The Smiths bassist Andy Rourke has passed away at age 59

Andy Rourke, bass guitarist of The Smiths, has passed away at the age of 59 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

The bass guitarist joined the band in 1982, before they released their debut album in 1984, and stayed with the band until they broke up shortly after releasing their fourth and final album ‘Strangeways, Here We Come’ in 1987.

Johnny Marr remembers his childhood friend

Fellow Smiths band member and guitarist Johnny Marr shared a post remembering Rourke, and their friendship that began when they met as school children in 1975.

“Andy and I met as schoolboys in 1975,” Marr began in his post.

“We were best friends, going everywhere together. When we were fifteen I moved into his house with him and his three brothers and I soon came to realise that my mate was one of those rare people that absolutely no one doesn’t like.”

Marr praised Rourke’s talent, saying, “Throughout our teens we played in various bands around South Manchester before making our reputations with The Smiths from 1982 to 1987, and it was on those Smiths records that Andy reinvented what it is to be a bass guitar player.

“Watching him play those dazzling baselines was an absolute privilege and genuinely something to behold. But one time which always comes to mind was when I sat next to him at the mixing desk watching him play his bass on the song The Queen Is Dead. It was so impressive that I said to myself ‘I’ll never forget this moment.’

“Andy will always be remembered, as a kind and beautiful soul by everyone who knew him, and as a supremely gifted musician by people who love music.”

Morrissey releases a statement

Morrissey, controversial frontman of the Smiths, released his own statement remembering his former bandmate.

“[Andy Rourke] will never die as long as his music is heard,” he wrote on his website. “He 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.”

Meanwhile, The Smiths drummer Mike Joyce says he will miss Rourke.

“Not only the most talented bass player I’ve ever had the privilege to play with but the sweetest, funniest lad I’ve ever met. Andy’s left the building, but his musical legacy is perpetual. I miss you so much already. Forever in my heart mate.”