A longtime bassist with the British alternative rock band The Smiths, Andy Rourke has died at the age of 59 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. The news came this Friday in a statement from his former bandmate, guitarist Johnny Marr, who spoke warmly of his colleague.
Marr shared on his official social account that Rourke had long endured pancreatic cancer and has now passed away. He described Rourke as a kind and beautiful soul and said he would be remembered by music lovers as a supremely talented musician. Marr also requested privacy during this difficult time.
Rourke contributed to some of The Smiths most iconic recordings, including beloved Manchester-era tracks such as This Charming Man and There Is a Light That Never Goes Out. Beyond the band, he explored solo and collaborative work after The Smiths disbanded, continuing to influence the alt-rock landscape with his distinctive bass lines.
In addition to his work with The Smiths, Rourke was part of the Free Bass project, a collaboration with notable figures like Peter Hook from New Order and Mani from The Stone Roses. The ensemble also featured other prominent artists, including Sinead O’Connor, the Pretenders, Ian Brown, and Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries. The breadth of his collaborations highlighted his adaptability and his impact across multiple generations of rock musicians. The music world mourns a player whose sound helped define a pivotal era in Manchester’s music history and beyond.
Notes of tribute are drawn from official statements and public posts from those who worked closely with Rourke, acknowledging the warmth he brought to his friendships and the vitality he injected into every performance.