Johnny Marr on how Noel Gallagher called him to tell him Mani had died, and how it shaped his album

Johnny Marr has recalled how he found out from Noel Gallagher that Gary “Mani” Mounfield had died, and explained how the news helped shape some of the lyrics on his new album ‘The Age of Everything’.

READ MORE: Johnny Marr on Fontaines D.C. and fighting “dodgy views”: “The current young generation are really switched on” Mani originally found fame as bassist for the Stone Roses , joining in 1987 and playing on both their iconic albums, until they first disbanded in 1996.

He then went on to join Primal Scream and stayed with them until 2011, when the Stone Roses reformed.

He passed away on November 20, aged 63 , due to respiratory issues linked to long-standing emphysema.

News of his passing led to countless tributes for the beloved bass player pouring in on social media from fans and fellow musicians , including from Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown , New Order , Courteneers’ Liam Fray , Elbow , Richard Ashcroft , Tim Burgess and Peter Hook.

Now, Johnny Marr has revealed that he heard the news from fellow Manchester music icon Noel Gallagher, who called up while Marr was working on his new solo album, ‘ The Age of Everything’.

View this post on Instagram Speaking to Radio X , Marr said that he was working on the second song on the tracklist ‘Beyond The Rain’ when he got the call.

“It was about 11 o’clock in the morning.

We all got our headphones on and we’re like, OK, let’s go for ‘Beyond the Rain’,” and my phone goes and I could see it was Noel,” he shared.

“Normally I wouldn’t pick my phone up, but Noel’s calling.

He didn’t usually call, he usually text.

“I pick up the phone, all the band are stood there, and he tells me that Mani’s died,” Marr continued.

“I remember everyone was really in shock.

Everyone was really upset.