Andy Rourke, the deft musician behind the Smiths’ most iconic basslines, has died at 59, Johnny Marr has confirmed.
The bassist was an important member of the band, showing on all 4 of their studio albums and even Morrissey’s solo releases following their breakup in 1987. He additionally collaborated with Sinéad O’Connor and the Pretenders within the ’90s. His closing efficiency, fittingly, went down in September 2022 at Maddison Sq. Backyard with Marr’s band.
“It’s with deep disappointment that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a prolonged sickness with pancreatic most cancers. Andy shall be remembered as a form and exquisite soul by those that knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music followers. We request privateness at this unhappy time,” Marr shared on social media.
Marr went on to pen a loving tribute to his bandmate, sharing that they met in 1975 at college — seven years earlier than the Smiths have been fashioned in 1982 — and have been “finest pals, going in every single place collectively.” “Watching him play these dazzling baselines was an absolute privilege and genuinely one thing to behold… We maintained our friendship over time, irrespective of the place we have been or what was taking place,” he wrote. Learn the complete tribute beneath.
