace, Mani.”
Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher wrote, “I’m in total shock… devastated. My hero. RIP, R Kid.”
Tim Burgess of the Charlatans remembered him as “one of the absolute best in every way,” and Happy Mondays singer Rowetta added, “Going to miss you so much.”
Mounfield’s death follows the loss of his wife, Imelda, who passed away in November 2023 after battling bowel cancer. The couple shared twin sons, born in 2013.
Born on November 16, 1962, in Crumpsall, Manchester, Mounfield left school at 16 to help form the band that would eventually become the Stone Roses. The early lineup included Mani, John Squire, and Andy Couzens, with Ian Brown joining soon after as vocalist. With Reni completing the classic four-piece, the group became central figures in the late ’80s and early ’90s alternative music scene.
Their 1989 debut album became a landmark, blending indie rock with dance and psychedelic influences and producing enduring tracks such as “I Wanna Be Adored,” “She Bangs the Drums,” and “I Am the Resurrection.”
A contract battle delayed their follow-up album, Second Coming, released in 1994 to mixed reviews. The band dissolved in 1996.
Mani went on to join Primal Scream, contributing to several key albums before returning to the Stone Roses for their 2012 reunion. Although the band played major shows and released two new singles, they parted ways again in 2017. Their final performance took place at Hampden Park, where Ian Brown famously told fans, “Don’t be sad that it’s over, be happy that it happened.”
Before his passing, Mounfield had announced an upcoming spoken-word tour across the U.K., scheduled for 2026, where he planned to reflect on his life and career.
