Andy Rourke, bassist for the rock band The Smiths, has passed away at the age of 59, the group has announced. Johnny Marr, guitarist, verified with “deep sorrow” that Rourke passed away after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.
In a statement posted on Twitter, Marr said,
“Those who knew Andy will remember him as a kind and beautiful soul and as a supremely talented musician.”
According to Morrissey, Rourke “will never die as long as his music is heard.”
Rourke played on some of The Smiths’ most well-known compositions, such as This Charming Man and There Is a Light That Never Goes Out, and also appeared on Morrissey’s solo singles after the band disbanded in 1987.
In a tribute posted to his website, Morrissey expressed his trust that Andy is safe wherever he is. As long as his music is played, he will never perish.
“He was never aware of his own influence, and none of his performances were previously performed. His distinction was so extraordinary and unconventional, and he demonstrated that it was possible.”
“I suppose, at the end of everything, we expect to feel valued. Andy need not be concerned.”
The bassist contributed to all four studio albums released by The Smiths: 1984’s The Smiths, 1985’s Meat Is Murder, 1986’s The Queen Is Dead, and 1987’s Strangeways, Here We Come.
Rourke’s bandmate, percussionist Mike Joyce, tweeted,
“Not only the most talented bassist I’ve ever had the pleasure of playing with but also the kindest, funniest young man I’ve ever met. Andy has departed, but his musical legacy will endure forever. I already miss you so much. Always in my heart, companion.”
Suede bassist Mat Osman characterized Rourke as “a one-of-a-kind individual” and “a rare bassist whose sound was immediately recognizable.”
“I recall so vividly playing that Barbarism breaks over and over, attempting to learn the riff, and marveling at the steely funk that drove the song,” he said.
Stephen Street, the producer of The Smiths, added,
“I am so devastated by this news. Andy was a talented musician and a nice person.
“I have not yet been able to read additional news about the incident, but I extend my sincerest condolences to his friends and family. RIP.”
Later in his career, Rourke performed with two other Mancunian bassists, Gary “Mani” Mounfield of the Stone Roses and Peter Hook of New Order, in a supergroup called Freebass.
Rourke recorded with the Pretenders, Killing Joke, Sinead O’Connor, Aziz Ibrahim (formerly of the Stone Roses), and former Oasis guitarist Bonehead as Moondog One, which also featured Mike Joyce and Craig Gannon.
He also played with another Manchester singer-songwriter, Badly Drawn Boy, for two years as a member of his touring ensemble.
Badly Drawn Boy stated on Twitter,
“The Smiths were without a doubt the most influential band of my teenage years. I was incredibly honored when Andy joined me on tour for two years and played bass.
“He was the nicest, kindest, and funniest individual I’ve ever toured with. Probably the most talented musician I’ve ever encountered. He was loved by him. Gutted.”
Rourke was born to an English mother and an Irish father on January 17, 1964. He had an early interest in music and began studying the guitar at age seven.
Rourke stated in a 2016 interview,
“I always received a musical instrument for Christmas or my birthday, so I experimented with plastic trumpets, saxophones, and keyboards.”
“I played a little bit of cello later on, but I made that up as I went along because it was needed on a Smiths record, so I just bought one, tuned it up like a bass, and went from there.”
At age 11, he became acquaintances with Marr. “We were the best of friends, going everywhere together,” recalled Marr. “When we were 15 years old, I moved into his house with him and his three brothers, and I quickly realized that my friend was one of those rare individuals that everyone likes.”
Freak Party was a band founded by Marr and Rourke that never released any music. In 1982, when Marr, Morrissey, and Joyce founded The Smiths, the group tried out two other bassists before settling on Rourke. Marr characterized Rourke’s bass playing as his “true calling”
With songs including Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now and Girlfriend in a Coma, the band became the defining Manchester act of the 1980s and an icon of British alternative rock.
Rourke was fired for two weeks in 1986 for using heroin, but returned later that year to record The Queen Is Dead album.
Andy and Joyce filed a lawsuit against Morrissey and Marr in 1989, claiming they were owed an equal share of profits after earning only 10% of the group’s performance and recording royalties.
Rourke settled for a flat sum of £83,000. Joyce, on the other hand, persisted with the legal action and was awarded approximately £1 million in backdated royalties and 25% of future royalties. Rourke subsequently filed for bankruptcy in 1999.
But, Marr said,
“We maintained our friendship throughout the years, regardless of where we were or what was occurring.”
Andy redefined what it means to perform bass guitar. Observing him perform these dazzling basslines was an absolute honor and a sight to behold.”
Later in his career, Rourke became a radio host on the then-named XFM radio station.
Singer Billy Bragg tweeted,
“Very saddened to learn bassist Andy Rourke has passed away. I have fond recollections of him playing on the Red Wedge tour with me and Johnny Marr. He was a gentleman and a phenomenal bassist. My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.”
Terry Christian, a presenter, referred to Rourke as a “lovely guy” and added,
“Another hole has been left in the history of Manchester music.”
Tim Burgess, a lead vocalist of The Charlatans, added,
“Such sad sad news about Andy Rourke – he was an inspirational musician, with a style that inspired so many of us to pick up a bass guitar; and the driving force behind Manchester Versus Cancer.” Our thoughts are with all of his acquaintances. “Travel safely x”
John Robb, a music journalist, and fellow bassist, stated on BBC Radio 5 Live, “In Manchester, because the music scene and family are so firmly knit, it feels like you’ve lost a family member. You feel as though you’ve lost a family member.
“[Rourke’s] talent must be acknowledged. He was a handsome and kind man. Andy was one of those individuals who are pleasant to be around. He was genial, kind, and gentle.
“However, his basslines were essential to The Smiths. They were melodic, propelling the tunes forward. He was the melodic backbone of those compositions and created them.”
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