Andy Rourke Net Worth

What was Andy Rourke's net worth?

Andy Rourke was an English musician who had a net worth of $2 million at the time of his death in 2023. Andy Rourke was best known as the bassist for The Smiths. Rourke's melodic, inventive basslines were a defining element of The Smiths' sound, and he is widely regarded as one of the most underrated musicians of the 1980s alternative scene. Though often overshadowed by the band's more visible members, Morrissey and Johnny Marr, Rourke's musicianship was central to the group's enduring legacy. Following The Smiths' breakup, he continued working in music as a session player, collaborator, and radio host, and remained a beloved figure among fans of British indie rock.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Andrew Michael Rourke was born in January 1964 in Manchester, England. He met Johnny Marr while attending school, and the two became close friends and musical collaborators. Rourke began playing guitar before switching to bass, developing a distinctive style that combined melodic hooks with rhythmic agility. His early influences included funk, soul, and punk, elements that would later shape his playing in The Smiths.

The Smiths

Rourke officially joined The Smiths in 1982, completing the classic lineup alongside Morrissey, Johnny Marr, and drummer Mike Joyce. His bass playing became an integral part of the band's sound, particularly on tracks like "Barbarism Begins at Home," "This Charming Man," and "The Headmaster Ritual." Rourke's ability to weave melodic counterpoint beneath Marr's guitar work gave The Smiths a musical sophistication that set them apart from their contemporaries.

Despite his contributions, Rourke's time in the band wasn't without hardship. In 1986, he was temporarily dismissed by Morrissey due to heroin use, only to be reinstated shortly after. He played on all four of the band's studio albums and most of their iconic singles before The Smiths disbanded in 1987.

Legal Battle Over Royalties

In the mid-1990s, Rourke joined fellow bandmate Mike Joyce in a legal battle against Morrissey and Marr over royalty payments. The original arrangement had granted Morrissey and Marr 40% each, with Rourke and Joyce each receiving 10%. Unlike Joyce, Rourke settled out of court for a reported lump sum and 10% of future royalties. Though the settlement left him less financially secure than his bandmates, Rourke maintained a more diplomatic stance and avoided the public acrimony that marked other post-Smiths relationships.

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Post-Smiths Career

Following The Smiths, Rourke worked with a wide range of artists across multiple genres. He played bass for Sinead O'Connor, The Pretenders, and Ian Brown, among others. In the 2000s, he launched a brief project called Freebass with fellow Manchester bassists Peter Hook (New Order) and Mani (The Stone Roses), though the band dissolved before gaining momentum.

Rourke also embraced radio and DJ culture, hosting a show on XFM Manchester and participating in various live events celebrating the legacy of British indie music. In later years, he collaborated with guitarist Kav Sandhu under the name Blitz Vega, releasing new music and performing live until health issues limited his activity.

Death and Legacy

Andy Rourke died in May 2023 at the age of 59 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. News of his death prompted tributes from across the music world, including a heartfelt message from Johnny Marr, who called Rourke "one of the most talented musicians I've ever known."

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