Andy Rourke, the bassist for The Smiths whose melodic style was the backbone of British indie rock's top band of the '80s, died early Friday (5/19) in New York. He was 59. The cause was pancreatic cancer.

Smiths co-founder/guitarist Johnny Marr, who became friends with Rourke at the age of 11, announced his death on social media. “Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans,” Marr wrote.

Marr and Morrissey started The Smiths in 1982 in Manchester; Rourke replaced Dale Hibbert after the band’s first gig. He played on all four of The Smiths' albums, records at the forefront of independent British music in the 1980s. The band broke up in 1987.

Rourke continued to record with Morrissey in the late '80s and would later join Badly Drawn Boy’s band. He played in the supergroup Freebass with New Order’s Peter Hook and The Stone Roses’ Mani and recorded with Sinéad O’Connor, The Pretenders and Ian Brown. The bassist was also in the band D.A.R.K. with Dolores O'Riordan. His most recent project was Blitz Vega with Kav Sandhu of Happy Mondays.

Morrissey said in a statement: “His distinction was so terrific and unconventional and he proved it could be done. He was also very, very funny and very happy... At the end of it all, we hope to feel that we were valued. Andy need not worry about that.”

Very sorry to hear that Smiths bassist Andy Rourke has passed away. I have great memories of him playing with Johnny Marr and myself on the Red Wedge tour. He was a lovely guy and an amazing bass player. My condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/r9moJTxgiG
— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) May 19, 2023

RIP Andy Rourke. A fellow bassist of fine pedigree. We met at Passenger Bar in NYC a couple of times around DJ sets and he was always delightful. So sad to hear he has lost his battle with pancreatic cancer. Love to his family and friends â¤ï¸ pic.twitter.com/YuBqa0UGyC
— Simon Raymonde (@mrsimonraymonde) May 19, 2023

RiP ANDY ROURKE
I first met Andy aged 17 @simonWolstencr1 party.We remained pals. One of the highlights of my music life was Andy playing on my The World is Yours album and accompanying me onstage on a UK tour and my first show in MOSCOW. Belly laughs all the way. RiP Brother X
— Ian Brown (@ianbrown) May 19, 2023

The Smiths were easily the most important band of my teens. I was beyond honoured when Andy played bass with me on tour for 2 years. He was the coolest, kindest funniest person, a joy to tour with. Probably the best natural musician I’ve ever seen. Loved him. Gutted ðŸ’” pic.twitter.com/zANdsom6i1
— Badly Drawn Boy (@badly_drawn_boy) May 19, 2023

Not only the most talented bass player I've ever had the privilege to play with but the sweetest, funniest lad I've ever met. Andy's left the building, but his musical legacy is perpetual. I miss you so much already. Forever in my heart mate.
— Mike Joyce (@mikejoycedrums) May 19, 2023