A Heartfelt Moment in São Paulo: Oasis Honors Mani
On November 22, during their concert in São Paulo, Oasis dedicated a deeply moving tribute to their late friend Gary “Mani” Mounfield, the legendary bassist of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream. The tribute came two days after Mani’s death, and that night became one of reverence, connection, and love.
As Oasis launched into their iconic song “Live Forever,” an enormous image of Mani was projected on the giant screen behind the band. The effect was powerful — the audience watched as the band members turned their backs to the crowd and faced Mani’s image, standing together in a quiet moment of respect. Near the end of the song, Liam Gallagher softly altered the lyrics, singing “you’re gonna live forever” while pointing toward Mani. It was a subtle but poignant change, a message meant just for him.
After that, Liam told the crowd, “And he can have this one as well! ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Star’,” before breaking into that song. This wasn’t just a musical tribute — it was a personal handover, a crowning gift to a friend. The crowd in São Paulo felt that weight deeply.
Liam had already shared his grief publicly. He posted on social media: “In total shock and absolutely devastated … My hero. RIP RKID.” His words resonated: Mani was more than just a bassist, he was someone who inspired those around him.
But Oasis wasn’t the only one paying homage. Earlier in the evening, another Manchester musician, Richard Ashcroft, joined in. He opened his set by playing the bassline from The Stone Roses’ classic “She Bangs the Drums,” before transitioning into “Bittersweet Symphony.” In doing so, Ashcroft wove together Mani’s musical legacy with his own performance — a tribute that was both subtle and deeply meaningful.
Who Was Mani? Remembering His Legacy
Gary “Mani” Mounfield was born on 16 November 1962 in Crumpsall, Manchester.
He became famous as the bassist for The Stone Roses, a band that played a huge role in defining the Madchester music scene in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
His basslines were more than just rhythm — they were melodic, hypnotic, and groove-driven, helping make The Stone Roses’ debut album a timeless classic.
After The Stone Roses first broke up in 1996, Mani didn’t stop. He joined Primal Scream, contributing to some of their most important records — including Vanishing Point and XTRMNTR.
Later, when The Stone Roses reunited from 2011 to 2017, Mani rejoined them, bringing his signature style back to the band.
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He was also part of Freebass, a bass supergroup featuring other legendary bassists like Peter Hook (New Order) and Andy Rourke (The Smiths).
Beyond his music, Mani was deeply rooted in Manchester. He was a lifelong Manchester United fan, and the club paid tribute to him after his death, calling him “a Manchester music icon.”
On a more personal note, Mani had suffered deeply: his wife, Imelda, passed away in November 2023 after battling cancer.
He is survived by their twin sons.
The Impact of His Passing
Mani’s death on 20 November 2025 was announced by his brother, Greg, who shared that Mani had been “reunited with his beautiful wife Imelda.”
The news shocked the music world, with an outpouring of tributes from many of his peers.
Ian Brown, frontman of The Stone Roses, said simply: “REST IN PEACE MANi X.”
Tim Burgess of The Charlatans called him “one of the absolute best in every way — such a beautiful friend.”
Peter Hook (from New Order) shared his grief too: “Words just fail me … sending all my love to his family.”
Fans and fellow musicians alike recognized how Mani’s bass wasn’t just backing — it was a heartbeat of a movement.
Why the Oasis Tribute Matters
That moment in São Paulo with Oasis was more than a song dedication — it was a public, emotional tribute to a friend and icon. By dedicating “Live Forever” and then “Rock ‘N’ Roll Star”, the Gallaghers were acknowledging Mani’s place not just in music history, but in their own lives.
The gesture of turning to face his image, the change in lyrics, the naming of Mani as their hero — all of that underscored how much he meant to them. It was a profound way for Oasis, one of Manchester’s most important bands, to say thank you and farewell.
For fans, it was a reminder that behind the basslines and the fame, Mani was deeply loved. His passing has left a mark, but through stories, songs, and moments like this tribute, his spirit lives on. As Liam sang, “you’re gonna live forever” — and in many ways, through his music and the people he inspired, he truly will.