One of Mani’s favourite bands will perform at the one-day musical extravaganza in honour of the Stone Roses legend.
More Manchester music stars have been announced to take part in the huge one-day tribute concert to Stone Roses legend Gary “Mani” Mounfield. The music world was left in mourning after the death of much-loved musician Mani, aged 63, in November.
But a host of friends and fellow music stars who knew and loved Mani are now pulling together for an extra special one day music event to be held at Manchester’s Diecast venue on Saturday, May 30. The sold out gig will pay tribute to Mani’s legacy in both life and music, while raising money for his teenage twin sons.
Organisers have today announced that one of Mani’s favourite bands, the reunited Manchester rockers Puressence, have joined the bill at the personal request of his family. Mani was close pals with the band, who share the same hometown of Failsworth where a huge mural to the star has just been revealed.
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Mani produced music with the band, and has previously appeared in their music videos. At Puressence’s recent Manchester Academy gig, they paid their own tribute to their friend during the song Walking Dead which Mani had co-produced with the band.
Puressence will play a special featured set on the day, which will also see a rock ‘n’ roll supergroup come together on stage to perform a number of songs in honour of Mani. It has also been revealed today that the show will close with a one off spectacular performance featuring a rock ‘n’ roll supergroup to the sounds of Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart” arranged by Mani’s friend and fellow bass legend Peter Hook.
A statement from organisers said today: “Manichester is a one-day celebration of Mani’s life, music and legacy, created in close collaboration with his family and a community of artists connected to his story and influence.
“Today sees a band closely connected to Mani’s journey join the bill — Puressence, a longtime favourite of Mani’s and a band he worked with as a producer, will perform a special featured set as part of the day.”
Mani’s brother, Greg Mounfield, said: “Having Puressence involved is a personal request — our kid not only produced records with the lads, he toured China with them and even popped up in a few of their videos.
“For me it’s a no-brainer, and I know our kid would’ve loved it.” He added cryptically: “Word’s gone out as well… so who knows who might turn up on the day.”
The event continues to evolve, with more names added to the bill today – including The Smiths drummer Mike Joyce and Back to Basics DJ Dave Beer. Across the day, Manichester will bring together an extraordinary cast of artists connected through friendship, influence and Manchester music culture.
They include Damon Minchella (Ocean Colour Scene), Peter Hook (Joy Division / New Order), Zak Starkey (Mantra of the Cosmos), Aziz Ibrahim (The Stone Roses), Tom Hingley (Inspiral Carpets), Mick Rossi (Slaughter and the Dogs), Dave McCabe (The Zutons), Baz Fratelli (The Fratellis), James Walsh (Starsailor) and Jon McClure (Reverend and the Makers).
Also performing are Dalbir ‘Tabla Jedi’ Singh (Paul Weller) Adam Ficek (Babyshambles), Alan Leach (Shed Seven), Tom Manning, Osian String Quartet, Danny Connors (Tom Grennan Band), Rowetta (Happy Mondays), Jon Dasilva (Haçienda), Tom Meighan (Kasabian), alongside Cast, Purple Hearts, the Kowloons and further special guests.
Organised by Madchester.com and rock ‘n’ roll fashion label GIOGOI, the event has had the blessing of Mani’s family, including his younger brother Greg Mounfield. Organisers say the closing performance of Love Will Tear Us Apart will “mark the first — and only — time this collective of artists will perform together making this a unique one off moment in time”.
After the main event at Diecast on the Saturday night, there will be an official after-party from 11pm at Gorilla, where more surprises are set to be in store. While Manichester has already sold out, tickets are available to buy now for the Gorilla after-party.
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