The Smiths Bassist Andy Rourke Dead at 59

May 19, 2023

Andy Rourke, longtime bassist of British indie rock band The Smiths, has passed away at 59 years old. Rourke endured a long fight with pancreatic cancer at New York City’s Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The band was initially formed in 1982 in Manchester, England. Original members included singer Morrissey, guitarist Johnny Marr, and drummer Mike Joyce. Today, Rourke is remembered for his skillful bass playing that gave way to a new generation of alternative rock music.

Today, Rourke’s family, friends, and collaborators are honoring his memory and contributions to music. Guitarist Johnny Marr’s daughter posted a sincere tribute in honor of her father’s close friend.

Andy Rourke was an incredible person; clever, kind and deeply funny. He and my dad were brothers and seeing them stand together in these last months was a profoundly moving experience.

I’m grateful for the joy Andy brought to our lives. The joy is what I’ll remember. pic.twitter.com/pZRpJN6nOG

— Sonny Marr (@itssonnyhere) May 19, 2023

Marr himself shared a throwback image of his best friend playing the bass guitar for The Smiths, calling him a “kind and beautiful soul.” The pair had been friends since childhood, pre-dating The Smiths.

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 pic.twitter.com/KNehQxXoFz

— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) May 19, 2023

The Smith’s lead singer Morrissey additionally eulogized the late bassist. He said that “He [Rourke] didn’t ever know his own power, and nothing that he played had been played by someone else. His distinction was so terrific and unconventional and he proved it could be done. He was also very, very funny and very happy, and post-Smiths, he kept a steady identity – never any manufactured moves.”

Fellow musician Rick Astley recalled a moment of kindness from Rourke in Los Angeles in the 1980s.

Very sad news about Andy Rourke. I met Andy with Mike Joyce in LA in the 80s. Such lovely guys, made time to chat to a kid from Newton-le-Willows, Heroes! R.I.P.

Love to his family and friends #AndyRourke pic.twitter.com/8fxAyyQ4E4

— Rick Astley (@rickastley) May 19, 2023

Fans of the bassist recall some of his most memorable performances.

Devastated to hear of the death of Andy Rourke of The Smiths. Don’t know what to say. Here he is playing my favourite bassline:pic.twitter.com/KEh4ygobtx

— Florence of Northumbria (@FlorenceHRScott) May 19, 2023

The Smiths In Popular Culture

The Smiths parted ways in 1987 after releasing four albums together as a group. A lengthy legal battle between the musicians over royalties then ensued. Prior to the band’s breakup, Rourke struggled with a heroin addiction. Despite the challenges associated with his time in the band, Rourke told the BBC in 2007 that while the breakup “still smarts a bit” that the music still “stand the test of time.”

Decades after much of their most popular music was released, they reached a new generation through a film feature. 2009’s “500 Days of Summer”, which starred Zooey Deschanel opposite Joseph Gordon Levitt, heavily featured the band’s catalogue in their soundtrack, with the two titular characters bonding over the track “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” in an elevator.

The scene even sparked a popular TikTok trend recently. Even Deschanel herself participated.

Rourke additionally collaborated with several other popular musicians, including The Pretenders and New Order. He is survived by his wife, Francesca Mor.