The Smiths fans hail one member as 'underrated genius' behind the band's success
Fans of The Smiths have been vocal in asserting that the band's success wouldn't have been the same without a certain member, and it might not be the one you'd initially suspect. The iconic 1980s group were renowned for their distinctive sound, contemplative and occasionally existential lyrics, and hits like 'How Soon Is Now?' and 'This Charming Man'.
They were fronted by Morrissey with his signature vocals. The lineup was rounded out by Johnny Marr on guitar, Andy Rourke on bass, and Mike Joyce on drums.
Despite Morrissey and Marr being hailed as the songwriting masterminds, fans are adamant that another member was indispensable to the band's heyday. In the comments section of the YouTube video for 'Barbarism Begins at Home (2011 Remaster)', music lovers were effusive about the brilliance of the late Andy Rourke.
Andy's passing at the age of 59 in 2023 was made public by his ex-bandmate Johnny Marr, who penned a heartfelt Instagram tribute to announce the sad news, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Marr's homage read: "Andy and I met as schoolboys in 1975. We were best friends, going everywhere together.
"When we were fifteen, I moved into his house with him and his three brothers, and I soon came to realise that my mate was one of those rare people that absolutely no one doesn't like".
He continued by reflecting on their shared ambition to become "the best musicians" they possibly could.
Marr said: "Throughout our teens, we played in various bands around south Manchester before making our reputations with The Smiths from 1982 to 1987, and it was on those Smiths records that Andy reinvented what it is to be a bass guitar player."
Marr also noted that Andy's baselines were "dazzling".
He concluded his message by saying: "Andy will always be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by everyone who knew him, and as a supremely gifted musician by people who love music. Well done, Andy. We'll miss you, brother".
Fans took to the comments section of the YouTube video to express their admiration for Andy Rourke's contribution to The Smiths.
One fan posted: "RIP Andy Rourke. Often extremely overlooked how vital the rhythm section was for the Smiths".
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"Andy Rourke is a completely underrated bass player," another echoed in tribute.
Someone else suggested greater recognition for the bass player, saying: "When people think of The Smiths, they always concentrate on Moz and Marr, but they should also concentrate on the great rhythm section, especially those Andy Rourke bass lines".
Praising his musical prowess, a YouTube user exclaimed: "Anyone who knows bass playing understands the true genius of the riff is not just coming up with it...but actually playing the damn thing repetitively for nearly 7 minutes without dropping a note.
"Watch them do it live in front of not only a live audience but also millions watching at home LIVE. Andy not only had imagination and obvious skill but b***s the size of Wembley...true talent".
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