People in Manchester felt a wave of nostalgia and sadness over the weekend when Ian Brown was spotted quietly walking through the city.
The rain was falling lightly, and the longtime Stone Roses frontman looked deeply reflective, stepping out just two days after the heartbreaking news of Gary “Mani” Mounfield’s death.
Ian, now 62, with his long grey hair and rugged beard, carried a visible heaviness as he made his way through the familiar streets.
Ian Brown’s Personal Tribute to a Bandmate and Friend
Not long after the announcement, Ian shared a short but heartfelt message on social media: “Rest In Peace Mani.”
He also reposted a fan’s throwback moment with the band—a touching memory from 2016 when they had casually bumped into Mani, Reni, and Ian at a bar.
The fan recalled how warm, friendly, and completely down-to-earth the musicians were, expressing deep sadness over the loss and gratitude for Mani’s music legacy.
How the Tragic News First Broke
The first public confirmation came from Mani’s brother, Greg, who posted the devastating update on Facebook.
He wrote with clear heartbreak as he announced the passing of his brother and later added that Mani was now reunited with his beloved wife, Imelda.
According to family sources, Mani collapsed after a seizure at his home in Heaton Moor, Stockport.
Although an ambulance arrived quickly, he sadly could not be revived.
Tributes Pouring In From Across the Music World
Soon after the news spread, The Stone Roses posted a photo of Mani playing bass, calling him “our wonderful brother” and the “greatest bass player and friend we could ever have wished for.”
Behind the scenes, Noel and Liam Gallagher were reportedly informed earlier in the day and were described as “absolutely heartbroken.”
The timing made the loss even more painful, as it came just two years after Mani’s wife Imelda lost her battle with cancer.
A New Chapter Mani Never Got to Share
Just six days before his passing, Mani had announced an intimate conversation tour scheduled for 2026 to 2027, where he planned to take fans through defining moments of his life—the Spike Island gig, the band’s reunion tour, and memorable years filled with court battles, bucket hats, “Fools Gold,” and Manchester music history.
No one could have imagined that this project would never come to life.
His Last Public Appearance and Early Life
Mani’s final public sighting was at the funeral of Ricky Hatton at Manchester Cathedral just last month.
Born and raised in Manchester, he left school at 16 to dive into music full-time.
He became part of The Stone Roses’ rise to fame in the 1980s, playing on both of their iconic albums before the band split in 1996.
Afterward, he joined Primal Scream and stayed with them until reuniting with The Stone Roses in 2011.
Grief and Memories Shared Across the Community
Since Thursday’s announcement, tributes have continued to flood in from fans, musicians, and friends.
Liam Gallagher called Mani his hero, saying he was “in total shock.”
Mani’s nephew also shared an emotional message, saying he hoped his uncle was now reunited with Imelda.
Fans on X (formerly Twitter) wrote about how devastated they were, calling him one of Manchester’s greats and praising his long-lasting influence on the city’s music culture.
Fellow Artists Remember a Gentle and Genuine Soul
Rowetta from Happy Mondays also shared her grief online, saying she would miss Mani dearly and sending love to his family.
Many who worked with him or crossed paths spoke about his warmth, generosity, and genuine love for music—traits that made him a beloved figure well beyond his performances.
The Love Story and Their Shared Fight for Good Causes
Mani met his wife Imelda during the recording of Second Coming at Rockfield Studios in Wales.
When she was diagnosed with bowel cancer years later, the couple became committed to raising money for charities including The Christie Hospital and Maggie’s.
They organised auctions featuring items donated by stars like David Beckham and members of Oasis.
Imelda once explained in a BBC interview that fundraising helped her stay mentally strong, allowing her to focus on positivity even during difficult health battles.
Closing the Chapter on a Manchester Legend
Imelda’s passing was followed by another loss in the Stone Roses family, as the band’s original bassist Pete also died recently after a reported cancer battle.
Now, with Mani gone at 63, the Manchester music scene braces itself for yet another emotional farewell.
For many fans and musicians, his influence will never fade.
His sound, his kindness, and his unmistakable presence shaped an era—and those memories will continue to echo through every stage, venue, and speaker he once touched.
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