The Smiths bassist Andy Rourke has died following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
His former bandmate Johnny Marr announced the news on Twitter this morning. He described the 59-year-old, from Manchester, as a 'supremely gifted musician'.
The tweet said: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer.
READ MORE: Join the FREE Manchester Evening News WhatsApp community
"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."
Rourke was noted for his melodic approach to playing the bass guitar. He played on the Smiths’ classic back catalogue, as well as on solo songs for frontman Morrissey after the group disbanded.
In 2007, he formed Freebass with fellow Mancunian bass players Stone Roses' Mani and New Order's Peter Hook. Tributes flooded in following the announcement.
Hacienda DJ Dave Haslam wrote: "Oh that’s horrible news about a really lovely man. Bless you Andy.
"Sending love to you Johnny and to all Andy’s family and friends x".
Suede bassist Mat Osman wrote: "Aw man. RIP Andy Rourke. A total one-off - a rare bassist whose sound you could recognise straight away. 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."
More to follow on this breaking news story.
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- 'I felt so vulnerable...' gang bundled young men into back of Audi before subjecting them to horrible ordeal
- 'I thought my baby just had a bug - but he was on the brink of death'
- 'It blew my mind how bad it was': Woman slams 'farcical' Arena gig seating
- Bloodshed on the streets as neighbourhood rocked by 'double stabbing'
- CCTV released after man targeted in alleged racist hate crime at petrol station
