Andy Rourke, best known as the bassist of The Smiths, has died. He was 59.
Rourke’s death was confirmed by former Smith’s guitarist Johnny Marr in a statement via social media. He wrote, “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.”
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/KNehQxXoFz
— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) May 19, 2023
Following the break up of The Smiths in 1987, Rourke worked with Sinead O’Connor and The Pretenders. He notably played on O’Connor’s 1990 album I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got and The Pretenders’ Last of the Independents. Additionally, he played bass on a number of solo songs by former Smiths frontman Morrissey.
