Andy Rourke: Bassist for the Smiths dies aged 59

Andy Rourke, the bassist for the Smiths, has died at the age of 59.

On social media, guitarist Johnny Marr announced Rourke’s death, writing:

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.

Rourke, who was born on January 17, 1964, played on the Smiths’ classic back catalog, which included 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 solo songs for frontman Morrissey after the group disbanded.

Rourke also played in the supergroup Freebass with two other prominent Manchester bass guitarists, New Order’s Peter Hook and Mani from the Stone Roses, and recorded with Sinead O’Connor, the Pretenders, Ian Brown, and Cranberries vocalist Dolores O’Riordan in the ensemble DARK.

Rourke utilized a Fender Precision Bass, Squier Precision Bass, Fender Jazz Bass, and a Yamaha BB2000 throughout his career, as well as a Peavey Mark III Head with Ampeg SVT cabinet and Trace Elliot GP-11 for amplification and despite his talent, he was pretty much underrated.