(Credits: Publicity)
Mon 16 February 2026 14:24, UK
A crowdfunder has been launched in order to pay for a mural of The Stone Roses bassist Gary ‘Mani‘ Mounfield in Failsworth, Greater Manchester.
Mounfield sadly died at his home in Heaton Moor, Greater Manchester, on November 20th, aged 63, in his sleep due to respiratory issues caused by his long-standing lung condition, emphysema.
He was later laid to rest at Manchester Cathedral, with Ian Brown and Bobby Gillespie speaking eloquently about their former bandmate.
Notably, during his eulogy, Brown called for Manchester to honour Mounfield with a 50-foot gold statue, and while that is yet to materialise, a mural is on the cards.
Grit Studios have stepped up to launch the crowdfunder, aiming to raise £10,000 and celebrate Mani in Failsworth, which is where he was brought up.
Any profits will be donated to Maggie’s Centre in Manchester, which is a charity that was close to Mani and his wife Imelda’s hearts while she underwent treatment for cancer.
John Macaulay, co-founder of Grit Studios, said in a statement of the planned mural, “Mani was one of the warmest, funniest and most generous people I’ve ever known. He had time for everyone.”
He added of his personal connection to the late musician, “The work we did together in China over a decade ago genuinely changed the course of my life, and without Mani, GRIT Studios probably wouldn’t exist. He encouraged us, believed in us, and inspired us to think big. Having him involved as a DJ and supporter of what we were trying to build meant everything.”
Macauley also acknowledged Brown’s speech, reflecting, “We loved Ian Brown’s beautiful words about Mani in Manchester Cathedral and his suggestion of a 50-foot gold statue! You never know – it might happen in the future, but for now we’ll focus on a mural – it feels like the least we can do to honour someone who gave so much to Manchester and to the people around him.
He then described the outpouring of love shown to Mani following his death as “incredible” and stated it “has shown just how deeply he was loved”.
According to Macauley, the aim for the mural is for it to be “a way for fans to come together, pay tribute and create something very special for the community, as well as raising funds for Maggie’s which was so important to Mani and Imelda”.
As of writing, the crowdfunder has already raised more than £4,600 and is approaching 50 per cent of its target.
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