Salford Lads Club “saddened” at death of Smiths bassist Andy Rourke

Management at Salford Lads Club have shared their “sadness” at the news of the death of Smiths bassist, Andy Rourke, who has died at aged 59.

The club shared tributes to the star after his death from Pancreatic cancer was announced by fellow bandmate and school friend, Johnny Marr, this morning (Friday 19 May). The exact date of Rourke death has not yet been confirmed.

Taking to Twitter to share their condolences, the club said how Rourke was “an important part of Salford Lads Clubs’ heritage”, after the band posed in front of the club for the inside cover of their hit 1986 album, The Queen is Dead.

Salford Lads Club also shared memories and images of the star pictured with Mike Joyce on the exterior of the building, as well as his performance during the opening of The Smiths room at the club in 2004.

We are saddened to hear today about Andy Rourke – he was an important part of Salford Lads Club’s musical heritage.

Andy was a friend of the club – he’s pictured here with Mike Joyce, once again being photographed by Stephen Wright outside our front door 📷 pic.twitter.com/Nb3v5AB0NU

— Salford Lads’ Club (@salfordladsclub) May 19, 2023

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.”