Legendary bassist Pete Garner, who was part of the original lineup of the Stone Roses, has passed away at the age of 61. Garner was an integral part of the Manchester-based band, having been friends with frontman Ian Brown and guitarist John Squire since they were teenagers.
The trio first became musical collaborators in 1980, when Garner stood in for the bassist of The Patrol, a band Brown and Squire had founded. Three years later, Garner was officially recruited as the bassist for The Stone Roses, and the band played their first gig in October 1984. Garner’s bass playing was featured on the group’s first two singles, ‘So Young’ and ‘Sally Cinnamon’.
In the summer of 1987, Garner left the band, citing his own inadequacy as the reason. He was replaced by Rob Hampson, who was himself later replaced by Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield. Garner was remembered fondly by Brown, who wrote on Twitter: “We were young punk rockers when we met in 77. The nite before Petes maths and geography O levels we went to see the Clash. Always made me chuckle he did that and of course he made the right decision!”
Brown also added that Garner was a passionate music fan, saying: “Few loved music as much as Pete he been bathing in music since Anarchy in the Uk came out that i can vouch for and Pete was off the scale nice, an old skool nice that ya just dont get no more! He got that from his lovely Mum! GOD Bless Pete RiP X”
The music world is mourning the loss of Pete Garner, an important figure in the Manchester music scene and an essential part of the Stone Roses’ early success. Just last month, Liam Gallagher teased a joint album with John Squire, claiming it would be “the best record since The Beatles’ ‘Revolver’”. Garner’s influence will certainly live on.
Leave a Reply