The Stone Roses' Rise to Fame: Where Funk Meets Indie Rock
In a flash, one of the most remarkable ascensions in music history unfolded over 12 short months. When 1989 began, the Manchester-based quartet was an underground sensation, largely ignored by Britain's alternative rock scene at large. John Peel, the influential DJ and radio personality, wasn't a fan, while their single "Elephant Stone" remained a relative afterthought in the music press. Fast forward to November, however, and the band was unrecognizable – with "Fools Gold" soaring to No 8 on the charts and its performance dominating that week's Top of the Pops.
While it's easy to pinpoint various reasons behind their meteoric rise to fame, one factor stood out: the Stone Roses' unique fusion of style, swaggering attitude, and guitar virtuosity. John Squire's unorthodox playing style, coupled with the band's laid-back cockiness, set them apart from other indie bands at the time.
But what truly set the Stone Roses apart was their rhythm section – specifically Gary "Mani" Mounfield's bass lines. His approach to music was rooted in good northern soul and funk, rather than the standard indie rock fare of the time. Mani's fluid playing style was instrumental in driving the band's iconic debut album forward, imbuing tracks like "I Am the Resurrection" with a spring in their step.
Mani's influence extended beyond the Stone Roses' music, however. His commitment to funk and soul played a significant role in shaping the sound of post-1989 indie rock. Bands like Primal Scream, who reunited with Mani after his departure from the Stone Roses, were forever changed by his musical vision.
In an interview, Mani reflected on the importance of the bass and drums in creating a danceable experience. He argued that these elements were at the heart of music, providing a primal energy that connected listeners to the rhythm. His playing style on tracks like "Kill All Hippies" from Primal Scream's album Xtrmntr showcased this vision, with his popping bass lines acting as the main attraction.
Mani's impact on indie rock extends beyond his own band and collaborations. The Stone Roses' influence can be seen in Oasis, who borrowed their swaggering attitude, and Britpop bands that sought to break free from alternative rock conventions. However, the most tangible effect of the Stone Roses was a shift in the rhythm of indie music – with countless bands aiming to create a danceable experience akin to Mani's.
As the writer John Robb noted, Mani had a tendency to "let his guard down" when on stage, puncturing the band's haughty attitude towards the media. This humility remained a defining trait throughout his career, even as he achieved success and eventually retired in 2021. For a man who found fame with the Stone Roses, fly-fishing became an unlikely outlet for relaxation – providing a convenient excuse to visit the pub.
Today, Mani's legacy lives on through his contributions to indie rock, where his commitment to funk and soul continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
In a flash, one of the most remarkable ascensions in music history unfolded over 12 short months. When 1989 began, the Manchester-based quartet was an underground sensation, largely ignored by Britain's alternative rock scene at large. John Peel, the influential DJ and radio personality, wasn't a fan, while their single "Elephant Stone" remained a relative afterthought in the music press. Fast forward to November, however, and the band was unrecognizable – with "Fools Gold" soaring to No 8 on the charts and its performance dominating that week's Top of the Pops.
While it's easy to pinpoint various reasons behind their meteoric rise to fame, one factor stood out: the Stone Roses' unique fusion of style, swaggering attitude, and guitar virtuosity. John Squire's unorthodox playing style, coupled with the band's laid-back cockiness, set them apart from other indie bands at the time.
But what truly set the Stone Roses apart was their rhythm section – specifically Gary "Mani" Mounfield's bass lines. His approach to music was rooted in good northern soul and funk, rather than the standard indie rock fare of the time. Mani's fluid playing style was instrumental in driving the band's iconic debut album forward, imbuing tracks like "I Am the Resurrection" with a spring in their step.
Mani's influence extended beyond the Stone Roses' music, however. His commitment to funk and soul played a significant role in shaping the sound of post-1989 indie rock. Bands like Primal Scream, who reunited with Mani after his departure from the Stone Roses, were forever changed by his musical vision.
In an interview, Mani reflected on the importance of the bass and drums in creating a danceable experience. He argued that these elements were at the heart of music, providing a primal energy that connected listeners to the rhythm. His playing style on tracks like "Kill All Hippies" from Primal Scream's album Xtrmntr showcased this vision, with his popping bass lines acting as the main attraction.
Mani's impact on indie rock extends beyond his own band and collaborations. The Stone Roses' influence can be seen in Oasis, who borrowed their swaggering attitude, and Britpop bands that sought to break free from alternative rock conventions. However, the most tangible effect of the Stone Roses was a shift in the rhythm of indie music – with countless bands aiming to create a danceable experience akin to Mani's.
As the writer John Robb noted, Mani had a tendency to "let his guard down" when on stage, puncturing the band's haughty attitude towards the media. This humility remained a defining trait throughout his career, even as he achieved success and eventually retired in 2021. For a man who found fame with the Stone Roses, fly-fishing became an unlikely outlet for relaxation – providing a convenient excuse to visit the pub.
Today, Mani's legacy lives on through his contributions to indie rock, where his commitment to funk and soul continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
. The Stone Roses were like a breath of fresh air, you know? I mean, who wouldn't want to listen to John Squire's face-melting guitar riffs and Gary "Mani" Mounfield's sick bass lines? 
It was like they took all the cool kids' stuff from Manchester and put it into one amazing package. And can we talk about how iconic their debut album is? I mean, who needs fancy production when you've got a tracklist that includes "I Am the Resurrection"? 
It's like, the more things change, the more they stay the same, right?
That's just the best. I wish he was still touring, but at least his legacy lives on through all the amazing music he helped create. 
, their fusion of style and swagger was infectious! but i think what really set them apart was mani's bass lines - they added this whole new level of energy to their music 
. it's crazy how his influence can be heard in all these other bands like primal scream and oasis... and let's not forget fly-fishing as a hobby 
! their fusion of style & swaggering attitude with guitar virtuosity was def a game changer back in 89. but honestly, it's mani's funk-infused bass lines that really set them apart - his playing style added this whole new level of energy to their music 
. And now, even years later, it's still inspiring new bands to push the boundaries of what's possible with danceable rock music 
. I mean, John Squire's guitar playing was on point, but it was Mani's bass lines that really gave the band its edge. He brought this whole other vibe to their music - soul and funk, man! 
. But at least he found a way to relax, you know? The Stone Roses' legacy lives on, and Mani's impact on indie rock is still felt today 
. anyway, Mani's legacy lives on and i'm so grateful for the impact he had on indie rock 
john mani's bass lines on that album are just pure magic 
. He might not have been the most showy guitarist, but his influence on indie rock is undeniable 
their unique sound was like nothing else at the time - it was like they took all this cool indie rock vibe and then threw in some serious funk and soul 
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The way Gary "Mani" Mounfield brought that funky vibe to The Stone Roses' music is still giving me chills! 
Mani's humility on stage was also pretty cool - he never lost sight of what made music special, even after achieving huge success. 
so i think its kinda wild how one band could just change EVERYTHING in 12 months... like they went from being a small indie thing to this huge alt-rock phenomenon 
what do you think about the impact the stone roses had on britpop/indie rock as a whole?
. And don't even get me started on how quickly they adapted to the scene and changed their sound - it's like they were just waiting for someone to notice them so they could start playing it cool 
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but for real though mani's bass lines are where it's at like he brought a whole different level of groove to the table and that's what made them stand out from all the other bands of the time i mean don't get me wrong they were good and all but not as influential as everyone makes them out to be