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The Smiths were one of the most distinctive, tempestuous rock bands of the 1980s, and bassist Andy Rourke was an important part of holding it together while he could. In a band with a frontman and guitarist — Morrissey and Johnny Marr — often at each other's throats, Rourke's melodic,…

Bassist with the Smiths whose distinctive melodic style was central to the band’s sound

On seminal Smiths recordings in the 1980s, guitarist Johnny Marr said, "Andy reinvented what it is to be a bass guitar player." Rourke had been ill with pancreatic cancer. He was 59.

Rourke’s propulsive basslines worked in perfect tandem with Johnny Marr’s guitar parts to create the Smiths’ singular sound

In this interview from 2016, the late low-end legend reflects on an influential career with The Smiths and beyond, why the Fender P-Bass won his heart, and how he developed his distinct playing style

Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr has led tributes to the man he says “reinvented what it is to be a bass guitar player”

Marr said it was an ‘absolute privilege’ to play alongside Rourke.

Andy Rourke’s career extended beyond The Smiths, playing alongside The Pretenders and Sinead O’Connor, as well as with the supergroup Freebass, which included Gary Mounfield from the Stone Roses and Peter Hook from New Order.

Smiths bandmate Johnny Marr announced the news that the band's bassist Andy Rourke had died on his social media

His former bandmate Johnny Marr announced the sad news on social media, describing Andy as 'a kind and beautiful soul'

His death was announced by his former bandmate Johnny Marr.