The Smiths' Andy Rourke Dead at 59

Andy Rourke, who was The Smiths' bassist and played with acts like The Pretenders and Sinéad O'Connor, has died of cancer. He was 59.

His bandmate from The Smiths, Johnny Marr, confirmed the news on Twitter, writing, "It is with deep sadness that we announced 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 his privacy at this sad time."

Rourke's social media pages shared the same statement.

Marr shared a lengthier statement on Instagram that reads, "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."

He continued, "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."

As the tribute went on Marr reflected on their breakthrough success, writing, "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."

"I was present at every one of Andy’s bass takes on every Smiths session," he further shared. "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 heartwarming note paid tribute to Rourke's "kind and beautiful soul." He signed off the missive with: "We’ll miss you brother."

The Smiths frontman Morrissey also issued a statement through his site, as he wrote, "Sometimes one of the most radical things you can do is to speak clearly. When someone dies, out come the usual blandishments … as if their death is there to be used. I'm not prepared to do this with Andy. I just hope … wherever Andy has gone … that he's OK."

He added, "He will never die as long as his music is heard. He didn't ever know his own power, and nothing that he played had been played by someone else. His distinction was so terrific and unconventional and he proved it could be done. He was also very, very funny and very happy, and post-Smiths, he kept a steady identity - never any manufactured moves. I suppose, at the end of it all, we hope to feel that we were valued. Andy need not worry about that."

Rourke joined The Smiths in 1982, the year the band was founded. However, he was not its first bassist. After the first two bassists didn't work out, Marr introduced Rourke as a replacement. Rourke and Marr were childhood friends and had previously started a short-lived band called Freak Party.

After The Smiths disbanded in 1987, Rourke went on to play with O'Connor, appearing on her 1990 album I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got. He also appeared on various of Morrissey's solo songs, including "November Spawned a Monster" and "Piccadilly Palare." Rourke additionally played bass on some songs on The Pretenders' Last of the Independents.

Many musicians paid their respects to Rourke on social media upon his passing.

Rick Astley wrote, "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 ❤️."

"Very sorry to hear that Smiths bassist Andy Rourke has passed away. I have great memories of him playing with Johnny Marr and myself on the Red Wedge tour. He was a lovely guy and an amazing bass player. My condolences to his family and friends," wrote Billy Bragg.

Tim Burgess tweeted, "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"

In a reply to Marr's statement, Disturbed frontman David Draiman wrote, "Deepest condolences. Massive fan of the bands work. Huge part of my teenage years. May his memory be a blessing to you and all who loved him."