Mani's family objects to tribute concerts staged in his name

The family of Stone Roses and Primal Scream bassist Gary "Mani" Mounfield has objected to plans for further tour dates staged in his name without their consent, NME reported on August 12. The objection follows a report a day earlier that Manchester promoters and organizers were lining up more events built around his legacy.

In a lengthy statement shared by former Primal Scream bassist Simone Marie Butler, the family said organizers have been "using Mani's name, memory, and legacy to advertise events" without ever asking his sons or immediate family for permission, calling it "incredibly upsetting and disrespectful" less than nine months after his death.

It follows a tribute show held earlier this year at Manchester's Diecast, where Cast, Peter Hook and a specially assembled band including Stone Roses guitarist Aziz Ibrahim and former Happy Mondays member Rowetta performed. A spokesman for organizer Madchester.com called the night a "huge success" and said there are already plans to make the branded Manichester concert an annual fixture, while a sponsor said demand was so strong they "could have filled Old Trafford."

The family said any future memorial shows will happen only "when the family feels the time is right" and will be organized by Mani's sons, and asked promoters, organizers and venues to stop using his name, image or likeness without consent. The statement asked fans and the industry to "respect our privacy, our boundaries, and Mani's memory" while the family grieves.

Mani, who also played with Primal Scream after the Stone Roses split, died last November at 63, one of the defining bassists of the Madchester rock scene. A permanent tribute mural has since been unveiled in Manchester, and the family's statement makes clear that any sanctioned tribute, unlike the unauthorized shows now being planned, will carry their blessing rather than just their name.