Oasis have paid an emotional tribute to Stone Roses bassist Gary “Mani” Mountfield during their final weekend of concerts following his death this week.
The band, fronted by Liam and Noel Gallagher, are in Brazil for two closing shows at São Paulo’s Morumbi Stadium (Estádio do Morumbi). During the first night, they honoured their friend and fellow Manchester music icon while performing Live Forever.
Before launching into the song, Liam — dressed in an orange jacket — told the crowd: “I wanna dedicate this to our dear friend, our hero, the one and only Gary ‘Mani’ Mountfield.”
A full-stage image of Mani appeared on the giant screen behind them, and Liam turned to look at the photograph before applauding as the track ended. The picture stayed up until the band began Rock ’N’ Roll Star.
The tribute had long been expected, given the Gallaghers’ close bond with the Stone Roses legend. Mani’s last public appearance was with Liam at Ricky Hatton’s funeral in Manchester on October 10.
Mounfield, who died aged 63, was central to The Stone Roses’ acclaimed 1989 debut album, which has long been cited as one of the key inspirations behind Oasis’s formation. Liam Gallagher previously said he was “absolutely devastated” by the news and described Mani as “my hero”.
His death was confirmed by family earlier this week. He is understood to have collapsed at home and could not be revived despite an ambulance being called. It came two years after the death of his wife Imelda, who had been diagnosed with bowel cancer.
The tragic news sparked widespread tributes from across the industry, with Ian Brown, Tim Burgess, Peter Hook and Shaun Ryder all prasing his influence and generosity. Fans had expected Oasis to acknowledge him on stage in Brazil given the band’s long-standing admiration for The Stone Roses.
The band’s tribute in São Paulo underlined Mounfield’s status as one of the defining bass players of his generation and a key figure in the sound that shaped Oasis.
