The much-loved musician died on Thursday aged 63Musician Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield enjoying the atmosphere ahead of the UEFA Champions League final between FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC at Wembley Stadium in 2011 (Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)

A host of Manchester legends have taken to social media to express their shock and sadness at Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield’s death at the age of 63.

The death of the Stone Roses and Primal Scream bassist was announced by his uncle Greg on Facebook on Thursday afternoon.

He wrote: “IT IS WITH THE HEAVIEST OF HEARTS THAT I HAVE TO ANNOUNCE THE SAD PASSING OF MY BROTHER GARY MANI MOUNFIELD. RIP RKID.” No details about Mani’s death have yet been officially shared.

An outpouring of grief has come from titans of the Manchester music scene. Fellow band member and close friend, Ian Brown, took to X, writing: “REST IN PEACE MANi X.”

While Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher posted: “IN TOTAL SHOCK AND ABSOLUTELY DEVASTATED ON HEARING THE NEWS ABOUT MANI MY HERO RIP RKID LG.”

Co-founder and Joy Division and New Order bassist Peter Hook added: “Oh God. Mani… words just fail me this time, they really do. I cannot believe it. Sending all my love to his family. This is so sad. RIP mate. Love Hooky.”

Salford-born Tim Burgess, the leader of the Charlatans, shared a selfie with Mani, adding: “I shared this photo a week or so ago on Mani’s birthday. It never failed to bring a smile to my face, and that was exactly the same for the man himself.

“One of the absolute best in every way – such a beautiful friend. Love you Mani. Never to be forgotten.”

Mani’s death comes almost two years to the day after his wife, Imelda’s, tragic death was announced. The couple shared twin boys, Gene and George, 12, who were born in January 2013.

Tributes also poured in for Imelda after her death was shared on November 18, 2023. Events agent Imelda was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in November 2020 and died aged just 52.

Mani with wife Imelda Mounfield(Image: Paul Husband)

The Manchester music legends have been united in their grief for Mani and Imelda’s children, now left without their parents at such a tender age. Happy Mondays frontman Shaun Ryder expressed his condolences to Mani’s sons Gene and George, writing: “RIP Mani – my heartfelt condolences to his twin boys and all of his family.”

Ryder’s bandmate Rowetta also shared a picture of Mani, saying: “Back with your Imelda, Mani. Going to miss you so much.

“All my love to the boys, the family & all those who knew & loved him.”

Mani was a lifelong Manchester United supporter, and the club posted a picture of him in the stands at the 2024 FA Cup final at Wembley as it paid a meaningful tribute to the Red.

He was often seen at Old Trafford cheering on the reds – and famously sold his prized scooter to attend the 1999 Champions League final in Barcelona, the club said in its tribute.

The club said United was in Mani’s ‘DNA’: “A Manchester music icon and a passionate, lifelong Red.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield.”

Other local tributes came from Shed Seven and Oasis band members Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs and Tony McCarroll.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham reminisced about times they had spent together, including at a cancer charity fundraiser, which Mani did regularly with his wife, Imelda, before her death.

He said: “I’ve only just heard it, and I’m a little stunned to be honest. It’s like a punch to the stomach.

“I actually can’t quite believe what I’ve heard. You know, I met Mani on many occasions. He was such a wonderful, warm, engaging, incredible person.

“I was with him and Imelda his wife who he sadly lost, at the Kimpton hotel in town for a big fundraiser that he organised for cancer.

“Cancer Research, putting money back into the Greater Manchester NHS. It’s just hard. He’s such a character. It’s just so hard to get my head around, the shock of him not being with us anymore.

“But he’ll forever be a Manchester legend.”

The news has even hit famed Greater Mancunians who didn’t know Mani so closely. Bolton native Badly Drawn Boy wrote: “Can’t quite believe the news about Mani. I heard through a mutual friend a few hours ago.

“I didn’t know Mani that well but, met him enough times to see how consistently warm and friendly he was, with pretty much everyone in his midst. What a lovely, genuine man!”

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