Andy Rourke Archives

The late Andy Rourke may be gone, but his music lives on. His work with The Smiths was a cornerstone of popular music in the ’80s whose influence is still felt today. Now, an upcoming posthumous release from his band Blitz Vega will continue his legacy.

The Smiths bassist Andy Rourke has passed away after a battle with cancer. He was 59 years old. Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr shared the sad news on social media.

Blitz Vega, the band comprised of Kav Blaggers and The Smiths bassist Andy Rourke, has returned with their first new music in over two years. “Strong Forever” is an anthem for those who are having hard times.

A little less than a month after Andy Rourke’s departure, the bass supergroup Freebass has called it quits for good. The group was based around Rourke, of the Smiths, New Order’s Peter Hook, and Primal Fear’s Gary “Mani” Mounfield. Though Freebass has been in the works for about five years, the band’s dissolution comes just shy of two weeks before...

Andy Rourke, the bassist formerly with the Smiths, has left Freebass, the bass super group he formed in 2005. The band also includes New Order bassist Peter Hook and The Stone Roses/Primal Fear bassist Gary “Mani” Mounfield According to a post on the band’s website, Rourke will not tour with the group, who planned to hit the road in support...

Freebass, the three-bass supergroup hailing from Manchester, has released their debut EP entitled Two Worlds Collide. The band consists of Peter Hook (Joy Division/ New Order, Gary “Mani” Mounfield (The Stone Roses/Primal Fear), and Andy Rourke (The Smiths). The album also features guest vocals by Tim Burgess of the Charlatans, Pete Wylie of the Mighty Wah, and Howard Marks. The...