Andy Rourke’s death has been confirmed by his The Smiths bandmate, Johnny Marr, following a long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Johnny, 59, said that Andy was “supremely gifted” as he announced the sad news in his latest social media post.
He tweeted a throwback photo of the star along with the caption: “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.”
The guitarist requested privacy as fans quickly began commenting and retweeting his post.
Fans shared their condolences: “I’m so sorry. He will be sorely missed.”
Others added: “That’s absolutely heartbreaking to hear. Andy will live on in the music you made together & will always be remembered for his incredible bass lines that made the Smiths what they were. RIP Andy.
“Our thoughts are with you all right now. Much love.”
Andy was known for his bass guitar skills and played on the band’s classic back catalogue and for frontman Morrissey, 63.
He played for the band between 1982 and 1986, and again from 1986 to 1987 playing on some of their iconic albums including Meat Is Murder, 1985, and The Queen Is Dead, 1986.
Andy also formed and performed with the supergroup Freebass alongside New Order’s Peter Hook and the Stone Roses’ Mani.
Many musicians and industry insiders have paid tribute to the late bassist.
The band producer Stephen Street shared: “I am so saddened to hear this news! Andy was a superb musician and a lovely guy.
“I haven’t been able to read any other news about details yet but I send my deepest condolences and thoughts to his friends and family. RIP.”
Fellow bassist and Suede band musician Mat Osman wrote: “A total one-off – a rare bassist whose sound you could recognise straight away.”
He remembered the musician adding: “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.”
The Smiths were formed in Manchester in 1982 by Morrissey and Johnny.
They eventually recruited Andy and were looking for a drummer when a mutual friend put them in contact with Mike Joyce.
The band saw success early on with many of their songs reaching the top 20 of the UK Singles Chart and all of their albums within the top five of the UK Albums Chart.
They also entered the European Albums Chart with their 1986 and 1987 Strangeways, Here We Come hit albums.
The band split in 1987 following Johnny’s break in the summer.
Despite being offered large sums of money to reunite the group, the band confirmed they would never perform together.
Speaking to Spin magazine in 2018, Johnny emphasised: “There’s so many reasons why we haven’t reformed.
“I think that’s fair to say, and I don’t think that would come as any kind of puzzle or surprise to anybody.”
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