Mr. Rourke was a key, if habitually unsung, part of the influential British band’s success. He died of pancreatic cancer, his bandmate Johnny Marr said.

Title: The Unsung Hero of The Smiths: Remembering Andy Rourke The music industry lost a true legend on May 19, 2023. Andy Rourke, the bassist for The Smiths, passed away at the age of 59 due to pancreatic cancer. Despite being an integral part of the band's success, Rourke often lived in the shadow of his bandmates - a situation that is all too familiar for many musicians. Rourke joined The Smiths in 1982, following the departure of Dale Hibbert. His unique bass lines helped to define the band's sound, contributing to timeless hits like "This Charming Man" and "How Soon Is Now?". His virtuosity on the bass guitar was unparalleled, a fact that those in the know recognized, even if the wider music industry did not. However, despite his undeniable talents, Rourke often stayed out of the limelight. His quiet demeanor and unassuming nature meant that he was rarely interviewed or included in publicity shots. This is a shame, as without Rourke's contributions, it's unlikely that The Smiths would have become the influential band that they are remembered as today. It's a sad reality that many unsung heroes in the music industry go unrecognized for their talents. However, it's important to remember just how vital these individuals are to creating the music that we all love. The passing of Andy Rourke is a reminder that we should celebrate the contributions of all musicians, not just the ones in the spotlight. Rest in peace, Andy Rourke. Your legacy will live on through the timeless music that you helped to create. Andy Rourke, the bassist for the Smiths, has died at age 59 due to pancreatic cancer, according to his bandmate Johnny Marr. Rourke played a significant, albeit unnoticed, role in the band's success.