Fans from all over the world have already been to visit the mural, and now the magnificent tribute to Manchester legend Mani is complete.
Mani Forever! The mural to the Manchester music icon is now complete(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
With a beaming smile in one portrait, and playing the bass at his youthful pomp in the other, this is the magnificent mural honouring Manchester music legend Gary “Mani” Mounfield. The public artwork is now complete, on the side of La Fardy pub on Oldham Road in Mani’s hometown of Failsworth.
It honours Mani and his massive contribution to the music world – with a giant lemon in a nod to The Stone Roses and the iconic artwork of his bandmate John Squire, while to the far side of the mural is the Primal Scream Screamadelic icon. Mani’s pounding bassline shaped classic songs for both bands.
Hundreds of fans have already been visiting the mural over the past two weeks, as soon as images of the artwork began to circulate online. Renowned artist Pic.One.Art, who has previously created murals in honour of Oasis in Burnage and to Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, was commissioned to create the new mural and the location was found by Mani’s brother Greg Mounfield.
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Greg said today how fantastic the reaction had already been to the artwork. He said: “I’ve seen people from all over the world coming up here to pay tribute already. There’s been loads of bikers, the scooter boys, people from Ireland, Scotland, even Chinese people.”
The mural is now complete(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
He added: “The amount of people turning up to take pictures, and then popping into the pub for a pint, it’s just been fantastic.”
Fellow Manc music icon Rowetta shared her joy at seeing the completed mural on social media, saying simply: “Mani Forever”.
Mani died in November aged 63, of respiratory issues linked to a long-standing lung condition. His death came just two years after the death of his beloved wife Imelda from cancer, and the mural has been raising money for cancer charity Maggie’s.
The project was inspired in part by Ian Brown’s moving eulogy at Manchester Cathedral, including his memorable tribute to his friend and band mate: “I want to start a campaign for a Mani statue – 50 feet high – a solid gold statue! Mani forever! God Bless Mani!”
The mural is on the side of La Fardy pub on Oldham Road(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
The mural is being funded through a community crowdfunder organised by GRIT Studios, with all proceeds going to the cancer charity Maggie’s – a charity close to Mani and his wife Imelda’s hearts during her cancer treatment. You can still contribute to the fundraiser in Mani’s name, here.
Mani’s brother Greg previously told the MEN how special it was to see the mural take shape in their hometown. He said: “Seeing this mural come to life has knocked me sideways. It’s not just paint on a wall — it’s Manchester showing its heart for my brother.
“The support has been unbelievable, and every brushstroke is a reminder of how much love there is out there for Mani. We’re humbled, we’re grateful, and we’re determined to keep pushing for Maggie’s, who’ve been a lifeline for our family.
“And a massive thank you to Chris at Pic.On.Art — the graft and heart he’s put into this means the world to us.”
It features two portraits of Mani(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
Greg is now planning a celebration event to officially launch the mural in early June, saying: “We will officially unveil the mural and have a bit of a party in the pub. Clint Boon has said he will come down to DJ and we’re hoping to get The Clone Roses here to play.”
The mural is expected to become a lasting cultural landmark in North Manchester, offering fans and the local community a place to reflect and celebrate Mani’s enduring influence on music and culture.
There is also a major musical tribute event planned to celebrate Mani, called Manichester, which will take place on Saturday May 30 at Manchester’s Diecast venue. More details of the headliners of the event are set to be announced by organisers next week.