'RIP R kid'... Liam in shock as Stone Roses' Mani dies aged 63

LIAM Gallagher was among the Britpop musicians who paid tribute to Stone Roses bass player Gary 'Mani' Mounfield yesterday after he died suddenly, aged 63.

- BY MARK JEFFERIES

Liam, 53, said: "In total shock and absolutely devastated on hearing the news about Mani.

"My hero RIP R Kid. LG."

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

And music had certainly missed him. The Roses' eponymous 1989 album remains one of the greatest debuts in rock history.

From the infectious bassline on the opening track I Wanna Be Adored to the final jangling chords of I Am the Resurrection, Mani's playing is front and centre.

Yesterday Mani's brother Greg Mounfield broke the news, saying: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to announce the sad passing of my brother."

His nephew said Mani would be "reunited in heaven" with Imelda.

Stone Roses singer Ian Brown posted: "Rest in peace Mani x"

Mani was born in November 1962 in Crumpsall, an outer suburb of Manchester, and went to Xaverian College in Rusholme.

He left school at 16 and formed the band the Fireside Chaps with future Roses' lead guitarist John Squire and Andy Couzens.