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In Memoriam: Fallen Stars of 2023
The Smiths are mourning the nonaccomplishment of a beloved member.
The band's bassist Andy Rourke has died astatine the property of 59 aft a conflict with cancer, guitarist Johnny Marr shared connected May 19.
"It is with heavy sadness that we denote the passing of Andy Rourke aft a lengthy unwellness with pancreatic cancer," helium said successful a connection posted to Twitter. "Andy volition beryllium remembered arsenic a benignant and beauteous psyche by those who knew him and arsenic a supremely talented instrumentalist by euphony fans. We petition privateness astatine this bittersweet time."
Shortly aft Rourke's passing, the instrumentalist received an outpouring of tributes from his fellow members of The Smiths and friends from the euphony industry.
Bandmate Mike Joyce, who served arsenic the group's drummer, besides tweeted, "Not lone the astir talented bass subordinate I've ever had the privilege to play with but the sweetest, funniest lad I've ever met."
Added Joyce, "Andy's near the building, but his philharmonic bequest is perpetual. I miss you truthful overmuch already. Forever successful my bosom mate."
The Smiths shaper Stephen Street besides reflected connected Rourke's legacy, writing, "I americium truthful saddened to perceive this news! Andy was a superb instrumentalist and a beauteous guy."
Walter McBride/Getty Images
After The Smiths' archetypal gig successful 1982, Rourke joined frontman Morrissey, Marr and Joyce to play with the set for 5 years until their divided successful 1987.
After the radical parted ways, Rourke went connected to play alongside a fig of different bands, with the instrumentalist astir precocious teaming up with Kav Sandhu of the Happy Mondays to signifier Blitz Vega. Their past azygous arsenic a duo, "Strong Forever," was released successful November 2022.
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