My hero...R.İ.P RKid

GARY "Mani" Mounfield, founding member and beating heart of the Stone Roses, has died suddenly, aged 63.

- MARK JEFFERIES

Just last month Mani, whose wife Imelda passed away from cancer two years ago, said he was itching to get back into music.

And music has missed him. The Stone Roses were not only the pioneers of the style and sound of the "Madchester" scene and hugely influential on bands such as Oasis.

Their eponymous 1989 debut album is one of the greatest indie rock-dance crossover records.

Even more than 30 years later it still features highly in lists of the greatest rock albums of all time.

And from the infectious bassline on the opening track I Wanna Be Adored to the last jangling chords of I am the Resurrection, Mani's playing is front and centre.

Yesterday his brother Greg Mounfield posted the news on Facebook, saying: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother." His nephew wrote he would be "reunited in heaven with his lovely wife Imelda".

Roses singer Ian Brown posted: "Rest in peace Mani x." Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher said: "In total shock and absolutely devastated on hearing the news about Mani. My hero RIP RKid. LG." Happy Mondays singer Shaun Ryder posted: "RIP Mani - my heartfelt condolences to his twin boys and all of his family.

Former Mondays singer Rowetta said: "Back with your Imelda, Mani. Going to miss you so much. All my love to the boys, the family & all those who knew & loved him." Echo and the Bunnymen's singer Ian McCulloch added: "I'm absolutely gutted to hear the news about Mani, who I have always loved and always will love, deeply and forever.