Andy Rourke, who has died aged 59, was a bass player with a distinctive melodic style. His musicianship was integral to the sound of The Smiths, the seminal Manchester band he played in from 1982 ...

Andy Rourke, the bass guitarist for British rock band, the Smiths, died following a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 59.

Andy Rourke, bass guitarist of The Smiths, one of the most influential British bands of the 1980s, died Friday after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer, his publicity firm confirmed to CBS News.

The Smiths were a famously fractious group, but each member paid tribute to their late bassist. "He will never die as long as his music is heard," wrote Morrissey.

Andy Rourke, bassist for The Smiths, has died at age 56. His Smiths bandmates, including Johnny Marr, have commemorated his passing.

Andy Rourke, the bassist for beloved English rock band the Smiths, died at age 59 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

LONDON, UK — Andy Rourke, bass guitarist of The Smiths, one of the most influential British bands of the 1980s, has died after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer, his former bandmate ...

Andy Rourke, who played bass for The Smiths on all four of the English band’s albums, died today of pancreatic cancer at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. He was 59.

Andy Rourke, bassist for legendary English rock band The Smiths, has died at age 59 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, his former bandmate announced Friday.

Andy Rourke, bassist for legendary English rock band The Smiths, has died at age 59 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, his former bandmate announced Friday.