The Smiths bassist Andy Rourke has died at the age of 59 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
His former bandmate Johnny Marr has paid tribute while announcing the sad news, describing his friend as a “supremely gifted musician”.
The 59-year-old said: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a length illness with pancreatic cancer.
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“Andy will be remembered as a king and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans.
“We request privacy at this sad time.”
Fans quickly paid tribute too, with one person writing: “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.”
(Image: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)
Another tweeted: “Such sad news. Condolences to all Andy’s loved ones.”
A third commented: “Such sad news, Andy and the rest of you were the soundtrack of my youth. I always felt Andy was underrated and didn’t get the recognition he deserved by most.”
And another added: “That is very sad news. Such a lovely man and brilliant musician. Sending all love and strength.”
Andy was borne in Manchester and met Johnny, then called John Maher, when he was 11, with the duo spending lunch breaks at school playing their guitars.
(Image: Pete Still/Redferns)
It was Marr who encouraged Rourke to pick up a bass guitar when the formed a band, with Rourke later joining the newly formed The Smiths after Marr teamed up with Morrissey.
At the time, Rourke was suffering with heroin addiction and he was briefly sacked from the band but he rejoined before the release of The Queen Is Dead.
The album would peak at No2 in the UK, with the band getting two more No2 albums and one No1, with Meat Is Murder in 1985.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
