Andy Rourke, The Bassist Behind The Smiths, was born Andrew Michael Rourke on January 17, 1964 in Manchester, England. He grew up in a working-class family in Manchester, a city with a rich musical heritage. This environment undoubtedly had a profound influence on young Andy, shaping his future as a musician. From a young age, he showed an interest in music, particularly in the bass guitar. His early musical journey began with playing in school bands and local groups, honing his skills and preparing for a career in music.
In the annals of rock history, certain bands and musicians stand out not just for their music but for the profound impact they have had on the industry and culture. The Smiths, a British indie rock band that emerged in the 1980s, is undeniably one of those influential musical acts. At the heart of The Smiths’ distinctive sound was the brilliant bassist, Andy Rourke. This essay delves into the life and career of Andy Rourke, exploring his upbringing, his pivotal role in The Smiths, and his enduring impact on the world of music.
In the early 1980s, Rourke’s life took a momentous turn when he met Johnny Marr, the guitarist who would later become his collaborator in The Smiths. Marr and Rourke formed the core of the band, with Marr’s intricate guitar work and Rourke’s distinctive bass lines defining The Smiths’ sound. Rourke’s bass playing in The Smiths was notable for its melodic quality and its ability to be the driving force behind the band’s unique sound. His bass lines added depth and character to the songs, often acting as a second melody, intertwining with Marr’s guitar work.
The Smiths, led by Morrissey’s distinctive vocals and lyrical prowess, blended alternative rock, post-punk, and jangle pop to create a sound that was unlike anything else in the musical landscape of the time. The band’s songs dealt with themes of loneliness, love, and social issues, resonating with a generation and gaining a dedicated fanbase. Rourke’s bass playing was an essential component of the band’s success, and his ability to craft memorable and emotive bass lines became a defining feature of The Smiths’ music.
The Smiths released four studio albums during their relatively short but impactful career and each album showcased Rourke’s bass work in a unique and memorable way.
- The Smiths (1984): The band’s eponymous debut album introduced their distinctive sound to the world. Tracks like “This Charming Man” and “Hand in Glove” featured Rourke’s melodic bass lines, setting the stage for their future successes.
- Meat Is Murder (1985): This album tackled social and political issues, with Rourke’s bass underpinning tracks like “The Headmaster Ritual” and “Rusholme Ruffians.” His bass work added a layer of complexity to the band’s songs, making them stand out in the alternative rock scene.
- The Queen Is Dead (1986): Widely regarded as their magnum opus, this album featured Rourke’s bass on tracks like “Bigmouth Strikes Again” and “Cemetry Gates.” The interplay between Marr’s guitar and Rourke’s bass was a defining feature of this record.
- Strangeways, Here We Come (1987): This would be the band’s final studio album, and it featured Rourke’s bass prominently on tracks like “I Started Something I Couldn’t Finish” and “Paint a Vulgar Picture.” The album encapsulated the band’s evolution and the maturity of Rourke’s bass playing.
The Smiths’ songs are often remembered not only for their musicality but also for their lyrical depth, courtesy of Morrissey. Andy Rourke’s bass, along with Marr’s intricate guitar work, provided the perfect canvas for Morrissey’s poignant and often provocative lyrics. This combination made The Smiths one of the most iconic and influential bands of the 1980s.
What made The Smiths’ music so compelling was the synergy between its members. Johnny Marr and Andy Rourke’s musical partnership was at the core of the band’s success. Their collaborative approach to songwriting and arrangement was a key element in the creation of their distinctive sound.
Rourke’s bass playing wasn’t just about laying down a rhythm; it was about creating memorable, often melodic bass lines that became an integral part of each song. This unique approach to bass playing set him apart from many of his contemporaries. The bass wasn’t relegated to the background but was given a prominent role in the band’s compositions.
Beyond his technical prowess, Rourke’s musical sensibility and ability to complement Marr’s guitar work were essential to The Smiths’ sound. The way he used the bass to evoke emotions and add depth to the songs contributed to the band’s emotional resonance with its audience.
