Smiths bassist Andy Rourke dies aged 59

Pancreatic cancer claims legendary bass player

Andy Rourke, bassist with The Smiths throughout their career, has died at the age of 59.

Rourke’s friend and bandmate Johnny Marr shared the sad news with the world via social media this morning. He said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce 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 privacy at this sad time.”

Marr was responsible for bringing Rourke into the Manchester band’s line up, having previously been in funk band Freak Party with him. Rourke’s battles with heroin during the 1980s led to him briefly being sacked by the band in 1986 – but Marr persuaded Morrissey that he should return after a fortnight. Morrissey has since denied the legendary tale that the sacking was executed with a postcard left under the windscreen of his car declaring “you are no longer in The Smiths”.