Passing of Andy Rourke, Renowned Bassist of The Smiths, Leaves a Resounding Void.After a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, Andy Rourke, the exceptional bassist whose artistry helped propel The Smiths from their Manchester origins to become an influential and cherished indie rock sensation, has passed away at the age of 59.
Sharing the heart-wrenching news, Johnny Marr, guitarist of The Smiths, took to Instagram to pay tribute to his dear friend. Marr expressed that Andy will forever remain in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known his kind and beautiful soul, while his profound musical talents will continue to be cherished by all who hold a deep appreciation for the art of music.
“His music will forever keep his spirit alive,” conveyed Morrissey through his website, reflecting on the profound impact of Andy Rourke. “Unaware of his own immense power, everything he played was uniquely his own.”
During the vibrant era of The Smiths’ recordings in the 1980s, Marr marveled at Andy’s transformative approach to bass guitar. With his artistry, Rourke masterfully wove intricate and driving melodies—a sublime complement to Marr’s jangly guitars and Morrissey’s distinctive vocals. When navigating the sonic landscapes created by the latter two, one could always rely on Andy’s bass to guide them back to familiar ground.
Continuing his musical journey beyond The Smiths’ dissolution, Andy Rourke engaged in a diverse array of projects, collaborating with both Marr and Morrissey in their solo ventures. Additionally, he lent his talents to various artists, ranging from Sinéad O’Connor and Badly Drawn Boy to Peter Hook, the bassist of New Order.
Reflecting on the emotional undercurrents within The Smiths’ music, Rourke disclosed that the band’s intense productivity, producing four remarkable albums within a short span of time, contributed to their eventual disbandment.
Recounting the band’s genesis, Rourke shared with MOJO magazine that he initially pursued classical guitar lessons but transitioned to bass after discovering that the guitarist in an early band he played with alongside Marr could only perform a single song, Thin Lizzy’s “Don’t Believe A Word.”
“I simply became enamored with it,” Rourke remarked, expressing his growing affinity for genres like jazz and funk. “I started delving into the works of Stanley Clarke and, dare I say, Level 42, though not for long. I was eager to push boundaries and explore new horizons.”
During his time with The Smiths, Rourke revealed an organic tension between himself and drummer Mike Joyce. In the initial year, the two seldom exchanged words.
“It created a dynamic yet aggressive sound. Even in the quieter moments, there was an underlying sense of angst between us, so our lack of communication likely served us well. It wasn’t contrived in any way. We were engaging in a musical duel,” Rourke added, emphasizing the genuine chemistry that fueled their performances.
The news of Rourke’s passing reverberated widely, prompting a heartfelt response from Mike Joyce on Twitter: “Andy has left us, but his musical legacy will endure eternally. I already miss you immensely, my dear friend. You’ll forever remain in my heart.”
Johnny Marr, deeply saddened by the loss of his lifelong companion, expressed their profound connection: “Andy and I crossed paths as schoolboys back in 1975. We were inseparable, sharing every moment together,” Marr shared in his announcement of Rourke’s departure.
Marr recounted how, at the age of 15, he moved in with Rourke, forging a bond that extended beyond mere friendship. The duo collaborated in several local bands in Manchester before embarking on their transformative musical journey with Morrissey and Joyce in The Smiths.
“Andy and I dedicated ourselves entirely to the study of music, enjoying every moment and striving to become the best musicians we could be,” Marr fondly recalled.
Observing Rourke’s prowess on the bass was, in Marr’s words, “an absolute privilege.” He expressed admiration for Andy’s exceptional talent and the artistry he displayed while playing.
“Well done, Andy. We will deeply miss you, brother,” Marr concluded, paying tribute to Rourke’s musical contributions and expressing the immense void left by his absence.
