Tributes to Smiths bassist Andy Rourke pour in following tragic news of his death

Manchester music legend and The Smiths bassist, Andy Rourke, has died at the age of 59 — as tributes pour in on social media

The news was announced by guitarist Johnny Marr on social media this morning, (May19th). Tributes to the late star have flooded social media to honour his memory.

According to Marr’s statement, Rourke died following ‘a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer’, as he described his former bandmate, as a ‘supremely gifted musician’.

Marr wrote: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer.”

Rourke was best known for being the main bassist for The Smiths between 1982 and 1986, and again from 1986 to 1987.

He played on the Smiths’ classic back catalogue including hits such as This Charming Man and There Is a Light That Never Goes Out – both classic examples of his often boldly melodic style – as well as on solo songs for frontman Morrissey after the group disbanded.

Rourke met Marr when he was 11-years-old, and the pair would often jam together at the music room at their school.

Four years later, after leaving school, Rourke formed The Smiths in Manchester with friend Johnny Marr, singer Morrisey and drummer Mike Joyce, in 1982 — they would go on to become music legends.

In a longer tribute on Instagram, Johnny Marr recalled his relationship with Rourke, writing: “Andy and I met as schoolboys in 1975. We were best friends, going everywhere together.

“When we were fifteen I moved into his house with him and his three brothers and I soon came to realise that my mate was one of those rare people that absolutely no one doesn’t like.”

“Andy and I spent all our time studying music, having fun, and working on becoming the best musicians we could possibly be. Back then Andy was a guitar player and a good one at that, but it was when he picked up the bass that he would find his true calling and his singular talent would flourish.

“Throughout our teens we played in various bands around South Manchester before making our reputations with The Smiths from 1982 to 1987, and it was on those Smiths records that Andy reinvented what it is to be a bass guitar player.

“I was present at every one of Andy’s bass takes on every Smiths session. Sometimes I was there as the producer and sometimes just as his proud mate and cheerleader. Watching him play those dazzling baselines was an absolute privilege and genuinely something to behold.

“But one time which always comes to mind was when I sat next to him at the mixing desk watching him play his bass on the song The Queen Is Dead. It was so impressive that I said to myself ‘I’ll never forget this moment.’

“We maintained our friendship over the years, no matter where we were or what was happening and it is a matter of personal pride as well as sadness that the last time Andy played on stage was with me and my band at Madison Square Garden in September 2022.

“It was a special moment that we shared with my family and his wife and soul mate Francesca. Andy will always be remembered, as a kind and beautiful soul by everyone who knew him, and as a supremely gifted musician by people who love music.

“Well done Andy. We’ll miss you brother. Johnny x.”

Following the news of Rourke’s passing, musicians and members of the industry have flooded social media with tributes to the late bassist.

The Smiths producer Stephen Street wrote: “I am so saddened to hear this news! Andy was a superb musician and a lovely guy. I haven’t been able to read any other news about details yet but I send my deepest condolences and thoughts to his friends and family. RIP”.

Suede bassist Mat Osman wrote: “A total one-off – a rare bassist whose sound you could recognise straight away. I remember so clearly playing that Barbarism break over and over, trying to learn the riff, and marvelling at this steely funk driving the track along.”

The Charlatans singer Tim Burgess wrote: “Such sad sad news about Andy Rourke – He was an inspirational musician with a style that made so many of us pick up a bass guitar; and the driving force for Manchester Versus Cancer. Our thoughts are with everyone who knew him. Travel well x.”

And, New Order bassist Tom Chapman wrote: “A true inspiration to me and the reason I moved to Manchester to be a musician. One of the best bass players to come out of Manchester.

“If it wasn’t for him I probably wouldn’t be in New Order today. My thoughts go to his family and friends.”