Mani's family say unauthorised tribute gigs for bassist are "incredibly upsetting"

The family of late Stone Roses and Primal Scream bassist Gary "Mani" Mounfield have denounced future tribute gigs, labelling unauthorised events as "incredibly upsetting and disrespectful".

Mounfield passed away in November 2025 from respiratory issues, aged 63. His funeral was attended by Liam Gallagher, Paul Weller, Ian Brown and more.

The family statement was shared following news of organisers hoping to host annual 'Manichester' gigs, after the success of a tribute concert held earlier this year in Mani's hometown.

Held at Diecast, it was organised by former Ocean Color Scene bassist Damon Minchella, in association with Manchester.com and fashion label GIOGOI. It featured performances from Cast, Peter Hook, The Kowloons and more.

The family had a "misunderstanding" with organisers during the last tribute but declared the issue had "now been resolved," ahead of the gig.

"Mani was a national treasure, and we want to keep his memory alive through music, friendship and the people who loved him," a spokesperson from Manchester.com said.

"There are already plans to make the Manichester brand a regular calendar event, giving people the opportunity to come together each year and celebrate Mani’s incredible contribution to music and culture."

"We were oversubscribed by tens of thousands of people," added a spokesperson from GIOGOI.

"We could have filled Old Trafford. The appetite for Manichester was enormous.”

The family and friends of Mani issued a statement, shared to Instagram by former Primal Scream bassist Simone Marie Butler, after the emerging reports on August 11.

"Recently it has come to our attention that multiple individuals, promoters and organisers are increasingly using Mani’s name, memory, and legacy to advertise events. To see his identity exploited to push external profiles and fill venues – without anyone ever reaching out to ask his boys or his immediate family for permission – is incredibly upsetting and disrespectful during an already painful time."

Adding, "we kindly but firmly ask all organisers, promoters and venues to stop using Mani’s name, image or likeness to advertise events without the family’s express consent."

Recently, a permanent mural to Mani was unveiled in Failsworth in Manchester, where he grew up.

Revisit Hot Press' interview with Mani from 1999 here.

 

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