The family of legendary bassist Gary “Mani” Mounfield has issued a strong public statement condemning the planned, unauthorized tribute concerts held in his honor as “incredibly upsetting and disrespectful.”
Organizers have said they’re looking to hold the concerts to keep Mani’s memory alive through music.
Mani died last November at his home in Manchester, U.K., from respiratory issues.
Gary “Mani” Mounfield’s family and friends have expressed strong disapproval of reports that organizers are planning additional concerts in the late bassist’s honor.
In a lengthy statement shared by former Primal Scream bassist Simone Marie Butler, they noted that it hasn’t even been a year since he died and that they’re still mourning his loss.
They also noted that the move to “exploit” his identity for such shows without the approval of his family is outright “disrespectful.”
“It has been less than nine months since we lost Mani. As a family, we are still grieving this monumental loss and his sons are doing their best to navigate life without their Dad,” the statement read.
“Recently it has come to our attention that multiple individuals, promoters and organizers are increasingly using Mani’s name, memory, and legacy to advertise events,” they continued. “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.”
Mani was widely celebrated for his foundational bass work with iconic Manchester bands The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, and remains one of the most beloved figures in British alternative rock history.
The family acknowledged that fact in their statement, before adding that they “kindly but firmly ask all organizers, promoters and venues to stop using Mani’s name, image or likeness to advertise events without the family’s express consent.”
They went on to say that an official memorial or tribute event will take place sometime in the future, when they feel “the time is right,” and that any “legitimate events will be fully sanctioned and lovingly organized by his sons.”
“Please respect our privacy, our boundaries, and Mani’s memory by allowing his boys and his family to grieve in peace,” the statement concluded.
Mani Tribute Event Reportedly Planned For 2027
It comes after reports emerged that show promoters in Manchester plan to hold a future concert following the tribute concert held in his home city back in May.
Musicians closely related to Mani, including Stone Roses guitarist Aziz Ibrahim, ex-Happy Mondays member Rowetta, and The Zutons’ Dave McCabe, are said to be lined up to feature in the event, which had a tentative date around early 2027, per Manchester Evening News.
A spokesperson for Madchester.com told the publication: “The event was a huge success, and we are incredibly proud of what everyone achieved. Mani was a national treasure, and we want to keep his memory alive through music, friendship and the people who loved him.
“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.”
Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield’s Family Backed The First Tribute
Meanwhile, Mani’s family gave their full blessings for the concert held earlier this year and released an appreciative statement after receiving proceeds from the event.
“On behalf of Gene, George & the Family. We would like to thank everyone who performed, contributed, and attended Manichester on 30 May 2026, and also for your kind words of support,” they said.
The event received massive approval from fans as thousands trooped into Manchester to pay their last respects to the iconic rock legend. It also raised money for Mani’s twin sons, Gene and George, whom he shared with his wife Imelda, who died from cancer in 2023.
Mani Leaves Behind A Legendary Rock Legacy
Mani died at the age of 63 in November 2025 from complications relating to his respiratory system, per the BBC. He’d outlined a speaking tour of the U.K. from September 2026 through June 2027, promising to look back on his iconic career.
He fell in love with the guitar at an early age and formed the band the Fireside Chaps with John Squire and Andy Couzens in Greater Manchester in the early 1980s.
He once said he found playing the bass guitar “more rewarding” than playing rhythms, and took a particular liking to “old northern soul and funk grooves,” per The Guardian.
The group underwent some changes and brought on new members before becoming the Stone Roses.
He noted in a past conversation with i-D Magazine that being in the Roses saved his life as he watched about 17 of his friends die of heroin addiction. The group dissolved in 1996, after which Mani joined Primal Scream as bassist.
Comparing both bands in a 2006 interview with Uncut Magazine, he said, “The Primals is more of a democracy, whereas with the Stone Roses we were more looking over our shoulder seeing if Ian and John [Squire] were pleased.”
“Because they were writing the songs and being touted as the Lennon-McCartney, Jagger-Richards kind of thing. For me now there’s a lot more freedom. Primal Scream are as good at bullshit detection as the Stone Roses ever were,” he added.