egendary bass participant for The Smiths Andy Rourke has died after a “lengthy” most cancers battle aged 59, in line with his bandmate.
Former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr tweeted on Friday morning: “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’s melodic bass strains shaped a spine to The Smiths sound with consideration often going in the direction of outspoken singer Morrissey and fellow songwriter Marr.
Schoolfriends with Johnny Marr the pair performed guitar at lunch breaks earlier than Marr satisfied Andy to check out a bass which “he fell in love with”.
Rourke joined The Smiths after its first gig forming the bedrock of their success till their acrimonious cut up quickly after the critically acclaimed Strangeways, Here We Come LP in 1987.
His tragic dying got here simply months after Marr and Rourke reunited for the primary time in 35 years for the monitor “Strong Forever” by Blitz Vega, Rourke’s new band with fellow Mancunian Happy Mondays guitarist Kav Blaggers.
Suede bassist Mat Osman, was among the many first to pay tribute, saying: “Aw man. A total one-off - a rare bassist whose sound you could recognise straight away. I remember so clearly playing that Barbarism [Begins At Home] break over and over, trying to learn the riff, and marvelling at this steely funk driving the track along.”
The Smiths producer Stephen Street, added: “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”
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