What Happened to Andy Rourke? The Smiths Bassist Passed Away at 59

Andy Rourke, the bassist for the influential rock band The Smiths, has died at the age of 59 after a long struggle with pancreatic cancer, his former bandmate Johnny Marr announced on Friday.

Marr, who was the guitarist and co-songwriter of The Smiths, confirmed Rourke’s death on Twitter, saying:

Rourke joined The Smiths in 1982, along with singer Morrissey and drummer Mike Joyce. The band quickly rose to fame with their distinctive sound and lyrics, blending jangly guitar pop with poetic and often provocative themes. Rourke’s bass playing was an integral part of the band’s musical identity, providing melodic and rhythmic support to Marr’s guitar riffs and Morrissey’s vocals.

Some of the band’s most iconic songs that featured Rourke’s bass work include “This Charming Man”, “How Soon Is Now?”, “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out”, and “The Queen Is Dead”. The Smiths released four studio albums and several singles and compilations before breaking up in 1987 due to internal tensions and disagreements.

A Prolific and Versatile Musician

After the split of The Smiths, Rourke continued to pursue his musical career, playing bass for Morrissey’s solo albums “Viva Hate” and “Kill Uncle”, as well as collaborating with other artists such as Sinead O’Connor, The Pretenders, Badly Drawn Boy, Ian Brown, and D.A.R.K. He also formed his own bands, such as Freebass (with fellow bassists Peter Hook of New Order and Mani of The Stone Roses) and Blitz Vega (with singer KAV).

Rourke was also a DJ and radio host, hosting shows on East Village Radio in New York and XS Manchester in his hometown of Manchester, England. He also composed music for films and documentaries, such as “The Young Offenders”, “England Is Mine”, and “The Rise of the Synths”.

A Kind and Beautiful Soul

Rourke was widely praised by his peers and fans for his talent, generosity, and humility. He was known for his warm personality and sense of humor, as well as his passion for music and life.

Morrissey, who had a tumultuous relationship with Rourke after The Smiths’ breakup, paid tribute to his former bandmate in a statement on his website. He said: “Andy need not worry about that. 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 is now he knows how much he was loved.”

Many other musicians and celebrities also expressed their condolences and admiration for Rourke on social media, such as Billy Bragg, Tim Burgess of The Charlatans, Shaun Ryder of Happy Mondays, Peter Hook of New Order, Liam Gallagher of Oasis, Stephen Fry, Ricky Gervais, and Russell Brand.

A Silent Killer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly forms of cancer, with a five-year survival rate of only 10%. It is often diagnosed at a late stage when it has already spread to other organs. It is also difficult to treat because it is resistant to many therapies.

Some of the early warning signs of pancreatic cancer include abdominal pain or discomfort, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), weight loss or loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhea or constipation), diabetes or changes in blood sugar levels, fatigue or weakness1.

However, these symptoms are often vague and can be caused by other conditions. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor if you experience any persistent or unusual changes in your health.

A Legacy That Lives On

Andy Rourke leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers. His contribution to The Smiths’ music has been recognized by critics and fans alike as one of the most influential in rock history. His solo work and collaborations have also showcased his versatility and creativity as a musician.

Rourke will be remembered not only for his musical achievements but also for his kindness and beauty as a human being. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and fans around the world.

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