Work starts on mural tribute for Mani being painted on Oldham pub

Work has begun on a mural honouring Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, the legendary Stone Roses and Primal Scream bassist, on the La Fardy pub in Failsworth. The artwork, created by artist Pic.One.Art, is part of a community campaign launched by Grit Studios after Mani's death last year. Ian Brown's call for a 50ft statue at Mani's funeral inspired the project, which aims to celebrate the musician's connection to the area.

John Macaulay from Grit Studios described Mani as 'one of the warmest, funniest and most generous people I've ever known' and credited him with helping establish the not-for-profit organisation. The campaign has already raised significant support, with donations still being accepted to fund both the mural and Maggie's cancer charity in Manchester. Mani's brother Greg Mounfield helped secure the pub location and has supported the project from the start.

The mural will honour Mani's legacy while raising money for Maggie's, which supported his wife Imelda during her cancer treatment. Dame Laura Lee, chief executive of Maggie's, said the charity was 'deeply saddened' by Mani's passing and grateful for the fundraising support. Pic.One.Art expressed his honour at being asked to create the tribute, noting how much Mani meant to so many people in the community.