The Smiths star Mike Joyce has pledged his support for a mural of the late Andy Rourke at a pub in the Northern Quarter . Regarded as one of the greatest bassists of his generation, Rourke, who grew up in Ashton-on-Mersey , passed away at the age of 59 last May following a ‘lengthy’ battle with pancreatic cancer. Known for his role in The Smiths from 1982 until their split five years later, Rourke also recorded with the likes of Sinéad O'Connor, Ian Brown and the Pretenders throughout his career.
READ MORE: Dodgy taxis, shady ice cream vans and rammed streets: How Oasis' huge Heaton Park gigs will be handled Now, more than a year after his passing, The Smiths drummer Joyce has joined forces with the Pancreatic Cancer Action charity for a fundraiser that aims to create a mural and lasting tribute to Rourke in his home city. The mural, which will be designed by local street artist Akse P19, will be based at The Wheatsheaf pub, near Mackie Mayor and Gulliver’s, on Oak Street. It will be based on a photo of the musician taken at Caird Hall in Dundee in 1985 by tour photographer Nalinee Darmrong.
Andy Rourke (left), performing alongside Jonny Marr (Image: @jonnymarrgram/Instagram) Set to be unveiled in November to coincide with Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, Joyce said he hopes the mural will celebrate Rourke’s legacy for decades to come. "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,” Mike said. The fundraiser , which has already surpassed more than £3,700 of its £15,500 target, aims to help raise money for the creation and design of the mural with donors able to receive limited edition prints signed by Akse P19 and Joyce in return for their pledges.
How the mural at The Wheatsheaf pub is set to look Mike added: “Thanks to this Crowdfunder, fans of Andy and The Smiths can contribute to a permanent memorial in his and the band's hometown of Manchester, but also increase awareness of this debilitating disease and raise money for the charity Pancreatic Cancer Action.” The news of the mural has been received well by fans of the band. One person said of Rourke: “Legend.
Reason I’m a bass player.” Speaking of the mural, another added: “What a beautiful way to honor Andy.” You can donate to the fundraiser here .
Any funds raised beyond the £15,500 target will be donated to Pancreatic Cancer Action..
