A mural paying tribute to Stone Roses and Primal Scream bass player Gary “Mani” Mounfield has begun in Failsworth, Greater Manchester, with proceeds going to Maggie’s cancer charity
A tribute mural honouring the late Stone Roses and Primal Scream legend Gary “Mani” Mounfield is now underway.
The artwork will adorn the exterior of Lafadi’s Pub on Oldham Road in Failsworth, Greater Manchester – the area where the musician spent his formative years. Artist Pic.One.Art is expected to complete the piece within five to seven days.
The community-driven project has been organised by not-for-profit arts group Grit Studios following Mani’s death last year, taking inspiration from Stone Roses singer Ian Brown, who expressed his desire at the funeral to campaign for a 50ft statue commemorating his former bandmate.
John Macaulay, co-founder of Grit Studios, said: “Mani was one of the warmest, funniest and most generous people I’ve ever known. He had time for everyone. The work we did together over a decade ago genuinely changed my life, and without his support, Grit Studios probably wouldn’t exist.”
He added: “The support so far for this campaign has been incredible. There’s still time for people to get involved and donate to the crowdfunder, and every contribution is helping us not only bring this mural to life but also raise vital funds for (cancer charity) Maggie’s in Manchester.”
Mani’s brother, Greg Mounfield, played a key role in securing the venue for the artwork and has championed the initiative from its inception. All funds raised will benefit Maggie’s, the cancer charity that provided crucial support to Mani’s wife, Imelda, throughout her treatment. Dame Laura Lee, chief executive of Maggie’s, paid tribute, saying: “Everyone at Maggie’s was deeply saddened about Mani’s passing last year.
“We remember Mani and Imelda so fondly from when we supported them at our Manchester centre after Imelda’s cancer diagnosis. Their generosity and time meant a great deal to us, and Mani spoke about how the kindness shown to them helped restore his faith in human nature.
“I am delighted that a mural will be created in Mani’s honour in the community that meant so much to him. We are incredibly grateful that the money raised will support Maggie’s – it will make a real difference for people impacted by cancer in Manchester.”
Artist Pic.One.Art expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying he “couldn’t wait to get started” on the mural, adding that “Mani meant so much to so many people” and it was “an honour to be asked to create something that celebrates his life”.
Mani tragically died aged 63 on November 20, last year, at his home in Heaton Moor, Stockport. The music legend died peacefully in his sleep of “respiratory issues” following a long-standing battle with the lung condition emphysema.
An ambulance was called, and paramedics attended the family home on the morning of Thursday, November 20, but the Manchester hero could not be revived. The much-loved musician was not taken to the hospital, with his death being declared at the scene. Mani’s family told the Manchester Evening News that the dad had died peacefully in his sleep.
The legendary bassist featured on the Stone Roses’ iconic self-titled debut album in 1989, as well as its follow-up, The Second Coming, which dropped in 1994.
Following the band’s split, Mani went on to join Scottish rock outfit Primal Scream, lending his talents to a string of albums, including Vanishing Point (1997), XTRMNTR (2000) and Riot City Blues (2006).
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