Andy Rourke Cause of Death Tragic: The Smiths Bassist Dead at 59

The Smiths bassist Andy Rourke has died at the age of 59, his bandmate Johnny Marr confirmed.

A social media post on Friday shocked the music industry as it disclosed the passing of the rock band's bassist. Per the other reports, the musician died at New York's Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital.

Andy Rourke Dead at 59

Marr revealed on his Twitter post that his bandmate, whom he called a "kind and beautiful soul," passed away this week. He also disclosed Andy Rourke's cause of death and shared that the bassist died following his long battle with pancreatic cancer.

"It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer," Marr wrote. "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."

Apart from the Twitter post, Marr took to Instagram where he shared a longer tribute message to Rourke. He recalled their first meeting in 1975 and disclosed to his followers how they became best friends.

The musician added that he soon realized that Rourke was one of the rare people who "no one doesn't like" after he moved into his family's house.

Rourke's former bandmate and collaborator, Morrissey, also penned a statement on his website in which he grieved the recent loss. The 63-year-old "Everyday Is Like Sunday" hitmaker expressed his hope for Rourke to feel okay wherever he is now.

Morrissey applauded the bassist's skills and true nature as he reportedly kept a "steady identity" post The Smiths.

The band's producer, Stephen Street, paid tribute to Rourke on Twitter and shared his deepest condolences to his friends and bereaved loved ones.

A representative for Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center confirmed Andy Rourke's death in a statement to The New York Times, per EW Entertainment.

Andy Rourke's Legacy

Rourke's career with The Smiths started in 1982 when Morrissey launched the group with Marr. From there, the rock band became one of the most successful and famous groups in the UK's music scene.

The late bassist got featured on all the band's hit tracks, including "How Soon Is Now?" "The Charming Man," and "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" following the success of The Smiths' self-titled debut album.

The band, however, kicked him out of the group in 1986 due to his heroin addiction, but Rourke returned weeks later and continued playing with The Smiths until its split in 1987.