The Smiths, despite their critical acclaim and devoted fanbase, were not immune to internal conflicts. The band’s breakup in 1987 marked the end of an era. Various factors, including disagreements among the band members and the strain of fame, led to the dissolution of one of the most iconic bands of the 1980s.
Andy Rourke’s departure from The Smiths was not a direct result of these conflicts, but rather an indirect consequence of the band’s disintegration. The band’s end left Rourke and the other members to pursue their own paths in the world of music.
Following the breakup of The Smiths, Andy Rourke continued to pursue a career in music, albeit in various forms and collaborations. He joined several bands and engaged in session work. While he may not have reached the same level of fame and success as he did with The Smiths, his talent and creativity continued to shine in his post-Smiths career.
Soon after the break-up of The Smiths, Rourke and Joyce played with Sinéad O‘Connor, and Rourke appears on her second studio album I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got (1990).
With Craig Gannon, he provided the rhythm section for two singles by Smiths vocalist Morrissey – “Interesting Drug” and “The Last of the Famous International Playboys” (both 1989).
He played and recorded with the Pretenders (appearing on some of the tracks on 1994’s Last of the Independents); Killing Joke, Badly Drawn Boy (with whom Rourke toured for two years), Aziz Ibrahim (formerly of the Stone Roses), and ex-Oasis guitarist Bonehead as Moondog One, which also included Mike Joyce and Craig Gannon. Rourke also played bass guitar for Ian Brown, both on tour and on Brown’s fifth solo studio album The World Is Yours (2007).
Andy Rourke formed Freebass with bassists Mani, from the Stone Roses, and Peter Hook, from New Order, in 2007 and remained active in the group until August 2010.
Early in 2009, he moved to New York City, where he had a programme on East Village Radio and worked as a club DJ with Olé Koretsky under the name Jetlag. This led to Rourke and Koretsky forming the alternative rock band D.A.R.K. with Irish lead vocalist Dolores O’Riordan from the Cranberries. The trio released their debut studio album, Science Agrees, on September 9, 2016.
After the death of O’Riordan, Rourke formed Blitz Vega with guitarist and vocalist Kav Sandhu. Their first single was “Hey Christo”, released on April 2019. On November 17, 2022, Blitz Vega released the single “Strong Forever”, featuring Johnny Marr as their guest guitarist.
While none of these projects achieved the same level of recognition as The Smiths, they served as a testament to Andy Rourke’s enduring passion for music and his willingness to explore new avenues of creativity.
Andy Rourke’s legacy extends far beyond his time with The Smiths. His distinctive bass playing style, characterized by melodic lines and a unique ability to infuse emotion into his notes, has left an indelible mark on the world of alternative rock and indie music.
Many contemporary bassists cite Rourke as an influence on their own playing. His ability to make the bass a prominent and emotionally resonant instrument in a band’s sound has been an inspiration to countless musicians. This influence can be seen in the work of artists like Peter Hook of Joy Division and New Order, as well as in the bass playing of indie and alternative bands that emerged in the decades following The Smiths’ heyday.
The Smiths’ music, driven in large part by Rourke’s bass work, continues to find new audiences and resonate with listeners around the world. Their songs have been covered and sampled by numerous artists, reaffirming their enduring influence on the music industry.
Andy Rourke’s journey from a working-class upbringing in Manchester to becoming a pivotal figure in one of the most iconic bands of the 1980s is a testament to his talent, creativity, and dedication to music. His role in The Smiths, alongside Johnny Marr, Morrissey, and Mike Joyce, contributed to the creation of a unique and timeless sound that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
Rourke’s distinctive bass playing style, characterized by its melodic and emotionally resonant quality, set him apart as a musician. His post-Smiths career demonstrated his versatility and willingness to explore new musical avenues.
While The Smiths disbanded in 1987, their music and Andy Rourke’s bass lines continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians. The legacy of The Smiths and Rourke’s contribution to their sound remain an integral part of the alternative and indie music landscape, reminding us of the enduring power of music to connect with our emotions and experiences. Andy Rourke’s place in music history is secure as the bassist behind The Smiths, a band that will forever be cherished by those who appreciate the art of exceptional songcraft and musicianship.
Andy Rourke died on the morning of May 19, 2023, at age 59, from pancreatic cancer.
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