Andy Rourke, bassist for the British group The Smiths, has died at the age of 59 after a long fight against pancreatic cancer that afflicted his body. The news was confirmed by his former bandmate, guitarist Johnny Marr.
Marr shared a beautiful goodbye message for his friend and asked for respect for all of Rourke’s loved ones as they are trying to process everything that happened.
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
Marr used his Twitter account to release the official statement and fire his friend as he deserved.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a long 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.
Subsequently, the guitarist turned to his Instagram account to express how he met Andy, who, over time, became his heart brother.
Andy and I met at school in 1975. We were best friends, we went everywhere together. When we were 15 years old, I moved into his house with him and his three brothers and soon realized that my friend was one of those rare people that absolutely no one disliked.
(…) I was there for every one of Andy’s bass takes at every Smiths session. Sometimes I was there as a producer and sometimes just as his proud partner and cheerleader. Watching him hit those dazzling baselines was an absolute privilege and truly something to behold.
(…) We maintained our friendship over the years, no matter where we were or what happened, and it is a matter of personal pride and sadness that the last time Andy played on stage was with me and my band at Maddison Square. Garden in September 2022.
Andy will always be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by all who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by people who love music.
Well done Andy. We will miss you brother.
Marr ended his message by expressing all the respect, admiration and affection he has for Andy Rourke. His words have moved more than one, as they show that his friendship was absolutely sincere.
Rourke played on some of the classic Smiths songs like This Charming Man and There is a Light That Never Goes Out. In addition, he was part of the band Freebass along with other great musicians such as Peter Hook (from New Order) and Mani (from Stone Roses) and recorded with Sinead O’Connor, The Pretenders, Ian Brown and in the group DARK. In his solo career, he also recorded some melodies with Dolores O’Riordan, lead singer of the Cranberries.
On the other hand, Andy Rourke’s family has not given interviews or any other details about the musician’s death, but they have received messages of support and condolences from the bassist’s followers. His departure leaves a hole in the hearts of all those who knew him and heard his notes.
Source: Okchicas
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