“He’s helped them out over the years with things like their garden. This is really sad news”
(Image: MEN MEDIA)
Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield’s neighbours have spoken out after the shock death of the Stone Roses and Primal Scream icon.
It was announced on Thursday (November 20) that the British rock musician, from Crumpsall, had died aged 63. The bass guitarist rose to fame after joining The Stone Roses in the 1980s, later joining band Primal Scream.
Tributes have since been flooding in across the music world after the announcement of his death was made, including from Liam Gallagher, Kasabian, Echo and the Bunnymen and New Order’s Peter Hook. Manchester United, of which Mounfield was a lifelong fan, and Mayor Andy Burnham have also paid tribute.
Mounfield’s death was first announced by his brother Greg on social media. 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.”
FOLLOW LIVE: Gary Mani Mounfield of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream dead at 63 – live tributes and updates
In a series of emotional public tributes, the guitarist was hailed as ‘one of the greats’, a ‘music legend’ and ‘a megastar and Manc lad who loved having a laugh’.
Gary Mounfield of The Stone Roses performs onstage during the 2013 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival (Image: Getty Images North America)
Emergency services had been called on Thursday morning to a private address in Heaton Moor, Stockport. The M.E.N understands this was Mounfield’s home. No patient was taken to hospital, but residents saw an ambulance outside at around 11am.
One woman who lived nearby said Mounfield ‘kept himself to himself’ adding: “I only saw him on occasions and would sometimes collect a parcel for him. I don’t know anybody on this street who knew him well. He just kept to himself and his family.”
Another man who lives on the street and saw the ambulance outside his home said: “I walked past about 11am. I saw two ambulances outside. I didn’t get to ask what had happened because all the staff were inside.
“They were there for quite a while but I don’t remember what time they left. He’s always been a quiet neighbour, I didn’t know him well or interacted with him. I knew he lived quite close by but we weren’t in the same social circles.”
“Emergency crews attended a private address at 10.42am,” said an ambulance service spokesperson.
Opposite Mani’s home is a building that serves as a base for a charity that supports disabled people. A staff member told the M.E.N: “I don’t know him very well, my colleagues who have been here longer do and he’s a good guy.
“He’s helped them out over the years with things like their garden. This is really sad news.”
The street, in the Stockport suburb of Heaton Moor remained quiet on Thursday night. Emergency services were no longer in attendance with a small number of vehicles parked outside the home.