Andy Rourke, the bassist for indie legends the Smiths, has died aged 59.
The news was announced by guitarist Johnny Marr on social media, who 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.”
Rourke played on the Smiths’ classic back catalogue including hits such as This Charming Man, and There Is a Light That Never Goes Out – both classic examples of his often boldly melodic style – as well as on solo songs for frontman Morrissey after the group disbanded.
“This Charming Man” by the Smiths
There is this joke on Ant-Man and the Wasp that Luis says — under truth serum — how much “Chicanos relate to melancholy ballads.” I’m not Chicano, but I can say there is a strong connection to Brazillian rock music and The Smiths through its early influence on Bands from Brasília in 1980: you can hear how Andy Rourke’s grooves inspired bass lines from bands like Os Paralamas do Sucesso, Legião Urbana, Capital Inicial, e Plebe Rude.
R.I.P. Andy Rouke
