Rock
Mural for Mani crowdfunder launched in honour of late Stone Roses legend
Gary "Mani" Mounfield looks set to be honoured with a permanent mural in Manchester.
A new community fundraiser has been launched to create a large mural celebrating the life of Stone Roses and Primal Scream bassist Gary “Mani” Mounfield, inspired in part by Ian Brown’s moving tribute at his funeral in Manchester Cathedral.
The project aims to honour Mani in his hometown of Failsworth while raising money for Maggie’s Centres, a charity that supported his family.
The initiative comes from GRIT Studios, who say they were moved by the huge wave of affection shown by fans across Greater Manchester following Mani’s passing in November. The group is coordinating the mural, which will be painted by Pic.One.Art — the street artist behind the much‑loved Noel and Liam Gallagher portrait at Sifters Records in Burnage.
Mani’s brother, Greg Mounfield, is closely involved and has helped secure the wall space for the artwork, as well as choosing the final design. The mural will be positioned in a prominent spot in Failsworth, giving fans a dedicated place to remember the musician and his influence on Manchester’s music scene.
GRIT Studios co‑founder John Macaulay, has a special link to Mani. He spent extensive time with the musician during a key chapter in the bassist’s life, shortly before The Stone Roses reunited in 2011. Their friendship grew during trips to Shanghai and Beijing, where they worked with Manchester band Puressence on a cultural exchange project linking the cities.
Macaulay 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 in China genuinely changed the course of my life, and without Mani, GRIT Studios probably wouldn’t exist. He encouraged us, believed in us, and inspired us to think big.”
He added that Ian Brown’s heartfelt eulogy — including the playful suggestion of a 50‑foot gold statue — struck a chord with the team.
He added: “Maybe one day, but for now the mural feels like the right way to honour someone who gave so much to Manchester.”
All proceeds from the ‘Mural for Mani’ crowdfunder will go to Maggie’s Centre in Manchester, which supported Mani and his wife Imelda during her cancer treatment.
The Crowdfunder is already almost halfway to its £10,000 target. Donate here.
