The Smiths’ bassist Andy Rourke has died aged 59 after a “lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer”, his former bandmate Johnny Marr has said.
A post on Marr’s official Twitter account said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer.
“Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans.
“We request privacy at this sad time.” Andy Rourke was a British musician best known as the former bassist of the alternative rock band The Smiths. He was born on January 17, 1964, in Manchester, England.
Rourke joined The Smiths in 1982, shortly after the band's formation, and played a crucial role in shaping their distinctive sound. His melodic bass lines and intricate playing style became an integral part of the band's music, contributing to their success and critical acclaim.
During his time with The Smiths, Rourke played on all four of their studio albums: "The Smiths" (1984), "Meat Is Murder" (1985), "The Queen Is Dead" (1986), and "Strangeways, Here We Come" (1987). The band's discography includes popular songs like "This Charming Man," "How Soon Is Now?," and "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out."
After The Smiths disbanded in 1987, Rourke pursued various musical projects. He worked with bands like The Pretenders, Sinead O'Connor, and Badly Drawn Boy, and also formed his own bands, such as Freebass and Jetlag. Rourke continued to be involved in music and has collaborated with different artists over the years.
While Rourke's musical career was notable for his time with The Smiths, he also made contributions outside the band, showcasing his talent as a bassist in the alternative rock and indie music scenes.
Johnny Marr has recalled the last time he and former The Smiths bassist Andy Rourke performed together, following news of Rourke’s death aged 59.
In an Instagram post, Marr said: “Andy and I met as schoolboys in 1975. We were best friends, going everywhere together. When we were fifteen I moved into his house with him and his three brothers and I soon came to realise that my mate was one of those rare people that absolutely no one doesn’t like.
“Andy and I spent all our time studying music, having fun, and working on becoming the best musicians we could possibly be. Back then Andy was a guitar player and a good one at that, but it was when he picked up the bass that he would find his true calling and his singular talent would flourish.
“Throughout our teens we played in various bands around South Manchester before making our reputations with The Smiths from 1982 to 1987, and it was on those Smiths records that Andy reinvented what it is to be a bass guitar player.
“I was present at every one of Andy’s bass takes on every Smiths session. Sometimes I was there as the producer and sometimes just as his proud mate and cheerleader. Watching him play those dazzling baselines was an absolute privilege and genuinely something to behold. But one time which always comes to mind was when I sat next to him at the mixing desk watching him play his bass on the song The Queen Is Dead. It was so impressive that I said to myself ‘I’ll never forget this moment’.
“We maintained our friendship over the years, no matter where we were or what was happening and it is a matter of personal pride as well as sadness that the last time Andy played on stage was with me and my band at Maddison Square Garden in September 2022. It was a special moment that we shared with my family and his wife and soul mate Francesca.
“Andy will always be remembered, as a kind and beautiful soul by everyone who knew him, and as a supremely gifted musician by people who love music.
“Well done Andy. We’ll miss you brother.
“Johnny x”.
Folk singer Billy Bragg described Andy Rourke as “an amazing bass player” in a tribute on Twitter.
He tweeted: “Very sorry to hear that Smiths bassist Andy Rourke has passed away.
“I have great memories of him playing with Johnny Marr and myself on the Red Wedge tour. He was a lovely guy and an amazing bass player.
“My condolences to his family and friends.”
Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess said Rourke was “an inspirational musician” in a social media tribute.
“Such sad sad news about Andy Rourke – He was an inspirational musician with a style that made so many of us pick up a bass guitar; and the driving force for Manchester Versus Cancer,” he tweeted.
“Our thoughts are with everyone who knew him. Travel well x”
