A constellation of rock ’n’ roll heavyweights will take centre stage this spring as Cast, Peter Hook and The Kowloons, Dave McCabe, Baz Fratelli, Zak Starkey, Steve White, and Jon McClure lead the line-up for Manichester — a major tribute show honouring the life and legacy of Manchester bass icon Gary “Mani” Mounfield.
The one-night celebration, announced today, will take place at Manchester’s Diecast on Saturday, May 30, uniting artists who played with Mani across decades and those who grew up shaped by his unmistakable basslines. Mani — the rhythmic heartbeat of The Stone Roses and later Primal Scream — died at home in Heaton Moor last November aged 63, sparking a wave of tributes from across the world.
Organised by Madchester.com and rock ’n’ roll fashion label GIOGOI, the event has the full support of Mani’s family, including his younger brother Greg Mounfield, who said the line-up already reflects the scale of love for the musician. “I think it will be brilliant. With the names already involved, and more to come, I know he’d have been absolutely buzzing about it,” he said.
Alongside the star guests, a specially assembled core band will anchor the night — featuring Aziz Ibrahim, Rowetta, Simone Butler, and Mick Rossi, all musicians with deep ties to Mani’s career and the wider Manchester scene. More names are expected, with organisers teasing a major headliner announcement the week before the show.
Driving the project is former Ocean Colour Scene bassist Damon Minchella, who will also perform. He revealed the idea was born during last year’s Oasis Live ’25 tour in Brazil, where he paid an impromptu on-stage tribute to Mani. “We were playing in São Paulo and I played the bassline to She Bangs the Drums into Bittersweet Symphony. The reaction from 80,000 people was insane — just from that bassline. That’s the power and legacy of Mani.”
Adding another personal touch, John Squire has created original artwork for the event’s flyers and limited-edition tickets, drawing on his signature visual style to make the artwork itself part of the tribute.
A spokesperson for GIOGOI said the event captures the spirit of the city Mani helped define: “Manchester is the best city in the world, and we do things differently here. We’re showing how powerful the love is for Mani, and showing pure Madchester love to his family.”
Manichester takes place Saturday, May 30, with doors from 2pm. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 27 via Madchester.com.
