Mani’s family say tribute gigs without consent are “incredibly upsetting and disrespectful”

The family of Gary "Mani" Mounfield, the late bassist of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream, have publicly expressed their distress over plans to hold tribute concerts in his name without their consent. Reports indicate that promoters in Manchester are aiming to organise more events following a tribute held earlier this year at the Diecast in Mani’s hometown.

Mani’s family clarified that a recent tribute concert had been a source of misunderstanding but that the issue had been resolved. This event featured notable artists including Peter Hook, Cast, and The Kowloons, alongside a special lineup of musicians personally connected to Mani such as Stone Roses guitarist Aziz Ibrahim and former Happy Mondays member Rowetta.

The tribute concert was reportedly successful, drawing significant attention and large audiences. Organisers have expressed intentions to establish an annual event branded "Manichester," designed to celebrate Mani’s legacy through music and community gatherings. They propose that this event become a recurring fixture in Manchester's cultural calendar.

Despite these plans and public enthusiasm, Mani’s family issued a firm statement through former Primal Scream bassist Simone Marie Butler. The family highlighted their ongoing grief less than nine months after Mani’s passing and emphasised that the use of his name and image without their approval is deeply hurtful and disrespectful.

They conveyed that various promoters and organisers have been leveraging Mani’s identity to promote events without any communication or permission from his immediate family, particularly his sons. This approach has caused additional distress during a time when the family is still mourning.

The statement requests that all parties cease using Mani’s name, likeness, or image to advertise any events unless explicitly authorised by the family. They acknowledged the genuine desire among fans to honour Mani’s musical contributions but insisted that any commemorative activities should be carefully managed and sanctioned by the family.

Looking ahead, the family indicated that official memorial or tribute events will be arranged when they feel it is appropriate. These occasions will be fully endorsed and organised by Mani’s sons, ensuring that all activities respect his memory and the family’s need for privacy.

As part of the ongoing remembrance efforts, a permanent tribute mural dedicated to Mani has been unveiled in Manchester, providing a lasting public homage to the musician's influence and legacy.

The divide between enthusiastic promoters aiming to capitalise on Mani’s enduring popularity and his family’s call for respectful, consent-based tributes illustrates the complexities involved in managing an artist’s estate and legacy posthumously. It raises important questions about the balance between fan engagement and protecting the personal boundaries of those closest to the artist.

For the music industry, this situation underscores the need for clear communication channels and formal agreements when planning events that bear the names of deceased artists. The family's insistence on controlling how Mani’s legacy is celebrated might influence how posthumous tributes and legacy events are handled in the future, potentially affecting the management of catalogues and associated touring activities.

While the organisers’ enthusiasm reflects Mani’s significant cultural impact, the family's firm stance suggests that any future tributes must align with their wishes to maintain integrity and respect. This case highlights the ongoing tension between public commemoration and private grief, a dynamic that often emerges in the wake of influential musicians’ deaths.

Unconfirmed details include the specific plans for the proposed annual Manichester event in 2027 and the extent of the family’s involvement in future memorial activities beyond the statement made. Further clarity may emerge as the family prepares to organise official events that honour Mani’s memory in a manner they find appropriate.