A new crowdfunder has been launched for a tribute mural to The Smiths’ bass player Andy Rourke . The Manchester band retain a huge sense of influence over modern guitar music, with their catalogue finding a new generation of fans. Sadly, bass player Andy Rourke – whose musicianship was so integral to their sound – passed away last year, following pancreatic cancer.
Guitarist Johnny Marr called the bassist a “beautiful soul”, while Morrissey paid his respects : “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.
” — — Now Smiths drummer Mike Joyce is heading up plans for a permanent mural to salute the music legend. The planned mural will be located on the side of the Wheatsheaf Pub on Oak Street in the Northern Quarter of Manchester, an area of the city Andy Rourke knew well. A crowdfunder has been launched so fans can get involved, and the project is a full collaboration with Pancreatic Cancer Action.
The mural will be completed by acclaimed street artist Akse, the image is taken from a famous tour photograph shot by photographer Nalinee Darmrong at the Caird Hall in Dundee, 1985. Bandmate and friend, Mike Joyce, said: “Andy’s passing left us all absolutely devastated and I’ve been wanting to do something to celebrate his life and contribution to music. The idea of a mural in the centre of Manchester feels a fitting place and way for all his many fans to come and pay tribute.
” “Securing a suitable site for the mural has been challenging at points as many locations and buildings have restrictions. However, the wonderful couple, Lisa and Robert of the Wheatsheaf pub, which is a big part of the local community in the Northern Quarter and an area where Andy lived for a while, came to the rescue and now, over a year since the plans began, we have secured a wonderful location.” Mike added: “Thanks to this Crowdfunder , fans of Andy and The Smiths can contribute to a permanent memorial, but also increase awareness of this debilitating disease and raise money for the charity, Pancreatic Cancer Action.
” “The mural will not only serve as a permanent tribute to Andy’s legacy as a brilliant musician but also as a memory of the funniest, sweetest lad I had the pleasure of knowing.” The mural will be officially unveiled in November – Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month – at a special celebration. Please donate to the Crowdfunder here: https://www.
crowdfunder.co.uk/p/andy-rourke-mural Related: Remembering Andy Rourke: Five Basslines That Made The Smiths.
