His crisp plectrum tone and deftly articulated passages anchored one of rock’s most influential ensembles: The Smiths.  Though Moz and Marr garnered the glam and glory, the rhythm section of Mike Joyce and Andy Rourke added a swing element to their slabs ‘n’ singles which afforded the Mancunian lads a unique rhythmic identity.

Andy braided Morrissey’s tuxedoed tenor croon with the sus-chord sorcery of Johnny Marr with pocket grooves punctuated with fluid counter-melodic passages, double-stops, chords and soulful rhythms. 

Dig Andy on “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” with many of the above referenced assets on one track!

A producer, writer, collaborator, bandmember, among Rourke’s post Smiths endeavors included waxing tracks and/or stage work with The Pretenders, Badly Drawn Boy, Ian Brown, Blitz Vega, Free3bass (with Mani and Peter Hook), D.A.R.K with the late Dolores O’Riordan and Ole Koretsky, and various stints as a DJ and radio host.  Andy also composed for television (Anthony Bourdain) and film.

His main weapon of choice was the Fender Precision, along with old reliable Peavey Mark III bass head.

Andy Rourke Sound & Vision…

Andy with D.A.R.K. “Curvy” https://youtu.be/YWo-tNkHnOE

Andy with Mike and Moz “Last of the Famous International Playboys” https://youtu.be/Bk1wUKoXL20

Andy with Free3bass: https://youtu.be/SMiKVwInp7g