The Smiths bassist Andy Rourke has died at the age of 59 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Andy's former bandmate Johnny Marr announced the news on social media as he paid tribute to the talented musician.
The tweet read: "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."
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Andy played on The Smiths' classic back catalogue and on solo songs for Morrissey when the group split up.
He was known for his melodic approach to bass playing.
The musician first received an acoustic guitar when he was only seven years old.
Andy Rourke (far right) died aged 59 (Getty Images)At the age of 11, he became friends with Johnny Marr and the pair spent lunch breaks in school playing on their guitars.
When the two formed a band, Johnny suggested Andy try playing the bass, which he fell in love with.
Andy left school when he was 15 and played in several rock bands before teaming up with frontman Morrissey, drummer Mike Joyce and Johnny to form The Smiths.
He joined the band after its first gig and stayed through most of its existence.
In 1986, he was briefly kicked out of the band due to his heroin addiction but re-joined before the release of The Queen Is Dead the same year.
Johnny said Andy's contribution to the album is "something no other bass player could match".
Johnny Marr announced the news on social media (Redferns)Throughout his career, he played with Sinead O'Connor, the Pretenders, Aziz Ibrahim (of the Stone Roses) and Killing Joke.
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In 2007, he formed Freebass with bass players Stone Roses' Mani and New Order's Peter Hook.
Following his death, fans and friends paid tribute to the talented guitarist.
Johnny recently took to Instagram to share a series of photos of him and Andy.
to his friend, he said: "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."
Johnny shared a carousel of snaps of the two on Instagram (Paul Slattery)He went on to discuss their careers and said he was always present at every single one of Andy's bass takes on every Smiths session as a "proud mate and cheerleader".
"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," Johnny posted.
"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."
He paid tribute to his 'brother' in a sweet post (Riaz Gomez)"Very sad to hear this. Andy was a lovely person and one of the best at his instrument. RIP Andy," New Order guitarist Phillip Cunningham said.
New Order's Tom Chapman wrote: "Very sad news . Andy was a kind soul and very talented, one of the best bass players and musician to come out of Manchester a true inspiration to me and so many others. Rest in Powers Andy."
Another person posted: "Very sad. His bass playing was as distinctive as Johnny's guitar playing or Morrisey's voice."
The Smiths' record producer tweeted: "So sad to hear this news Johnny. Thinking of you at this moment and sending my very best wishes and condolences."
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