Andy Rourke (The Smiths)

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

 

Iwan Gronow (Johnny Marr)

Photo courtesy of Johnnh - Marr Com Photo courtesy of Johnnh - Marr Com

Photo courtesy of Johnnh – Marr Com

In the early 00’s when Johnny Marr produced Haven’s magnificent pair of dream pop platters Between the Senses – (perhaps a nod to the Stones’ Between the Buttons) and the follow-up All For A Reason, Moz’s former mate was certainly enamored with the melodic pocket plectrum purveyance of bassist Iwan Gronow – whom he drafted into his touring and recording ensemble.

Dig Haven “Beautiful Thing” https://youtu.be/9ml2krXbv4o

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Anchoring Mr. Marr’s muscular post-Smiths bands, Iwan serves the mercurial Mancunian guitar hero quite effectively by way of gritty, pedal pushing Fender P tones and supportive passages with an occasional harmonic foray into the upper register.

Dig Iwan on Johnny’s “Easy Money” https://youtu.be/9_P5iSG_APE

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