Andy Rourke, bassist of The Smiths, one of Britain’s most influential bands of the 1980s, has died following a long illness, his former comrade, Johnny Marr, announced on Friday. He was 59 years old.
In a lengthy Instagram post, the guitarist and songwriter paid tribute to Rourke, whom he first met when they were both schoolboys in 1975.
He wrote that Rourke had “reinvented what a bassist was”.
During their short time together as a four-piece band, The Smiths deliberately stayed away from the mainstream of popular music, garnering a cult following in the independent music scene.
Although much of the attention was on Marr and vocalist Steven Patrick Morrissey, better known as Morrissey, the Smiths’ sound owed much to Rourke’s bass and drummer Mike Joyce.
As their popularity grew, the group released famous songs in the 1980s, including Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now And Girlfriend In A Coma.
The Smiths’ songs gained a reputation for being depressing, but they were actually darkly humorous and accompanied by vibrant, uplifting guitars.
Their albums, including The Queen is Dead And Meat is Murderremain essential for any self-respecting music lover and are at the forefront of the revival of vinyl records.
“I was there for every single Andy bass take in every Smiths session,” Marr said. Sometimes I was there as a producer and sometimes just as a proud friend and cheerleader. Watching him play those dazzling bass lines was an absolute privilege and truly something to behold. »
Marr said he and Rourke have maintained their friendship in the years since the band split, recalling the bassist playing in his band at Madison Square Garden as recently as September 2022.
“Andy will always be remembered as a beautiful and kind soul by all who knew him, and as an extremely gifted musician by people who love music. Well done Andy. We will miss you bro,” Marr concluded.