Bandmates and celebrities from across the entertainment world have paid tribute to The Smiths bassist, Andy Rourke, who has died at age 59.
The musician’s death was announced this morning (Friday 19 May) by fellow band member, Johnny Marr, in a heartfelt Facebook post sharing memories of the pairs’ friendship.
In the post, Marr said: “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.
The date of Rourke’s death was not confirmed in the post.
Marr 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.
Growing up with Marr, the pair began playing music as teenagers, before being introduced to fellow bandmates, Morrisey and Mike Joyce and forming the 80s indie rock ensemble.
Suffering from a Heroin addiction on the lead-up to the height of the band’s fame, Rourke was sacked from the band, only rejoining two weeks prior to the release of their hit album The Queen is Dead, in 1986. During his absence, he was replaced by second guitarist, Craig Gannon.
Rourke continued making music after the deformation of the band in 1987, collaborating with the likes of Badly Drawn Boy and Sinead O’Connor, as well as forming the rock supergroup Freebass, consisting of ex-Stone Roses’ Mani, and ex-New Order’s Peter Hook.
Fellow 80s star, Rick Astley shared pictures of the star on Facebook, saying: “Very sad news about Andy Rourke. I met Andy with Mike Joyce in LA in the 80s. Such lovely guys, made time to chat to a kid from Newton-le-Willows, Heroes! R.I.P. Love to his family and friends.”
Suede guitarist, Bernard Butler also shared memories of the star, writing: “I’m very sad to hear that Andy Rourke has passed away. He was a wonderful musician who achieved the singular goal for any musician – it could only be Andy Rourke playing.
“He played treble-y intricate melodic lines which really should have caused more bother around Johnny’s intricate melodic lines but friendships just work like that.
“My musical upbringing was to learn the parts of Johnny Marr but when I was done I got straight to work on Andy’s too. I was honoured to play with him at Manchester Vs Cancer some years ago where he was a kind gentle soul and of course in love with music and his city.”
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