Andy Rourke, the bassist for the iconic English rock band The Smiths, passed away on Friday at the age of 59 following a battle with pancreatic cancer, according to a former bandmate.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer,” guitarist Johnny Marr wrote on Twitter.
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“Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans,” Marr said.
“We request privacy at this sad time,” he added.
In 1982, Rourke became a member of The Smiths. He remained a member of the group until their breakup in 1987, just before the release of their fourth studio album, “Strangeways, Here We Come.”