Alfonso 'Fonzo' Buller, the Manchester music scene legend behind MVITA who performed with Happy Mondays and Stone Roses, has died at the age of 65. Oasis star Liam Gallagher has spearheaded tributes to a "true Manchester legend" who has passed away aged 65. Alfonso "Fonzo" Buller was renowned for pioneering the Manc swagger and coining the phrase "Manchester Vibes in the Area", which was embraced by subsequent generations of musicians. Oasis frontman Liam shared on his X account on Tuesday morning: "RIP FONZO MVITA REWIND." He subsequently added: "COME IN COME IN" in a further reference to one of Fonzo's catchphrases. The duo have been photographed together sharing a pint on numerous occasions over the years.

Singer Liam, 53, had utilised the motto "Manchester Vibes in the Area" to introduce the band onstage throughout every performance of the Oasis Live 25 tour dates at Heaton Park last year.

Oasis guitarist Bonehead also contributed to the outpouring, stating simply: "MVITA", whilst Stone Roses vocalist Ian Brown joined the tributes saying: "Rest in Peace Alfonso Buller a King and Lion of Manchester X Love to the family and his many friends."

The son of a Belizean immigrant and a Romany Gypsy, Alfonso "Fonzo" Buller was a familiar face on the music circuit and was frequenting clubs before reaching his teenage years.

He was raised in Withington, South Manchester, and established the musical sound system MVITA during the 1980s and 90s. He was celebrated for his exuberant dance moves and acrobatics, performing alongside numerous stars throughout the years.

Alfonso's manager, Alan Ingram, expressed his disbelief and said: "I spoke to him only a couple of days ago, he'd not been too well recently, but I'm absolutely shocked and gutted, I can't believe it to be honest with you."

Alan continued: "He was on the Pyramid stage (at Glastonbury) for six years running, not officially, but with Stone Roses, Joe Cocker, Finley Quaye, Simply Red - he was on stage with all of them together with Himat Singh, the percussionist in MVITA.

"Fonzo, in recent times, has been on stage for the Happy Mondays; he stood in for Bez on certain gigs. All music people of our generation know Fonzo."

Former Happy Mondays star and vocalist Rowetta offered a tribute, saying: "Always a real gentleman, so supportive of me and so many others. His natural energy and positivity were something I had been yearning for for years, and I'll never forget that and so many other great memories."