R.I.P. Andy Rourke (1964 - 2023)

Andy Rourke, the bassist for rock band The Smiths, has died aged 59, the band has announced.

Guitarist Johnny Marr confirmed "with deep sadness" that Rourke died after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer.

In a statement posted on Twitter, Marr said: "Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him, and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans".

Morrissey said Rourke "will never die as long as his music is heard". 

Andy Rourke was a British musician best known as the bassist of the influential 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 an integral role in shaping their distinctive sound.

During his time with The Smiths, Rourke contributed to the band's critically acclaimed albums such as "The Smiths" (1984), "Meat Is Murder" (1985), and "The Queen Is Dead" (1986). Known for his melodic basslines and tight rhythm section with drummer Mike Joyce, Rourke's playing added depth and richness to The Smiths' music.

Following the band's breakup in 1987, Rourke pursued various musical projects. He collaborated with several artists, including Morrissey, Sinead O'Connor, and Badly Drawn Boy, among others. Rourke also formed the short-lived bands Freebass and Blitz Vega.

Throughout his career, Rourke has faced personal struggles with substance abuse, but he has sought treatment and worked on his recovery. Despite occasional conflicts with his former bandmates, he reunited with The Smiths members in 2012 for a series of live shows.

Beyond his musical endeavors, Rourke has been involved in photography and DJing. He has continued to make occasional music appearances and remains a respected figure in the alternative rock scene.

In summary, Andy Rourke was a bassist recognized for his significant contributions to The Smiths' distinctive sound. He has pursued various musical projects since the band's breakup, and although he has faced personal challenges, he remained active in the music industry until his death.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model