The death of a loved one is always terrible, regardless of the circumstances. The idol we look up to, enjoy listening to, and suddenly we cannot anymore is what pain is. Finally, all that remains is the lovely remembrance of the lovely person. Andy Rourke, our favorite, is no longer with us. Continue reading to find out why.
How Did Andy Rourke Die?
A bandmate named Johnny Marr made the announcement of the death. He stated,
“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.”
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 Smiths
The Smiths, an alternative indie band from the 1980s with singles like This Charming Man and Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now, had Rourke as a member. The Manchester band’s initial lineup of drummer Mike Joyce, guitarist Marr, vocalist Morrissey, and Rourke.
Additionally, Rourke shared the stage with acts, including The Pretenders, Sinead O’Connor, and Badly Drawn Boy. The Smiths broke up in 1987 when Marr thought a fake Morrissey-placed NME piece with the title “Smiths to split” was genuine. As a result, Joyce and Rourke sued Morrissey and Marr in 1989 over a royalties disagreement.
Tribute To Rourke
Marr added in a post honoring Rourke on Instagram:
“Andy and I met as schoolboys in 1975. 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 realized that my mate was one of those rare people that absolutely no one doesn’t like.
“Andy and I spent all our time studying music, having fun, and working on becoming the best musicians we could possibly be. Back then, Andy was a guitar player and a good one at that, but it was when he picked up the bass that he would find his true calling and his singular talent would flourish.”
Marr stated that it was an “absolute privilege” to see Rourke play “those dazzling basslines” on their record The Queen Is Dead and that he will always remember seeing Rourke play bass.
The Bassist For Suede Also Tweets An Homage
Mat Osman, the bassist for Suede, tweeted an homage to Rourke: “A total one-off – a rare bassist whose sound you could recognize straight away.
“I remember so clearly playing that Barbarism breaks over and over, trying to learn the riff, and marveling at this steely funk driving the track along.”
Aw man. RIP Andy Rourke. A total one-off – a rare bassist whose sound you could recognise straight away. I remember so clearly playing that Barbarism break over and over, trying to learn the riff, and marvelling at this steely funk driving the track along. (pic – K Cummins) pic.twitter.com/c3iBdsstpC
— Mat Osman (@matosman) May 19, 2023
Jack Mitchell, Marr’s drummer, stated: “I first met Andy Rourke in 1999 when I was 18 (I was working with him when he played for Aziz Ibrahim). I can’t tell you how much he welcomed me with open arms. He was the funniest person I’d ever met.
“He played and sang along to Bowie’s Hunky Dory on the journeys across the UK. I can’t tell you how much I looked up to him. To be able to play on stage with him 20 years later was a true privilege. One of the greatest. Rest in peace.”
I first met Andy Rourke in 1999 when I was 18 (I was working with him when he played for Aziz Ibrahim) I can’t tell you how much he welcomed me with open arms. He was the funniest person I’d ever met…..
— Jack Mitchell (@jackthesticks) May 19, 2023
Philip Cunningham, guitarist for New Order, stated: “Very sad to hear of the passing of Andy Rourke. A kind-hearted, beautiful person and an awesome talent. Thoughts to all family and friends at this difficult time.”
Very sad to hear of the passing of Andy Rourke. A kind hearted beautiful person and an awesome talent. Thoughts to all family and friends at this difficult time. RIP Andy x pic.twitter.com/mAwHcKAk6G
— Philip Cunningham (@PhilCmusic) May 19, 2023
We are shocked and devastated by the unfortunate loss. Our condolences for the loss. Please share your thoughts with us.
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