Andy Rourke, the bassist for indie legends The Smiths, has died aged 59.

The demise was introduced by fellow band member Johnny Marr.

He mentioned: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer.

"Andy shall be remembered as a sort and delightful soul by those that knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music followers.

"We request privacy at this sad time."

Rourke performed in The Smiths, the choice indie band from the Nineteen Eighties fronted by Morrissey, who had hits equivalent to This Charming Man and Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now.

He additionally performed with artists equivalent to The Pretenders, Sinead O'Connor and Badly Drawn Boy.

The Smiths break up in 1987, after Marr believed an NME article headlined "Smiths to split" was actual and planted by Morrissey.

It led to a royalties dispute that took Marr and Rourke to court docket in 1989.

Writing once more on Instagram, Marr added: "Andy and I met as schoolboys in 1975. We were best friends, going everywhere together. When we were fifteen I moved into his house with him and his three brothers and I soon came to realise that my mate was one of those rare people that absolutely no one doesn't like.

"Andy and I spent all our time finding out music, having enjoyable, and dealing on changing into the very best musicians we might presumably be. Back then Andy was a guitar participant and a great one at that, however it was when he picked up the bass that he would discover his true calling and his singular expertise would flourish."

Marr additionally mentioned he'll always remember watching Rourke play bass on their album The Queen Is Dead, and that it was an "absolute privilege" to observe him play "those dazzling basslines".

Suede bassist Mat Osman additionally paid tribute to Rourke, tweeting: "A total one-off - a rare bassist whose sound you could recognise straight away.

"I keep in mind so clearly enjoying that Barbarism break again and again, making an attempt to be taught the riff, and marvelling at this steely funk driving the monitor alongside."

Marr's drummer Jack Mitchell wrote: "I first met Andy Rourke in 1999 when I was 18 (I was working with him when he played for Aziz Ibrahim) I can't tell you how much he welcomed me with open arms. He was the funniest person I'd ever met.

"He performed and sang alongside to Bowie's Hunky Dory on the journeys throughout the UK. I am unable to inform you how a lot I appeared as much as him. To be capable to play on stage with him 20 years later was a real privilege. One of the best. Rest in peace."

New Order guitarist Philip Cunningham added: "Very unhappy to listen to of the passing of Andy Rourke. A sort-hearted lovely particular person and an superior expertise. Thoughts to all household and associates at this tough time."