Andy Rourke, bassist of legendary band The Smiths, dies at 59

In this file photo taken on October 25, 2014, musician Andy Rourke DJs at LilySarahGrace Presents Color Outside The Lines in New York City. Rourke, bass guitarist of British band the Smiths, has died at the age of 59, band-mate Johnny Marr announced on May 19, 2023, lauding the passing of a "kind and beautiful soul". — Photo: AFP

Andy Rourke, bass guitarist of British band the Smiths, has died at the age of 59, band-mate Johnny Marr announced Friday, lauding the passing of a "kind and beautiful soul".

Rourke died "after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer", the Smiths co-founder and lead guitarist said on social media.