The Smiths bassist Andy Rourke dies aged 59 following illness with pancreatic cancer

• Rishi Davda looks back on Andy Rourke's career.

The Smiths bassist Andy Rourke has died aged 59 following a "lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer".

His former bandmate Johnny Marr announced the news on Twitter.

He described the musician, 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.

"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."

Figures from across the world of music also made their own personal tributes on Friday.

• Musician, author and commentator John Robb spoke to ITV News, and paid tribute to his bass-playing style.

Happy Mondays star Rowetta called him a great friend, a beautiful man and a wonderful musician.

Billy Brag took to social media to say he was very sorry to hear that the Smiths bassist had passed away.

He said: "I have great memories of him playing with Johnny Marr and myself on the Red Wedge tour. He was a lovely guy and an amazing bass player. My condolences to his family and friends."

Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess also paid tribute to his work on helping to create the Manchester vs Cancer events.

Rourke played on The Smiths' famous songs including This Charming Man and There Is a Light That Never Goes Out.

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

In an Instagram post, Johnny Marr recalled the last time he and Rourke performed together:

"Andy and I met as schoolboys in 1975. We were best friends, going everywhere together. When we were fifteen I moved into his house with him and his three brothers and I soon came to realise that my mate was one of those rare people that absolutely no one doesn't like.

"Andy and I spent all our time studying music, having fun, and working on becoming the best musicians we could possibly be. Back then Andy was a guitar player and a good one at that, but it was when he picked up the bass that he would find his true calling and his singular talent would flourish.

"Throughout our teens we played in various bands around South Manchester before making our reputations with The Smiths from 1982 to 1987, and it was on those Smiths records that Andy reinvented what it is to be a bass guitar player.

"I was present at every one of Andy's bass takes on every Smiths session. Sometimes I was there as the producer and sometimes just as his proud mate and cheerleader. Watching him play those dazzling baselines was an absolute privilege and genuinely something to behold. But one time which always comes to mind was when I sat next to him at the mixing desk watching him play his bass on the song The Queen Is Dead. It was so impressive that I said to myself 'I'll never forget this moment'.

"We maintained our friendship over the years, no matter where we were or what was happening and it is a matter of personal pride as well as sadness that the last time Andy played on stage was with me and my band at Maddison Square Garden in September 2022. It was a special moment that we shared with my family and his wife and soul mate Francesca.

"Andy will always be remembered, as a kind and beautiful soul by everyone who knew him, and as a supremely gifted musician by people who love music.

"Well done Andy. We'll miss you brother.

"Johnny x".

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