Andy Rourke, bassist for The Smiths, has died aged 59.

The information was introduced by guitarist Johnny Marr on social media this morning (19 Might).

It’s with deep disappointment that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a prolonged sickness with pancreatic most cancers.
Andy will likely 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 pic.twitter.com/KNehQxXoFz

— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) Might 19, 2023

Rourke joined The Smiths from the band Freak Get together, which comprised Johnny Marr – whom Rourke had recognized from faculty – on guitar and Simon Wolstencroft, later of The Fall, on drums.

Rourke was quickly let go by the band in early 1986, because of his heroin dependancy, rejoining two weeks later simply earlier than they launched their masterpiece, The Queen Is Lifeless.

Not solely essentially the most proficient bass participant I’ve ever had the privilege to play with however the sweetest, funniest lad I’ve ever met. Andy’s left the constructing, however his musical legacy is perpetual. I miss you a lot already. Ceaselessly in my coronary heart mate.

— Mike Joyce (@mikejoycedrums) Might 19, 2023

Marr described Rourke’s contribution to that album as “one thing no different bass participant may match”.

The Smiths broke up in 1987, with Rourke happening to play on a number of Morrissey singles, together with Attention-grabbing Drug, The Final Of The Well-known Worldwide Playboys and November Spawned A Monster. 

Desperately unhappy about Andy Rourke. Clearly an excellent bassist, and his perspective to getting again amongst it with Blitz Vega confirmed he was in it for the music. He appeared a beautiful man. RIP. pic.twitter.com/8ZvSpBCAaW

— John Earls (@EarlsJohn) Might 19, 2023

Their relationship got here to an finish, nonetheless, within the mid-90s, in a conflict over royalties from The Smiths, with Rourke and Joyce instigating authorized proceedings towards Morrissey and Marr.

Rourke settled out of courtroom for £83,000 and 10% of future royalties whereas relinquishing all additional claims. Joyce, in the meantime, pursued the declare was awarded damages of round £1 million.

Within the years after, Rourke performed with such artists as Ian Brown, Badly Brawn Boy and The Pretenders and shaped the band Freebass with bass gamers Mani (ex-The Stone Roses) and Peter Hook (ex-New Order). He additionally carried out within the band Blitz Vega with former Completely happy Mondays guitarist Kav Blaggers.

I’ve simply learn this tweet from @matosman and I’m so saddened to listen to this information! Andy was an excellent musician and a beautiful man. I haven’t been in a position to learn another information about particulars but however I ship my deepest condolences and ideas to his family and friends. RIP #AndyRourke https://t.co/nL8V6dTDlz

— Stephen Road (@StreetStephen) Might 19, 2023

Such unhappy unhappy information about Andy Rourke – He was an inspirational musician with a mode that made so many people decide up a bass guitar; and the driving pressure for Manchester Versus Most cancers. Our ideas are with everybody who knew him. Journey properly x pic.twitter.com/6hrrfl9bhx

— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) Might 19, 2023