Andy Rourke Of The Smiths Passes Away At Age 59

Andy Rourke, bassist for legendary Manchester band The Smiths, died Thursday following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Smiths bandmate Johnny Marr posted:

Rourke was half of the rhythm section that created some of the most interesting music to come out of the post-punk Manchester scene. Smith singer Morrissey wrote on his website today:

"Sometimes one of the most radical things you can do is to speak clearly. When someone dies, out come the usual blandishments … as if their death is there to be used. I'm not prepared to do this with Andy. I just hope … wherever Andy has gone … that he's OK. He will never die as long as his music is heard. He didn't ever know his own power, and nothing that he played had been played by someone else. His distinction was so terrific and unconventional and he proved it could be done. He was also very, very funny and very happy, and post-Smiths, he kept a steady identity - never any manufactured moves. I suppose, at the end of it all, we hope to feel that we were valued. Andy need not worry about that."

Tributes to Rourke have been shared by multitudes of fans and fellow musicians, including Johnny Marr's daughter.

Check out these live performances from Andy Rourke and The Smiths.