Smiths bassist Andy Rourke has died at 59
Andy Rourke, bassist for The Smiths, has died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 59. The news came from his Smiths bandmate and childhood friend, Johnny Marr, who in a lengthy tribute wrote that he will be “remembered, as a kind and beautiful soul by everyone who knew him, and as a supremely gifted musician by people who love music.”
“Andy and I met as schoolboys in 1975. We were best friends, going everywhere together,” Marr wrote. “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.” As for his playing in The Smiths, Marr wrote, “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.’” Read Marr’s full tribute below.
Morrissey paid tribute as well, writing on his site, “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 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.”
A supremely melodic player, Rourke’s unique, stylish contributions to The Smiths are as intrinsic to their music as Marr’s guitar or Morrissey’s voice and lyrics. Smiths Drummer Mike Joyce wrote on Twitter, “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.” Smiths producer Stephen Street wrote, “I am so saddened to hear this news. Andy was a superb musician and a lovely guy.”
Rest in peace, Andy. Read tributes from New Order, Billy Bragg, Tim Burgess, Ian Brown, Rick Astley, Badly Drawn Boy, The Dears, and more, and listen to some of his music, below.
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.
— Mike Joyce (@mikejoycedrums) May 19, 2023
I’ve just read this tweet from @matosman and I am so saddened to hear this news! Andy was a superb musician and a lovely guy. I haven’t been able to read any other news about details yet but I send my deepest condolences and thoughts to his friends and family. RIP #AndyRourke https://t.co/nL8V6dTDlz
— Stephen Street (@StreetStephen) May 19, 2023
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. pic.twitter.com/r9moJTxgiG
— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) May 19, 2023
We are all saddened to hear of Andy’s passing. One of the founder members of a great Manchester band, The Smiths, who had carved a new life out for himself in New York. We all feel for his friends, family and former band members. https://t.co/ejTEDQwfjX
— New Order (@neworder) May 19, 2023
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. (pic – K Cummins) pic.twitter.com/c3iBdsstpC
— Mat Osman (@matosman) May 19, 2023
This Charming Man. RIP Andy. My heartfelt condolences to all family and friends x #AndyRourke pic.twitter.com/n7U4x7GVH5
— Kevin Cummins (@KCMANC) May 19, 2023
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 pic.twitter.com/6hrrfl9bhx
— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) May 19, 2023
Godspeed Andy Rourke, and thank you for the music. pic.twitter.com/MToC9zjHUp
— Rough Trade Records (@RoughTradeRecs) May 19, 2023
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 ❤️ #AndyRourke pic.twitter.com/8fxAyyQ4E4— Rick Astley (@rickastley) May 19, 2023
Very sad to hear of the death of Andy Rourke. He was a huge inspiration. Nobody else played like him. Those melodies that wove in and out of the singing, guitar and drums brought me so much joy, like satisfying puzzles communicating the complexity of life.
— Alex Kapranos (@alkapranos) May 19, 2023
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— Ian Brown (@ianbrown) May 19, 2023
The Smiths were easily the most important band of my teens. I was beyond honoured when Andy played bass with me on tour for 2 years. He was the coolest, kindest funniest person, a joy to tour with. Probably the best natural musician I’ve ever seen. Loved him. Gutted 💔 pic.twitter.com/zANdsom6i1
— Badly Drawn Boy (@badly_drawn_boy) May 19, 2023
RIP Andy Rourke. A fellow bassist of fine pedigree. We met at Passenger Bar in NYC a couple of times around DJ sets and he was always delightful. So sad to hear he has lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. Love to his family and friends ❤️ pic.twitter.com/YuBqa0UGyC
— Simon Raymonde (@mrsimonraymonde) May 19, 2023
somebody made a YouTube video called “Andy rourke bass loop 10 minutes” and it’s literally just this for 10 minutes and yeah, exactly pic.twitter.com/JYBQtEZjGr
— heth (@hetherrfortune) May 19, 2023
Listening to those incredibly melodic, special bass lines on The Smiths records is a huge part of early Dearstory. It is an absolute bummer to hear about the passing of Andy Rourke. We will always be grateful for the way he played and how it inspired our stuff. RIP.
— THE DEARS (@thedears) May 19, 2023
So sad news about Andy Rourke.
— Stephen Hanley (@Stephenhanley6) May 19, 2023
Andy Rourke was one of the all-time best melodic bass players, every bar evolving and adding to the story. I loved his twangy, punchy tone too, with crucial element, the chorus pedal of course.
— Glenn Donaldson (@GlennDonaldson) May 19, 2023