Gutting news - legendary bassist Andy Rourke has died.
The heart-wrenching news was delivered via social media today. According to the official statement, Rourke died from pancreatic cancer. He was 59 years old.
Tributes are pouring out from his former bandmates, friends, and fans including Morrissey, who called Rourke's bass-playing "terrific" and "unconventional" and described him as also being "very, very funny and very happy, and post-Smiths he kept a steady identity, never any manufactured moves." Read Morrissey's tribute here.
View other tributes from Johnny Marr and Mike Joyce below.
Aside from his incredible work with the Smiths, Rourke played on albums from Morrissey, Ian Brown, Sinead O'Connor, and The Pretenders. He also was a member of FreeBass with Peter Hook and Mani.
R.I.P. to a tremendous player and legend.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer. 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. pic.twitter.com/uqunPzgFdy
— Andy Rourke (@AndyRourkeMusic) May 19, 2023
Not only the most talented bass player I've ever had the privilege to play with but the sweetest, funniest lad I've ever met. Andy's left the building, but his musical legacy is perpetual. I miss you so much already. Forever in my heart mate.
— Mike Joyce (@mikejoycedrums) May 19, 2023
— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) May 19, 2023
RiP ANDY ROURKE
— Ian Brown (@ianbrown) May 19, 2023
I first met Andy aged 17 @simonWolstencr1 party.We remained pals. One of the highlights of my music life was Andy playing on my The World is Yours album and accompanying me onstage on a UK tour and my first show in MOSCOW. Belly laughs all the way. RiP Brother X
We are all saddened to hear of Andy’s passing. One of the founder members of a great Manchester band, The Smiths, who had carved a new life out for himself in New York. We all feel for his friends, family and former band members. https://t.co/ejTEDQwfjX
— New Order (@neworder) May 19, 2023