science | December 31, 2025

What Happened to Andy Rourke? The Smiths Bassist Passed Away at 59

Andy Rourke, the bassist for the compelling musical gang The Smiths, has died at 59 years old after a long battle with pancreatic malignant growth, his previous bandmate Johnny Marr declared on Friday.

Marr, who was the guitarist and co-musician of The Smiths, affirmed Rourke’s demise on Twitter, saying: Rourke joined The Smiths in 1982, alongside artist Morrissey and drummer Mike Joyce.

The band immediately rose to notoriety with their particular sound and verses, mixing jangly guitar pop with graceful and frequently provocative subjects. Rourke’s bass having was a fundamental impact of the band’s melodic personality, offering melodic and musical help to Marr’s guitar riffs and Morrissey’s vocals.

Andy Rourke

Birth nameAndrew Michael Rourke
Born17 January 1964
Manchester, Lancashire, England
Died19 May 2023 (aged 59)
New York City, U.S.
Genres
  • Alternative rock
  • indie pop
Occupation(s)Musician
Instrument(s)
  • Bass guitar
  • guitar
  • cello
Labels
  • 24 Hour Service Station
  • Rough Trade
Formerly of
  • The Smiths
  • Freebass
  • D.A.R.K.
  • Blitz Vega
Spouse(s)

Francesca Mor

WebsiteOffical website

A portion of the band’s most notorious tunes that highlighted Rourke’s bass work incorporate “This Enchanting Man”, “How Before long Is Currently?”, “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out”, and “The Sovereign Is Dead”. The Smiths delivered four studio collections and a few singles and gatherings prior to separating in 1987 because of inward pressures and conflicts.

After the split of The Smiths, Rourke kept on chasing after his melodic vocation, playing bass for Morrissey’s independent collections “Viva Disdain” and “Kill Uncle”, as well as working together with different specialists like Sinead O’Connor, The Actors, Gravely Drawn Kid, Ian Brown, and D.A.R.K. He likewise framed his own groups, like Freebass (with individual bassists Peter Snare of New Request and Mani of The Stone Roses) and Barrage Vega (with artist KAV).

Rourke was likewise a DJ and radio personality, facilitating shows on East Town Radio in New York and XS Manchester in his old neighborhood of Manchester, Britain. He likewise made music for movies and narratives, for example, “The Youthful Guilty parties”, “Britain Is Mine”, and “The Ascent of the Synths”.

A Sort and Delightful Soul Rourke was generally commended by his companions and fans for his ability, liberality, and modesty. He was known for his warm character and comical inclination, as well as his energy for music and life.

Morrissey, who had a turbulent relationship with Rourke after The Smiths’ separation, honored his previous bandmate in a proclamation on his site. He said: “Andy need not stress over that. At the point when somebody dies, out come the standard blandishments as though their passing is there to be utilized. I’m not ready to do this with Andy. I simply trust any place Andy is presently he knows the amount he was cherished.”

Numerous different performers and superstars additionally communicated their sympathies and esteem for Rourke via web-based entertainment, for example, Billy Bragg, Tim Burgess of The Imposters, Shaun Ryder of Cheerful Mondays, Peter Snare of New Request, Liam Gallagher of Desert garden, Stephen Fry, Ricky Gervais, and Russell Brand.

A Quiet Executioner Pancreatic disease is one of the most deadly types of malignant growth, with a five-year endurance pace of just 10%. It is frequently analyzed at a late stage when it has spread to different organs. It is likewise hard to treat since it is impervious to numerous treatments.

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.

— Andy Rourke (@AndyRourkeMusic) May 19, 2023


A portion of the early advance notice indications of pancreatic disease incorporate stomach torment or distress, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), weight reduction or loss of craving, queasiness or spewing, changes in gut propensities (like the runs or blockage), diabetes or changes in glucose levels, weariness or weakness1.

Nonetheless, these side effects are in many cases unclear and can be brought about by different circumstances. Consequently, it is essential to counsel a specialist in the event that you experience any tireless or strange changes in your wellbeing.

An Inheritance That Lives On Andy Rourke abandons an inheritance that will keep on rousing ages of performers and music darlings. His commitment to The Smiths’ music has been perceived by pundits and fans the same as one of the most powerful in rock history. His performance work and joint efforts have likewise exhibited his flexibility and imagination as a performer.

Rourke will be recollected for his melodic accomplishments as well as for his consideration and magnificence as an individual. He will be truly missed by his family, companions, associates, and fans all over the planet.