I was saddened to hear of Andy Rourke‘s death from pancreatic cancer at the age of 59. I’ve been a fan of The Smiths for quite some time — although over the past handful of years, I’ve had a hard time with them because Morrissey has become such an enormously racist prick. But that’s neither here nor there right now.
What I will say is that Rourke, along with his bandmates were behind some of the most beautiful, sensitive songs ever written and recorded.
Oddly enough, when I learned of Rourke’s death, I thought of a buddy of mine from Clem’s. He’s a young Irishman but we’ve talked quite a bit about music and other subjects over the past year or so. One of the things that has come up many times was how much we loved The Smiths’ Meat Is Murder — in particular “Barbarism Starts At Home” and “Headmaster Ritual,” which we’ve both said are among their greatest songs, ever.
From all accounts I’ve come across, Rourke was a lovely and very funny man. And for those who knew him and loved him, his loss is inconsolable. I hope that his memory remains a blessing and joy for them.
Rest in peace, Andy.
