Andy Rourke, , Bassist for The Smiths, , Dead at 59.<br />Rourke's death was announced by his former bandmate, Johnny Marr, on May 19.<br />It is with deep sadness<br /> that we announce the passing <br />of Andy Rourke after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer, Johnny Marr, via Twitter.<br />Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans, Johnny Marr, via Twitter.<br />Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans, Johnny Marr, via Twitter.<br />We request privacy <br />at this sad time, Johnny Marr, via Twitter.<br />Rourke started playing with <br />The Smiths in 1982, CNN reports.<br />Rourke started playing with <br />The Smiths in 1982, CNN reports.<br />He served as the band's bassist until they broke up in 1987 prior to releasing their fourth album, 'Strangeways, Here We Come.'.<br />He served as the band's bassist until they broke up in 1987 prior to releasing their fourth album, 'Strangeways, Here We Come.'.<br />Rourke went on to perform with the band's frontman, Morrissey, as well as other artists such as Sinéad O’Connor and The Pretenders.<br />Rourke went on to perform with the band's frontman, Morrissey, as well as other artists such as Sinéad O’Connor and The Pretenders.<br />Rourke went on to perform with the band's frontman, Morrissey, as well as other artists such as Sinéad O’Connor and The Pretenders.<br />In 2005, he formed a band called Freebass with <br />Peter Hook (New Order/Joy Division) and <br />Gary "Mani" Mounfield (Stone Roses/Primal Scream).<br />In 2005, he formed a band called Freebass with <br />Peter Hook (New Order/Joy Division) and <br />Gary "Mani" Mounfield (Stone Roses/Primal Scream).<br />In 2005, he formed a band called Freebass with <br />Peter Hook (New Order/Joy Division) and <br />Gary "Mani" Mounfield (Stone Roses/Primal Scream).<br />Suede bassist Mat Osman <br />took to Twitter to pay tribute to Rourke
