Stone Roses and Primal Scream bassist Mani dies at 63

Gary "Mani" Mounfield, bassist with legendary Manchester band the Stone Roses, has died at the age of 63.

Mounfield was a founding member of the group, playing on both Stone Roses albums and later reuniting with them on their comeback tour in 2012.

He joined another seminal band, Primal Scream, in 1996 and played with them for 15 years.

The musician's brother Greg announced his death "with the heaviest of hearts" in a post on Facebook. Mani's bandmate Ian Brown led the tributes on X, writing: "REST IN PEACE MANi X."

Oasis singer Liam Gallagher posted: "In total shock and absolutely devastated on hearing the news about Mani. My hero, RIP R Kid."

Mounfield's wife Imelda died in November 2023, three years after she was diagnosed with bowel cancer. The couple have twin boys, who were born in 2013.

Happy Mondays singer Rowetta posted on X: "Going to miss you so much. All my love to the boys, the family & all those who knew & loved him."

The lead singer of the Charlatans, Tim Burgess, shared a picture taken days ago of the pair together celebrating Mounfield's 63rd birthday.

"One of the absolute best in every way," Burgess wrote. "Such a beautiful friend."

Mounfield's death comes after he announced an in-conversation tour of UK venues, which would have seen him recount his experiences and memories in the Stone Roses and Primal Scream from September next year.

This is a breaking news story, further updates to follow.