‘Jeane’ This Charming Man 7” single (1983) From the early days of The Smiths’ career, not only had the group established themselves as indie darlings, an emerging voice of disenfranchised youth and a visceral live force to be reckoned with, but they had also proven that they had mastered the art of the B-side. Read on for a handful of our favourite Andy Rourke bass lines, a small celebration of the career of a true Manchester music giant… (from left to right) Andy Rourke and Johnny Marr by Paul Slattery Rourke’s passing may be tragic news for any fan of indie music, but it seems fitting to celebrate and champion his memory: a legacy defined by a versatile, inspiring love of music. From the groovy shuffle of ‘This Charming Man’ to the aggressive angst of ‘The Headmaster Ritual’, Rourke’s bass lines maintained their stylish charm throughout the band’s seminal career, locking in seamlessly with the metronomic drumming of Mike Joyce whilst harmoniously complimenting the melodies of the Lennon/McCartney of indie rock music, Morrissey and Johnny Marr. Inspired by the plucky finesse of Bernard Edwards of Chic fame, the soulfulness of Motown legend James Jamerson and the wistful melodies of Paul McCartney, Rourke’s mastery of the bass guitar was perhaps The Smiths’ ‘secret weapon’. (from left to right) Morrissey, Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke, Mike Joyce – Hatful of Hollow inside sleeve by Paul Slattery Rourke then worked as a session bass player, playing for Smiths-frontman Morrissey, Sinead O’Connor and The Pretenders to name a few.
The group saw huge critical success across their five years together before splitting up in 1987. Rourke and Marr’s friendship – many years spent jamming together during lunch breaks at school – culminated in the formation of The Smiths in 1982. Rourke fell in love with the instrument, playing it for the rest of his life. Originally picking up the guitar aged 11, he moved onto the bass guitar when schoolmate Johnny Marr (then Johnny Maher) suggested he audition as a bassist for their school-formed band. A huge part of their appeal was down to Andy Rourke’s melodic, intricate bass playing – a style which continues to set indie-disco dance floors alight.Īndy Rourke was born in Manchester on 17 January 1964. Within just five years and across four studio LPs, The Smiths cemented themselves in the canon of British music as one of the most enduring, unique and important acts of all time. Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans.“ Andy Rourke, bassist and founding member of The Smiths, has passed away aged 59.Īndy Rourke’s official Instagram account published a statement on 19 May: “ It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke today in the early hours at Memorial Sloan Kettering after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer.
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