The Smiths bassist Andy Rourke dies aged 59

Andy Rourke of The Smiths, on left, has passed away after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer.

Musician Johnny Marr has paid tribute to his The Smiths bandmate Andy Rourke who has died aged 59.

The band's guitarist, Marr shared the sad news on social media, stating that Rourke passed away following a "lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer". He was the bassist for the indie rock band which was formed in Manchester in 1982 and went on to become one of the most influential acts of the decade.

All four members of the group, including singer Morrissey and drummer Mike Joyce, were of Irish extraction, and they played numerous gigs in Ireland. For instance, Cork fans fondly recall two concerts at the city's Savoy venue in 1984. 

Announcing his bandmate's death, Marr wrote: "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

Andy Rourke also formed a band with the late legendary Irish singer, Dolores O'Riordan who passed away in 2018. The pair formed D.A.R.K in 2016.

With the original line-up comprised of Rourke, frontman Morrissey, guitarist Marr and drummer Mike Joyce, The Smiths had a string of hits in the 1980s with songs like Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now and Girlfriend In A Coma.

The demise of the Manchester four-piece was one of the most spectacular in the UK music world, the fallout of which saw Joyce and Rourke taking Morrissey and Marr to court over royalties in 1989.

The band, powered by the songwriting partnership of Marr and Morrissey, split up in 1987, having released albums including The Smiths and Meat is Murder and earning three top 10 hits.