“Something magical happens when us four are in the room together, you can’t put your finger on it. It’s just beautiful to capture it again. I’ve missed it.”

The words of one of the world’s greatest bassists after the single most important reunion of the 2010s. I never managed to see The Stone Roses live, despite them being the soundtrack to my childhood. And now I can certainly say I’ve missed my chance for good – at least to see all the original members reunite on stage.

The Stone Roses. They filled every imaginable pub in Manchester. They redefined rock music for everyone who got their hands on their self-titled debut album. Unknowingly, they laid the foundation for a whole new era of northern English bands and majorly influenced bands like The Verve, Oasis and Blur. The success of their debut album was unforeseen. They weren’t just part of the Madchester scene; they were its main soundtrack. And to me, Gary Mounfield was the band’s soul. The bassist who convinced us (guitarists) playing bass can actually be hella cool, just by a funky I am the Resurrection riff or a groovy Made of stone bass line. Who, by joining the Roses with little experience but a lot of love for the craft, showed me everyone can start playing live. Who never really seem to want more than to play for people. Who was probably just as happy about the band’s reunion as I was back then.

You will be missed. But most importantly, remembered as one of the best bassists to ever have existed. I hope you left the earth for at least a month of Sundays.