This week was the funeral for Mani -Stone Roses and Primal Scream bass player.

The outpouring of collective grief and sadness was notable - as he was a beloved and likable musician taken too young at aged 63.

Equally notable were the attendees at the funeral in Manchester - Liam Gallagher from Oasis (who was a pallbearer) , Paul Weller , Peter Hook from Joy Division/New Order - even Buzzcocks guitarist Steve Diggle - plus a famous footballer player or two including David Beckham.

It seemed like all the key bands that ushered in the New Wave , Post Punk , Acid House , Trance  and Britpop musical styles from the 1970’s-90’s- were present.

Lets not forget the importance of the Stone Roses emergence on the music scene - merging hip hop, indie rock,60’s pop with memorable guitar hooks and grooves and kickstarting Britpop with seismic concerts - such as Spike Island near Liverpool in 1990.

In fact it was their northern identity that solidified a strong fan base and inspired so many other bands in their wake - both musically and also fashion wise with their baggy clothes, moptop haircuts and bucket hats.

Liam Gallagher from Oasis - probably the biggest guitar band draw in the world in 2025 with the reunion gigs - still sports that look 35 years later.

So lets listen to those memorable Stone Roses singles such as “Fools Gold” and remember a time of inspiration and excitement and innovation in how a band created its own genre.

Of course let us remember the beloved Mani who helped propel the tunes with his hypnotic bass lines.

All four members of Stone Roses are really equal in terms of innovation and musicianship:

Ian Brown on vocals,John Squire guitar and the outstanding drumming of Reni .

Indeed it was their combination - plus Mani - that made for a memorable soundtrack and fond memories of blissed out festivals in the late 80’s and early 90’s.