Brits 2026: Tim Burgess pays tribute to Stone Roses legend Mani
During the Brit Awards, The Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess paid tribute to the late Stone Roses icon Gary ‘Mani‘ Mounfield.
Mounfield sadly died at his home in November, aged 63, in his sleep due to respiratory issues caused by his long-standing lung condition, emphysema.
He was later laid to rest at Manchester Cathedral, which was attended by the likes of Liam Gallagher and David Beckham, with Ian Brown and Bobby Gillespie speaking eloquently about their former bandmate.
As the Brits were held in Manchester, taking place at the Co-op Live on February 28th, Mounfield was also the subject of a tribute which was helmed by Burgess ahead of the In Memoriam segment.
He said of his late friend, “I’m here tonight to pay tribute to a good friend of mine. I know he was loved by so many of you here tonight and many more watching on TV. Mani was a kid from a few miles up the road. He changed music and inspired generations ahead of him.”
Burgess added of Mani’s impact on the world through music, “These songs he recorded will be his legacy, along with his unforgettable smile and uncontainable enthusiasm.”
The Charlatans frontman continued, “He was truly one of the phenomenal ones, and they are far and few between. So, I just want you to think about Mani for a moment.”
Geese drummer Max Bassin also honoured Mani during the ceremony after he accepted the award for ‘Best International Group’ on behalf of his band.
He told the Co-op Live, “What’s up the Brits, I just want to say Free Palestine, Fuck ICE, RIP Mani, go Geese!”
However, Bassin’s comments about Palestine, ICE and The Stone Roses icon were all censored from the ITV broadcast.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.