There has been a huge outpouring of love for the late bassist from his former bandmates and fellow musicians since news broke out that he died from cancer.
- May 19, 2023
AceShowbiz - The Smiths' Mike Joyce and Ian Brown have remembered the late Andy Rourke. The seminal musician - who was the bassist of the legendary Manchester group The Smiths - died at the age of 59, following a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer, with his guitarist and childhood friend Johnny Marr confirming the sad news on Friday, May 19.
In the aftermath of his passing, tributes continue to flood in for Andy.
Drummer Mike, 59, said that his "musical legacy" will never die. "Not only the most talented bass player I've ever had the privilege to play with but the sweetest, funniest lad I've ever met. Andy's left the building, but his musical legacy is perpetual. I miss you so much already. Forever in my heart mate," he tweeted.
At the time of writing, frontman Morrissey, 63, is yet to pay his respects publicly.
Meanwhile, former Stone Roses frontman Ian, 60, who had Andy play bass for him in his live band and also on his 2007 solo LP "The World Is Yours", had been friends with him since he was a teenager and recalled having many "belly laughs" on the road together.
Ian tweeted, "RiP ANDY ROURKE I first met Andy aged 17 @simonWolstencr1 party. We remained pals. One of the highlights of my music life was Andy playing on my The World is Yours album and accompanying me onstage on a UK tour and my first show in MOSCOW. Belly laughs all the way. RiP Brother X (sic)."
Manic Street Preachers wrote, "Incredibly sad news-as a young kid his bass playing was unique and truly inspirational-condolences to his family, friends and all close to him xxx."
Confirming the sad news, Johnny wrote on social media, "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."
Johnny formed the "This Charming Man" group with frontman Morrissey in 1982, and Andy joined after their first concert. Andy's signature style was at the beating heart of the legendary Manchester band's melodic back catalogue that has gone on to inspire the likes of The Killers and The 1975.
Johnny Marr said Andy Rourke "reinvented what it is to be a bass guitar player", in a touching tribute to his childhood friend. Johnny said it was an "absolute privilege and genuinely something to behold" witnessing his close pal rock the bass over the years.
He began his tribute, "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 studying music, having fun, and working on becoming the best musicians we could possibly be. Back then Andy was a guitar player and a good one at that, but it was when he picked up the bass that he would find his true calling and his singular talent would flourish."
"Throughout our teens we played in various bands around South Manchester before making our reputations with The Smiths from 1982 to 1987, and it was on those Smiths records that Andy reinvented what it is to be a bass guitar player."
He continued, "I was present at every one of Andy's bass takes on every Smiths session. Sometimes I was there as the producer and sometimes just as his proud mate and cheerleader. Watching him play those dazzling baselines was an absolute privilege and genuinely something to behold."
"But one time which always comes to mind was when I sat next to him at the mixing desk watching him play his bass on the song The Queen Is Dead. It was so impressive that I said to myself 'I'll never forget this moment.' "
The last time Andy performed onstage was with Johnny, 55, at Madison Square Garden in September 2022 when they reunited to perform the Smiths' classics "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" and "How Soon Is Now?"
Johnny continued, "We maintained our friendship over the years, no matter where we were or what was happening and it is a matter of personal pride as well as sadness that the last time Andy played on stage was with me and my band at Maddison Square Garden in September 2022."
"It was a special moment that we shared with my family and his wife and soul mate Francesca. Andy will always be remembered, as a kind and beautiful soul by everyone who knew him, and as a supremely gifted musician by people who love music (sic)."
Johnny signed off, "Well done Andy. We'll miss you brother. Johnny x."
Tribute also came from Tim Burgess of The Charlatans who remembered Andy as hugely inspirational as a bassist, and also for organising the star-studded Manchester V Cancer charity concert in 2008.
He wrote, "Such sad sad news about Andy Rourke - He was an inspirational musician with a style that made so many of us pick up a bass guitar; and the driving force for Manchester Versus Cancer. Our thoughts are with everyone who knew him. Travel well x."
Suede bassist Mat Osman tweeted, "Aw man. RIP Andy Rourke. A total one-off - a rare bassist whose sound you could recognise straight away. I remember so clearly playing that Barbarism break over and over, trying to learn the riff, and marvelling at this steely funk driving the track along."
The Smiths' producer Stephen Street wrote, "Andy was a superb musician and a lovely guy. I send my deepest condolences and thoughts to his friends and family. RIP."
