The new statement comes after rumours and speculation began to spread about the tribute event over the weekend
10:34, 01 Apr 2026Updated 22:22, 01 Apr 2026
Manchester music legend Mani on stage with the Stone Roses in 2012(Image: Mirrorpix)
The organisers of a major musical tribute event to Stone Roses legend Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield have issued a new statement from his family in a bid to clear up “misunderstandings” about the show.
The landmark show was announced last month to celebrate the life and legacy of Mani, bringing together musicians from across generations who either performed alongside the star or were inspired by his unmistakable basslines. The event will take place on May 30 at Manchester’s Diecast venue.
Mani, best known for his work with the Stone Roses and Primal Scream, died at home in Heaton Moor last November aged 63, prompting an outpouring of grief from Manchester and the global music community.
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Over the weekend, rumours and speculation about the line-up at the event began to spread, but organisers say the “triple A headliner” will NOT be announced until May 23 – the week before the event.
Today, organisers Madchester.com released a further statement about the event, reiterating that it will be raising funds for Mani’s young children. They have issued a statement on behalf of Mani’s family this morning.
The statement, signed by “The Family” said: ““On behalf of the boys, and as their legal guardian, I want to thank everyone for the kind messages and concern for their wellbeing.
“There was a misunderstanding regarding the upcoming Manichester tribute concert, but we’re pleased to share that everything has now been resolved.
“We would also like to express our gratitude to PH. It means a great deal to all of us that so many people loved Mani enough to give their time and energy to honour his memory in this way. We are genuinely touched by the support.
(Image: Madchester.com)
“It has been an incredibly difficult few years for the boys and for our whole family. We hope this event will bring some much‑needed joy and create new, positive memories for everyone who cared about him.” It was signed: “With love and thanks, The Family”.
The statement was greeted with praise from fans and followers, and was also shared by artists who will be taking part in the show, including Mani’s good friend, singing star Rowetta.
Performances previously announced for the event will include from Cast, Peter Hook and The Kowloons alongside a specially assembled core band featuring musicians closely connected to Mani’s career: Stone Roses guitarist Aziz Ibrahim, Manc music legend Rowetta, as well as Mick Rossi from Slaughter and the Dogs.
Ocean Colour Scene bassist Damon Minchella has been driving the project, and is assembling an all-star roster from some of the biggest bands of the past 50 years – including Dave McCabe from The Zutons, Baz Fratelli from The Fratellis, Zak Starkey from Mantra of the Cosmos, drummer Steve White, and Jon McClure from Reverend and the Makers.
Peter Hook will perform at the Manichester event(Image: Cambridge News)
Further names revealed in the past week include former Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan and former Inspiral Carpets frontman Tom Hingley.
Damon previously told the M.E.N. how the idea for the Mani concert took shape after a spontaneous on-stage tribute while performing with Richard Ashcroft during last year’s final dates of the Oasis Live ’25 tour in Brazil.
He said: “We were playing in São Paulo and I played the bassline to She Bangs the Drums into Bittersweet Symphony. The reaction from 80,000 people was insane — just from that bassline. That’s the power and legacy of Mani..”
Stone Roses guitarist John Squire has designed the artwork for the flyers for the event, inspired by his iconic visual style. It will feature across promotional materials and limited-edition physical tickets, making the artwork itself part of the tribute.
Mani died in November, exactly two years after his beloved wife Imelda. The Manichester event will raise funds for the couple’s 12-year-old twin sons.
Manichester will take place on Saturday May 30, with doors set to open from 2pm. Tickets have now sold out for the event, with further announcements set to be released soon.