Andy Rourke, who performed bass for British rock band The Smiths, has died. He is seen right here in 2013 in New York Metropolis.
Craig Barritt/Getty Photos for The Glenlivet
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Craig Barritt/Getty Photos for The Glenlivet
Andy Rourke, who performed bass for British rock band The Smiths, has died. He is seen right here in 2013 in New York Metropolis.
Craig Barritt/Getty Photos for The Glenlivet
Andy Rourke, whose fluid bass enjoying helped The Smiths soar from their roots in Manchester, England, to turn out to be an influential and beloved indie rock band, has died at age 59.
Rourke had been sick with pancreatic most cancers, Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr stated as he introduced the information.
“Andy will all the time be remembered,” Marr stated through Instagram, “as a sort and delightful soul by everybody who knew him, and as a supremely gifted musician by individuals who love music.”
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On The Smiths recordings within the Eighties, Marr stated, “Andy reinvented what it’s to be a bass guitar participant.”
Rourke carried out a type of alchemy on his bass elements, crafting propulsive strains that brimmed with melody — a chic counterpart to Marr’s jangling guitars and Morrissey’s vocals. For those who acquired misplaced making an attempt to observe both of the latter, you possibly can all the time rely on the previous to carry you dwelling.
“Andy and I met as schoolboys in 1975. We had been finest associates, going in all places collectively,” Marr stated as he introduced Rourke’s loss of life.
At age 15, Marr stated, he moved in with Rourke. The 2 associates performed collectively in a number of bands within the Manchester space, earlier than writing their musical legacy with Morrissey and drummer Mike Joyce in The Smiths.
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“Andy and I spent all our time finding out music, having enjoyable, and dealing on changing into the perfect musicians we might probably be,” Marr stated.
It was “an absolute privilege” to look at Rourke play bass, he stated.
“Effectively finished Andy. We’ll miss you brother,” Marr added.
