Zak Starkey Reveals Mani's Last Intention 'The Stone Roses' Before He Dies

Bassis The Stone Roses, Gary "Mani" Mounfield (Instagram @stoneroses.daily)

JAKARTA - Sad news enveloped the British music scene with the death of the bassist of The Stone Roses, Gary "Mani" Mounfield, on Thursday, November 20 last week, at the age of 63.

A wave of respect came from well-known musicians. One of the sad stories that just came to light, came from drummer Zak Starkey, son of Ringo Starr.

Starkey, known for his involvement with The Who, shared a touching confession on Instagram. He revealed that Mani had actually expressed readiness to return to being active in music.

"Last time I spoke to Mani, he said he was ready to 'clean the strings and try them'," Starkey wrote, quoted from the caption of the post, Tuesday, November 25.

Starkey's disclosure became more emotional because of the plan to establish Mantra Of The Cosmos, a supergroup he initiated with Andy Bell (Ride, Oasis) and Shaun Ryder and Bez (The Happy Mondays), planning to prepare a bassist position for Mani.

"Mani should always be our bassist Mantra Of The Cosmos," said Starkey.

However, the commitment had to be canceled. At least, that's the reason for Mani. He resigned because he had to take care of his wife, Imelda Mounfield, who is battling intestinal cancer.

"But because his wife is incredibly strong, Imelda, is seriously ill, she cannot commit to Mantra... there is no substitute for Mani, so we never had a bassist," said the 60-year-old drummer.

Furthermore, for Zak Starkey, Mani is not just a musician colleague. He is a friend that he admires.

"Unfortunately, that didn't happen... we will all miss him, either while he was playing bass or when he was in front of you... a modernist who is beautiful, big-hearted, very funny, political, and sharp, and I love him so much," Starkey said.

He also shared memories of them performing with Paul Weller and Graham Coxon on Jonathan Ross's talk show. Even if it's only once, their chemistry feels instant.

"We only played together this once with Wellercaller and Foxy Coxy on Jonathan Ross, but we got connected straight away and couldn't stop smiling," Starkey recalled.

Even during the soundcheck, they had fun playing the song The Stone Roses, "Rain", even though it ended with a reprimand from another musician for getting out of the topic.

Mani's departure leaves a huge void. The last respect continues to arrive. Last weekend, Oasis was represented by Liam and Noel Gallagher dedicated the song "Live Forever" to Mani in Brazil.

Richard Ashcroft also dedicated the classic work of The Verve, "Bittersweet Symphony," while My Bloody Valentine and Primal Scream paid their tribute in their respective live appearances.