Celebrity

Tributes pour in following the death of The Smiths bassist Andy Rourke

Matthew Hart
May 22, 2023
Rourke's bass lines were an integral part of The Smiths' music, his playing style often combined elements of funk and pop, adding depth and texture to the band's songs. Source: Getty Images.

In the wake of the tragic passing of Andy Rourke, the legendary bassist of The Smiths, a flood of heartfelt tributes have poured in from fans and fellow musicians alike.

Rourke reportedly passed away on Friday, May 19 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York after battling pancreatic cancer at the age of 59.

Former bandmate and guitarist Johnny Marr broke the news of Rourke’s passing while reflecting on the “supremely gifted” musician’s “kind and beautiful soul”.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer,” Marr wrote in a statement to social media.

“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.”

Born January 17, 1964, in Manchester, England, Rourke played a significant role in shaping The Smiths’ distinctive sound and was an essential member throughout their active years from 1982 to 1987.

Rourke’s interest in music began at a young age when he received an acoustic guitar from his parents. At 11 years old, he struck up a friendship with a young Marr, the pair both attended St Augustine’s Grammar School in Sharston, Manchester, where they would spend their lunch breaks playing guitar together.

When Marr and Rourke formed a band, Rourke, who was initially a guitarist, was invited to try playing bass, a decision he quickly fell in love with and pursued throughout his career.

Rourke left school at the age of 15 and went through a series of low-level jobs while simultaneously playing guitar and bass in various rock bands. During this time, he also joined the short-lived funk band Freak Party, alongside Marr.

Following their collaboration for Freak Party, Marr and Morrissey teamed up once again to establish the renowned band known as The Smiths. Rourke became a member of the group shortly after their first performance in 1982, when Marr made the decision to part ways with their original bassist, Dale Hibbert.

Rourke’s bass lines were an integral part of The Smiths’ music, his playing style often combined elements of funk and pop, adding depth and texture to the band’s songs. Rourke’s contributions can be heard on the band’s iconic albums, including their self-titled debut, Meat Is Murder and The Queen Is Dead among others.

Beyond his musical talents, Rourke’s life has had its share of ups and downs. During his time with The Smiths, he struggled with substance abuse issues, particularly heroin addiction. His addiction ultimately led to tensions within the band and contributed to their breakup in 1987. Despite these challenges, Rourke managed to overcome his addiction and embark on a solo career in music.

Following the disbandment of The Smiths, Rourke worked on various musical projects, collaborating with artists like Morrissey, Sinead O’Connor, and Badly Drawn Boy. He also released solo material and formed the band Freebass with fellow bassists Peter Hook of Joy Division and Mani of The Stone Roses.

As news of Rourke’s passing broke, fans from across the globe took to social media to reflect on his talent and legacy.

Rourke is survived by his wife Francesca.

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