Mani – he of Stone Roses and Primal Scream fame – has issued a public apology to Peter Hook after accusing him of living off "Ian Curtis’ blood money".
Mani criticised Hook last week on Twitter after it was confirmed that Freebass – their venture with former Smiths bassist Andy Rourke – had split up.
However, he issued the following statement today: "I wish to apologise unreservedly to Peter Hook and his family regarding comments made on a social networking site which was totally out of character for me. It was a venomous, spiteful reaction to a lot of things that are going on in my life right now and I chose to vent my frustrations and anger at one of my true friends in this filthy business, and ventured into territory which was none of my concern. The Freebass thing has tipped me over the edge and became the focus of my bilious rants. Twenty two years of being tripped up, face down in the mud and being kicked in the face with an iron boot will do that to the most stable of men. I hope I haven’t blown a great friendship forever. Sorry Pete"
"In a funny way my outburst might make want people want to check the record out. I’m proud of what we achieved really. It’s not often bass players get to step out of the shadows and create something from scratch, and between us we’ve managed it. A bumpy ride but we got there…..give it a listen."
"I hope I’m not turning into a bitter and twisted old rocker, that’s not what I’m about as anybody who knows the real me will be happy to confirm."
Hook, meanwhile, gave the following statement: "Mani is a great friend of mine and he always will be. I have the utmost respect for him as a person and musician. Have none of you ever fallen out with somebody you love."
