Giant Mural Celebrates Stone Roses Bassist Mani’s Legendary Life

A striking new mural has been completed in Failsworth to honor Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, the legendary bassist from the Stone Roses and Primal Scream. The mural, painted in black and white, features a close-up of Mani's smiling face with a bright yellow lemon slice behind him, as well as a larger image of him playing his bass guitar in a striped T-shirt. This impressive artwork now covers the side of the La Fardy Pub on Oldham Road, a place that held special memories for Mani and his friends. The mural was created by street artist Pic. One. Art, who spent 11 days working on the piece. Mani's brother, Greg Mounfield, played a key role in making the mural happen, choosing the pub because it was a favorite spot for the brothers and their friends to gather over the years.

Mani sadly passed away in November last year due to complications from emphysema, a lung disease. The mural was funded through an online crowdfunding campaign organized by GRIT art studios, a not-for-profit group in Manchester. The campaign not only paid for the mural but is also raising money for The Maggie's Centre, a cancer charity that supported Mani's wife, Imelda, during her cancer treatment. The idea for the mural was inspired by a tribute from Mani's bandmate, Ian Brown, who suggested at Mani's funeral that there should be a gold statue of Mani in Manchester. Instead, GRIT Studios decided that a mural in Failsworth would be a fitting way to celebrate Mani's life and legacy.

Since the mural was unveiled, it has attracted visitors from all over the UK. Greg Mounfield shared that people have traveled long distances, even from places like York, just to see the mural and take photos with it. He described the mural as 'amazing' and said it was a perfect tribute to his brother. The mural is not just a celebration of Mani's music career, but also of the kind and generous person he was. Hundreds of people donated to the crowdfunding campaign, making the mural a true community project. The unveiling of the mural was covered by BBC Radio Manchester, and the story has inspired many people to share their own memories of Mani and his music. The mural stands as a lasting reminder of Mani's impact on music and the people who loved him.