The bassist, best known for his role in The Stone Roses, passed away in November at the age of 63 following respiratory issues, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the music world.
Mani was also a key member of Primal Scream between 1996 and 2011, further cementing his status as a central figure in British rock.
His funeral, held at Manchester Cathedral in December, reflected that impact, drawing major names including Liam Gallagher, Paul Weller and Ian Brown, alongside friends, collaborators and fans who gathered to pay their respects.
Now, that legacy will be celebrated with a major live event titled ‘Manichester’, set to take place at the 5,000-capacity Diecast venue on Saturday, May 30. Organised by former Ocean Colour Scene bassist Damon Minchella, the night will bring together an array of artists connected to Mani’s career and influence. Tickets are due to go on sale on Friday.
Explaining the inspiration behind the event, Minchella pointed to the enduring power of Mani’s musicianship. “We were playing in São Paulo and I played the bassline to ‘She Bangs the Drums’ into ‘Bittersweet Symphony’,” he said, recalling a moment during a show with Richard Ashcroft. “The reaction from 80,000 people was insane — just from that bassline. That’s the power and legacy of Mani.”
The line-up reflects that legacy, with performances from Cast and Peter Hook and The Light (with The Kowloons), alongside a specially assembled group of musicians closely tied to Mani. Among them are former Stone Roses guitarist Aziz Ibrahim, ex-Happy Mondays member Rowetta, former Primal Scream bassist Simone Butler and Slaughter and the Dogs’ Mick Rossi. They will be joined by Dave McCabe, Baz Fratelli, Zak Starkey, Steve White and Jon McClure.
To understand the scale of the tribute, it’s important to grasp just how influential The Stone Roses were—and why Mani remains such a revered figure. Emerging from Manchester in the late 1980s, the band became pioneers of the “Madchester” scene, blending indie rock with dance rhythms at a time when British music was undergoing a cultural shift. Their 1989 self-titled debut album is widely regarded as one of the greatest British records of all time, helping to lay the groundwork for the Britpop explosion that followed in the 1990s.
Mani’s basslines were central to that sound. Tracks like I Wanna Be Adored and She Bangs the Drums showcased a melodic, groove-driven style that bridged rock and dance music, influencing generations of bands that followed. Even after the group’s initial split, their legacy only grew, with their reunion shows in the 2010s drawing massive crowds and reaffirming their status as one of the UK’s most iconic acts.
Following Mani’s death, tributes poured in from across the industry, underlining the respect he commanded.
“Truly in shock at this. An incredible loss to everyone who knew and loved him. The moment u met Mani u loved him. The most brilliant and wickedly sharp sense of humour and the biggest heart and generosity. The smile in that first pics was so absolutely him. He called me his scorpio bass sister. My heart is breaking for his boys, family and loved ones. Was meant to see him tmro in Manchester", Primal Scream's Simone Butler said. “A terrible and sad loss. An amazing person, so so loved by everyone all over the world X just heartbreaking".
Stone Roses' Ian Brown added his own tribute: “REST IN PEACE MANi X”, while The Stone Roses also shared tribute from their official account, writing: “RIP our wonderful brother Mani. The greatest bass player and friend we could ever have wished for".
“Going to miss you so much,” wrote former Happy Mondays singer Rowetta, as she also paid tribute to Mani’s late wife Imelda. “All my love to the boys, the family & all those who knew and loved him".
Other artists to pay tribute include Liam Gallagher, who said that he was “in total shock” and “absolutely devastated” to hear of Mani's passing.
Happy Monday's singer Rowetta paid tribute to Mani, as well as his late wife Imelda, writing: “All my love to the boys, the family & all those who knew and loved him".
The ‘Manichester’ concert now stands as the most high-profile celebration of his life so far, bringing together the artists, collaborators and admirers who were shaped by his work.
In a city so closely tied to his identity, the event is expected to be both a tribute and a reminder of the enduring impact Mani—and The Stone Roses—have had on British music.
