Primal scream remember Gary “Mani” Mounfield with a special performance and onstage tribute at their Manchester show

Primal Scream delivered a deeply emotional tribute to their late bassist Gary “Mani” Mounfield during their performance at the Warehouse Project in Manchester on Saturday night. The show came just days after news broke of Mani’s death at the age of sixty three, prompting an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow musicians.

Mani, who first rose to prominence as the bassist for The Stone Roses, joined the band in nineteen eighty seven and played on their two acclaimed studio albums. His distinctive bass lines helped define the Madchester sound and played a crucial role in shaping the movement that emerged from the city. After The Stone Roses first disbanded in nineteen ninety six, he became a member of Primal Scream and remained with the group until two thousand eleven, leaving when his former band reunited.

The announcement of Mani’s death was made by his brother Greg earlier in the week. In a statement shared on social media he described the loss as devastating and paid tribute to his brother with heartfelt words. The news was met with shock and sadness across the music community, where Mani had long been admired for both his musical contribution and his warm personality.

At the Warehouse Project show, Primal Scream chose to honour Mani in his hometown. The band performed “I’m Losing More Than I’ll Ever Have,” a track closely associated with their early era and one that resonated strongly with the audience. Fans described the moment as poignant, emotional and fitting for a musician who played a key role in shaping the band’s history.

A large backdrop featuring an image of Mani was unveiled onstage during the performance. The tribute created a powerful visual tribute to his legacy and served as a focal point throughout the song. Current Primal Scream bassist Simone Butler later shared an image of the backdrop on social media, where fans continued to express their grief and admiration.

Butler also wrote her own tribute earlier in the week, recalling Mani’s humour, generosity and spirit. She said that anyone who met him immediately warmed to him and described him as someone with a brilliant character and a big heart. She expressed sorrow for his family and spoke about how much he meant to the people around him. Butler revealed that she was due to see him in Manchester the day after his death and described the situation as heartbreaking.

Mani’s influence stretched far beyond his work with The Stone Roses and Primal Scream. His playing style helped define a generation of British music, while his personality made him a beloved figure among peers and fans alike. His passing prompted tributes from across the world, with many highlighting his role in some of the most memorable moments in British rock.

The tribute at the Warehouse Project was both a celebration of Mani’s life and a recognition of the impact he had on those who knew him. As the band played and the crowd responded with emotion, the moment captured the deep respect felt for a musician whose contributions will continue to be celebrated for years to come.

His loss leaves a significant gap in the musical landscape he helped shape, but his legacy remains firmly embedded in the scenes he influenced. For those in Manchester on Saturday night, the tribute offered both a moment of reflection and a reminder of the joy Mani brought to the stage throughout his remarkable career.