Andy Rourke, Bassist For The Smiths, Dies At 59

Mari added this on May 19, 2023
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – MARCH 12: Andy Rourke of The Smiths performs on stage at Hammersmith Palais, on March 12th, 1984 in London, England. (Photo by Pete Still/Redferns).

Andy Rourke, bassist for the legendary British band The Smiths, has died at the age of 59.

His former bandmate Johnny Marr announced Friday that Rourke had died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Rourke and Marr joined up with drummer Mike Joyce and singer Stephen Patrick Morrissey to form The Smiths in the early 80’s.  While they lasted just six years, they’re considered one of the most influential British bands of their era.

Guitarist Johnny Marr: “Watching him play those dazzling basslines was an absolute privilege and genuinely something to behold… Andy reinvented what it is to be a bass guitar player.“

Drummer Mike Joyce: “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.“

Morrissey, Lead Singer: “He will never die as long as his music is heard.“

 

Win!

Stay connected

 

Subscribe to The Bone's weekly eblast to get the latest on contests, events and exclusives from your favorite 107.7 personalities and artists.

Headlines

49ers thoughts as calendar turns

As the calendar turns to August, a new climb is underway in Santa Clara. Up off the mat come your 2024 San Francisco 49ers. Wounds, both physical and emotional, have healed and are healing. Opening kickoff is 40 days away, a six week crawl that may only be magnified by the perpetual mediocrity of the…

Listen to Soundwaves FM #118 – 5/18/24

Celebrating the Bay Area rock scene … past, present and future! Hosted by Dennis Willis. Originally broadcast on 107.7 The Bone on May 18, 2024 MUSICIANS – SUBMIT YOUR MUSIC HERE: https://www.1077thebone.com/soundwaves/ PLAYLIST: Destroy Boys – “Plucked” Earth Quake – “Everywhere I Go” Eric Martin Band – “Sucker for a Pretty Face” Swamphammer – “Voodoo…