Who Is Andy Rourke? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Andy Rourke was born on January 17, 1964, and sadly passed away in 2023. He was a prominent English musician best known as the bassist for the renowned band The Smiths. Rourke's innovative style and impeccable sense of melody contributed significantly to the band's unique sound, which has influenced countless musicians around the globe.
As of 2025, Rourke's legacy continues to resonate, with fans celebrating his life and contributions to the music industry. His biographical details and works remain a point of interest for many, reminding us of his talent and passion for music.
| Occupation | Guitarist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 17, 1964 |
| Age | 59 Years |
| Birth Place | Manchester, England |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 19 May, 2023 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Andy Rourke's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although exact details about Andy Rourke's height and weight during his lifetime are not widely documented, his stage presence was often described as charismatic and engaging. He was typically seen with a relaxed style, embodying the quintessential look of the 1980s rock scene.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Andy Rourke was known to be a private individual when it came to his personal relationships. There are limited public records regarding his dating history or relationship status during his life. While some reports suggest he had close friendships and collaborations within the music scene, concrete information about a significant other (boyfriend or girlfriend) remains sparse.
His Irish father, Michael, worked as an architect; his mother, Mary (née Stone), was English. He was raised by his father in Ashton-upon-Mersey, and later Sharston, after his mother separated from him and left the family home.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2023, Andy Rourke had an estimated net worth of several million dollars, primarily accumulated through his successful music career. His work with The Smiths, as well as various collaborations and solo projects, significantly contributed to his earnings. While exact figures are not publicly released, Rourke's influence in the industry ensured his financial stability.
Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce started legal proceedings against Morrissey and Marr over royalties. Short on money due to his heroin addiction, Rourke settled out of court for £83,000 and 10% of future royalties while relinquishing all further claims; Joyce pursued the claim until 1996 and was awarded substantially more in court.
Having spent the settlement, Rourke later found himself being declared bankrupt following a petition of the Inland Revenue in 1999.
Career, Business, and Investments
Andy Rourke’s career began in the early 1980s with The Smiths, a band that quickly gained fame for their innovative approach to rock music. Beyond his time with the band, Rourke ventured into various musical projects, including collaboration with other artists and bands. Post-Smiths, he was involved in numerous side projects and even had a brief stint with the band Freebass, among others.
His business acumen and understanding of the music industry led him to make astute partnerships and investments throughout his career, which allowed him to maintain financial success beyond his primary music endeavors.
Social Network
Though Andy Rourke did not maintain a heavy presence on social media during his lifetime, fans often celebrated his work through various platforms. His legacy is kept alive on social media channels where fans share memories, music, and stories about his impact on rock music.
All three of Rourke's former Smiths bandmates paid tribute to him, with Morrissey writing: "He didn't ever know his own power, and nothing that he played had been played by someone else. His distinction was so terrific and unconventional and he proved it could be done...I suppose, at the end of it all, we hope to feel that we were valued.
Andy need not worry about that." Johnny Marr describing Rourke as a "beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans", as well as speaking about the early days of their friendship: "We were best friends, going everywhere together [...] When we were fifteen I moved into his house with him and his three brothers
and I soon came to realise that my mate was one of those rare people that absolutely no one doesn't like."
Education
While details about Andy Rourke's formal education aren't widely available, it is known that he was initially influenced by a diverse range of musical styles and artists. His innate talent and passion for music were channeled into his early endeavors, contributing to his rapid ascent in the music scene during the 1980s.
Rourke joined the Smiths after their first gig, having known guitarist Johnny Marr since secondary school, and played on their entire discography. After the group broke up in 1987, he performed on some of lead vocalist Morrissey's early solo releases.
Rourke recorded with Sinéad O'Connor and the Pretenders in the early 1990s, and was a member of the supergroup Freebass and the band D.A.R.K., and later Blitz Vega with Kav Sandhu. He organised the Versus Cancer concerts from 2006 to 2009.
