Hundreds gathered at Manchester Cathedral on Monday, December 22, to pay their respects and bid farewell to Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, the revered bassist of The Stone Roses and former member of Primal Scream. Mani passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 20 at the age of 63, due to respiratory issues related to emphysema, a long-standing lung condition. The funeral service saw a large turnout of fans, family, and famous faces, reflecting the immense impact Mani had on the music world and his home city.

The streets of Manchester, particularly around Heaton Moor where Mani had lived since 1991, were awash with tributes. Black bows and broken hearts, styled after The Stone Roses' iconic lemon logo, adorned bus stops and lamp posts. His funeral cortege, which began in Heaton Moor, was met with applause from hundreds lining the streets. The coffin itself was a poignant tribute, resembling the cover of The Stone Roses' debut album with its 'Bye Bye Badman' print, and was adorned with two football scarves: a red, black, and white one for Manchester United, and a vivid green one for his Celtic Supporters Club, along with simple red-and-white floral arrangements bearing the words 'R'KID' and 'DAD'. A touching procession of dozens of fans on Vespas and Lambrettas, a nod to Mani's love for scooters, followed the hearse into the city centre.

Mourners at Manchester Cathedral included a constellation of music legends and public figures such as Paul Weller, Liam Gallagher, Peter Hook (Joy Division), Tim Burgess (The Charlatans), Bez (Happy Mondays), Mike Joyce (The Smiths), Bonehead and Andy Bell (Oasis), as well as members of The Courteeners and Blossoms. Representing his beloved Manchester United were Sir David Beckham and Gary Neville. Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham also attended. Inside the cathedral, a dignified 45-minute service featured choral hymns, Bible readings, prayers, and heartfelt tributes.

Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown delivered a moving eulogy, remembering Mani as a "true musical comrade," a "beautiful soul and spirit," and "like a brother to me" for 45 years. Brown recounted how Mani lived his life laughing, always seeking the next laugh, and possessed a fierce intelligence. He highlighted Mani's lifelong passions: "His family, his pals, fishing, football, United, music, Lambrettas, dancing, clobber, town and all the usual gentlemanly pursuits." Brown spoke of a "tsunami of love" following Mani's death and noted that Mani "loved everyone and everyone loved him... he was the life and soul of wherever he was, making every room he was in brighter." He affectionately recalled Mani's playful humour and announced a campaign for a "50ft, solid gold statue" in Mani's memory, garnering cheers from the congregation and emphasizing Mani's unparalleled love and contribution to Manchester.

Bobby Gillespie, Primal Scream's frontman, also shared a tribute, cherishing Mani's time with Primal Scream after he joined in 1996. Gillespie described him as a "funky little mother, with a rock 'n' roll heart," who "stalked the stage with the stealth of a panther, with the grace of a dancer." He expressed gratitude for having Mani in their band and lives, stating, "Mani’s not dead, he’s just gone." Gillespie also paid tribute to Mani's late wife, Imelda, who passed away two years prior, calling her his "rock" and highlighting them as an "amazing couple."

Following the service, in emotional scenes, Ian Brown, Liam Gallagher, Bobby Gillespie, and Primal Scream guitarist Andrew Innes joined Mani's Stone Roses bandmates John Squire and Alan 'Reni' Wren as pallbearers, carrying the iconic coffin out of the cathedral to further applause. Scores of mourners touched or blew kisses to the coffin as it passed. Songs like 'Goin' Back' by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, and Bob Marley's 'Redemption Song' played as attendees departed. The hearse, again followed by a buzzing hive of brightly coloured scooters bearing photos and tributes, then proceeded to a private committal and invite-only wake. The send-off was a powerful and fitting tribute to a Manchester icon who profoundly shaped the city's musical legacy, leaving a "Mani-sized hole" that, as Ian Brown remarked, will never be filled.