BRIT Awards organizers are preparing to pay tribute to the late Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield, the bassist of Stone Roses, during the upcoming show on Saturday. The tribute will be led by Tim Burgess of Charlatans, a close friend of Mani who tragically passed away at the age of 63 last November. Tim Burgess is expected to deliver a heartfelt speech, highlighting Mani’s significance as a friend and mentor, especially considering their shared Manchester roots and the special connection to the city hosting the awards for the first time.
Tim Burgess has expressed admiration for Mani, referring to him as a trailblazer and mentor figure. After the Stone Roses disbanded in 1996, Mani joined Primal Scream for a notable 15-year tenure before reuniting with The Stone Roses. Additionally, the ceremony will feature a reunion of Happy Mondays duo Bez and Shaun Ryder as guest presenters, bringing a nostalgic Madchester vibe to the event, which aims to celebrate Manchester’s vibrant energy.
In addition to paying tribute to Mani, the late Ozzy Osbourne will receive a posthumous lifetime achievement award at the Brit Awards. A special tribute performance, organized by Ozzy’s wife Sharon Osbourne and featuring pop star Robbie Williams, will commemorate Ozzy’s lasting impact on the music industry. The performance will include a rendition of Black Sabbath’s iconic song “No More Tears” with a lineup of talented musicians who have collaborated with Ozzy in the past.
Stacey Tang, chairwoman of the Brit Awards committee, emphasized Ozzy Osbourne’s monumental influence on modern music and his enduring legacy that continues to resonate with fans globally. The event will also witness a performance by Harry Styles, a former One Direction member, and the spotlight will shine on artists like Olivia Dean and Lola Young, who lead the nominations this year. Furthermore, Noel Gallagher will be honored with the Songwriter of the Year award for his profound impact on British music culture over the past three decades.
The Brit Awards ceremony, hosted by Jack Whitehall, promises to be a memorable occasion featuring a mix of tributes, performances, and accolades honoring the legacy and contributions of iconic musicians.