Andy Rourke obit

The Smiths bassist Andy Rourke dies after battle with pancreatic cancer

The 'supremely gifted musician' has died aged 59 

He was no on the list.

The Smiths bassist Andy Rourke has died following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

His former bandmate Johnny Marr announced the news on Twitter this morning. He described the 59-year-old, from Manchester, as a 'supremely gifted musician'

The tweet said: "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."

Rourke was noted for his melodic approach to playing the bass guitar. He played on the Smiths’ classic back catalogue, as well as on solo songs for frontman Morrissey after the group disbanded.

In 2007, he formed Freebass with fellow Mancunian bass players Stone Roses' Mani and New Order's Peter Hook. Tributes flooded in following the announcement.

Hacienda DJ Dave Haslam wrote: "Oh that’s horrible news about a really lovely man. Bless you Andy.

"Sending love to you Johnny and to all Andy’s family and friends x".

Suede bassist Mat Osman wrote: "Aw man. RIP Andy Rourke. A total one-off - a rare bassist whose sound you could recognise straight away. I remember so clearly playing that Barbarism break over and over, trying to learn the riff, and marvelling at this steely funk driving the track along."

Rourke joined the Smiths after their first gig, having known guitarist Johnny Marr since school, and played on all four of their studio albums. After the group broke up in 1987, he performed on singer Morrissey's solo releases. Rourke recorded with Sinéad O'Connor and the Pretenders in the early 1990s, and was a member of the supergroup Freebass and the band D.A.R.K.. He also organised the Versus Cancer concerts from 2006 to 2009.