By Azzam Bilal 
HangupsMusic.com – Manchester, the city that birthed the seismic "Madchester" movement, is preparing to immortalize one of its most beloved musical sons. A community-led crowdfunding campaign has been officially launched to finance a permanent mural of Gary "Mani" Mounfield, the legendary bassist whose rhythmic foundations defined the sound of both The Stone Roses and Primal Scream. The project aims to celebrate a life that was inextricably linked to the cultural identity of the North West, ensuring that Mani’s likeness becomes a lasting fixture of the urban landscape he helped make world-famous.
The fundraiser, which set an initial target of £10,000, seeks to provide a fitting tribute to Mounfield following his passing in November at the age of 63. The response from the public has been nothing short of immediate; within days of its inception, the campaign surpassed the £7,000 mark, a testament to the deep affection the public holds for the man often described as the "soul" of the Manchester music scene. While the primary goal is to cover the logistical and material costs of the large-scale artwork, the organizers have pledged that all surplus funds will be donated to Maggie’s Manchester. This cancer support charity holds profound personal significance for the Mounfield family, having provided essential care for Mani and his wife, Imelda, during her own courageous battle with the disease.
The artistic vision for the project will be brought to life by the renowned Manchester-based street artist Pic.One.Art. The artist is no stranger to the delicate task of capturing musical icons; he is the talent behind the celebrated mural of Noel and Liam Gallagher located outside Sifters Records in Burnage. That particular piece has transitioned from a simple tribute to a verified local landmark, attracting tourists and music aficionados from across the globe. By commissioning an artist with such a proven track record for capturing the spirit of Manchester’s rock royalty, the organizers hope to create a site of pilgrimage that reflects Mani’s stature as a working-class hero.
Logistical oversight for the project is being provided by GRIT Studios, a local arts non-profit dedicated to fostering creative expression within the community. The chosen location for the mural is Failsworth, a town in Greater Manchester that served as the backdrop for much of Mani’s formative years. It was here, amidst the red brick and industrial heritage, that a young Gary Mounfield developed the tastes and the tenacity that would eventually lead him to the pinnacle of British rock music. The decision to place the mural in Failsworth rather than the trendy Northern Quarter or the city center is a deliberate nod to his roots, grounding the tribute in the community that shaped him.
Support for the initiative has been spearheaded by Mani’s brother, Greg Mounfield. Greg has been instrumental in the planning stages, securing a prominent, large-scale wall space that will serve as the canvas for the tribute. Furthermore, Greg has worked closely with the artist to select a design that captures the essence of his brother’s personality—one characterized by a sharp wit, an infectious grin, and a relentless passion for the low-end frequencies of a bass guitar.
The inspiration for a permanent physical tribute can be traced back to the emotional funeral service held at Manchester Cathedral in December. During a moving eulogy, Mani’s long-time friend and Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown expressed a desire to see a "50-foot statue" of the bassist erected in the city. While a bronze monument of that scale might be a logistical impossibility in the short term, the mural serves as a vibrant, accessible realization of that sentiment. It acts as a visual echo of Brown’s words, ensuring that Mani’s presence remains felt in the streets he once walked.
Gary Mounfield’s contribution to the global music lexicon cannot be overstated. When he joined The Stone Roses in 1987, he provided the final, crucial ingredient to a lineup that would change the course of indie music. His melodic, funky basslines on tracks like "She Bangs the Drums" and "I Am the Resurrection" gave the band a danceability that bridged the gap between the traditional guitar scene and the burgeoning rave culture of the Haçienda. Following the eventual fracture of the Roses, Mani demonstrated his versatility and enduring relevance by joining Primal Scream. For fifteen years, he served as the engine room for Bobby Gillespie’s outfit, contributing to the gritty, psychedelic swagger of albums like XTRMNTR and Evil Heat.
Beyond his technical prowess, Mani was a figure of immense charisma. He was the bridge between rival factions, a man who seemed to know everyone and was loved by all. His death on November 20th, caused by respiratory complications stemming from long-term emphysema, sent shockwaves through the industry. The timing was particularly poignant, as it came just over a week after Mani had announced a planned UK speaking tour for 2024. The tour was intended to be an intimate look back at his storied career, offering fans a chance to hear first-hand accounts of the highs and lows of the "Second Coming" and beyond.
The mural project represents more than just a memorial; it is a celebration of a specific era of Manchester’s history. The late 80s and early 90s saw the city transform from a post-industrial landscape into the center of the musical universe, and Mani was at the heart of that metamorphosis. By placing this artwork in Failsworth, the organizers are highlighting the importance of regional identity in the creation of global art. It serves as a reminder to the next generation of local musicians that greatness can emerge from the most unassuming of neighborhoods.
The involvement of Maggie’s Manchester adds a layer of philanthropic depth to the campaign. The center, located at The Christie Hospital, provides free practical, emotional, and social support to people with cancer and their families. Mani was a vocal supporter of the charity during his final years, often using his platform to raise awareness for the work they do. By channeling the community’s grief into financial support for Maggie’s, the mural project ensures that Mani’s legacy will continue to help others long after the paint has dried.
As the crowdfunder nears its ultimate goal, the excitement in Manchester is palpable. Street art has become an integral part of the city’s modern aesthetic, with murals of figures like Alan Turing, Marcus Rashford, and Tony Wilson serving as touchstones for local pride. A permanent image of Mani, bass guitar in hand, will join this pantheon of icons, standing as a sentinel over the streets of Failsworth. It will be a place where fans can gather to remember the man who provided the heartbeat for a generation, and where the "One Love" philosophy he championed can find a permanent home.
For those wishing to contribute to the legacy of a man who gave so much to the world of music, the crowdfunding page remains open. It offers a chance for the global community of Stone Roses and Primal Scream fans to give back to a musician who never lost his connection to his audience. In the words of the organizers, the mural is not just for Mani; it is for Manchester, for music, and for the enduring spirit of a legend who always played it from the heart. As the city prepares to welcome this new addition to its skyline, the message is clear: the music may have paused, but the rhythm of Mani Mounfield will resonate forever.