Agree on the 1st: underrated for sure. Disagree on the 2nd: it IS my fave Smiths song (in my ipinion the best Smiths song). ;) Agree on the 3rd: fantastic bass line, which is an achievement in itself to shine standing next to those guitars and lyrics/voice.
The thing bout Andy is simply that he knew a lot bout bass scales and stuff and he was incredibly creative! Johnny couldn't have found a better bass player, for sure!
Very saddened to hear that Andy Rourke has left us. He was way too young, 3 years younger than me. Though whilst he was here, he contributed to the world in many ways. Well played Andy.
Well, perhaps you know better. Assuming you are from the UK, based on your "defence" spelling, perhaps you do. At the time, in the U.S., that was clearly what most people thought. And, of course, Johnny Marr described Andy Rourke's extensive drug use in Marr's autobiography, Set the Boy Free. In the book, Marr described Rourke's drug use that migrated from softer drugs to harder drugs. I can also direct you to a documentary and some magazine stories on The Smiths in which Rourke details his multi-decade problem with drugs. I can only go by what I've read and watched. Of course, he was a great bassist and I don't mean to suggest otherwise, but there was a reason he was kicked out of the band at least once and only brought back by Marr because his other choices didn't work out.
Larry Adams It's just that you said 'early years'. Everyone and his grandmother knows Andy Rourke developed a heroin problem late into the band's career (they were only recording for 4 years) and was booted out for a while. Also I don't see how it affected his work with them really, his playing on all their recorded output is fantastic.
@@ivansime9127 yeah that’s correct, I’m reading Johnny’s autobiography now - he stopped hanging out with Andy for a little while because everyone at Andy’s house was getting into heroin and Johnny wasn’t into it. That was when he started the Smiths but couldn’t find anyone else as good as Andy on bass. He made Andy agree to stop doing heroin and he joined the band. He still ended up being addicted to heroin for most of the band’s run, unbeknownst to Morrissey and others, but eventually he got arrested and also had some bad shows because he was too fucked up and that’s when they briefly kicked him out of the band. But again they needed him so he re-joined soon after. Anyway he’s an absolute ace bass player. I’ve seen people try to credit Marr for how good the Smiths basslines are but according to Marr himself, Andy wrote all his bass parts himself. He also credits Andy with really getting Mike Joyce locked in and making the rhythm section super tight. People pay a lot of attention to Morrissey and he’s got his merits but to me the chemistry between Marr on guitar and Rourke on bass is the true magic of the smiths.
I think that the opposite is true. Moz and Marr didn't appreciate all that the rhythm section added to the Smiths sound. They would not have been as great with different musicians on those instruments. But I still love The Smiths, one of the greatest all-time bands. Just my opinion. Peace....
His baas lines were funky , moving, clever, got to be in a legend band, he will always be remembered, especially through his playing on smiths albums, rip andy
So sad to hear of his passing. The Smiths played a huge part in helping me get through life, during some difficult times in the 80's. I have quite an eclectic taste when it comes to music and like to keep up with new bands coming on the scene. But The Smiths have always been one constant, the one band I return to, to relive those memories again. People of course always talk about Morrissey and Marr...but Andy and Mike were the driving heart beat of a lot of the songs. It's like a youthful part of the cliff of my life has just gently slid into the sea. People passing, particularly those that influenced us so much, remind us that time is a precious commodity that gently slips by us, unnoticed most of the time. Safe journey to the other side Andy and thanks for the vibes and the wonderful legacy you've left behind.
Mike joyce was no slouch either, love his drumming style particularly on the smiths last album. He certainly was a very underrated bassist this charming man was his best playing, he tuned his bass up a step as well.
Rourke Marr Joyce and Morrissey were just meant to be. Amazing time superb musicians.All great bands have a brilliant bass section. The Smiths ?... bloody hell as we say in England, they're not bad. Legends all 4 of them and in their own rights,
extremely underrated. as a matter of fact i had to google his name. my favorite song is Rusholme Ruffians. he holds that song together like super glue and it’s so melodic.
I love morrissey, but he continued to act like a little bitch which led to Johnny saying fuck it I'm done. You have to hate in mind Marr contributed more than just riffs, he produced, he spent countless hours in the studio whilst morrissey was at home.
Like all the really nice people I have ever met, very humble (but also extremely talented). Thanks for the bass on my personal final choice of desert island disc - This Charming Man. The bassline (which I would describe as muscularly melodic) is a big reason why this song is just too good.
My partner was a good friend of Andys back in the day. Tells me not only did he get instruments for Christmas but one Christmas he got a boxed magic tricks compendium which he brought into school one day for the schools little talent show they used to host. Andy performed lots of little tricks including the disappearing ball in an egg cup trick. Hes pretty sure he won. Rip Andy.
The Spanish translations is hilarious. The bit when Andy says "we used to be in awe of The Buzzcocks cos they had flight cases etc....." they write "The Buzzcocks threw bottles.....(supposedly beer bottles at the audience"........effen amateurs!!!!.
Seen him in town loads of times, he is a down to earth guy youd never believe he was Bass player in one of the best bands ever!! Dunno if he lives in Manchester anymore? Any budding bass players out there and you've not learnt any Smiths material I suggest you should right NOW!!!! Seriously he is one of the best indie bassists ever none 0f that slap and pop bollocks proper bass playing!! Ill get crucified of you bass purists so fucking what!!!!!
I agree, only the no talent players with no groove, soul, or ability to write a song much less play through one relies on that bullshit slap and pop bass playing. Andy is hands down the best pop/indie bass player ever!
As much as I agree, the only thing that can be deemed uninspired about "slap and pop" bass playing is that people learn a basic 4 note rhythm and apply the same minor pentatonic scales to it.
Um.... Andy uses a bit of popping in his playing from time to time ("What She Said" "The Queen Is Dead"). Anyway, one should not dismiss any style of playing out of hand. I much prefer fingerstyle (don't even like a pick!) but I certainly realize there is something to good slap/pop playing. I can't do it, but when it's done well, it sounds great.
He met Johnny Marr at age 11. That to me explains the "magic" that were The Smiths. I tolerate Morrissey's voice over the music because it fits most of the time, but ideally, I would love to see a reissue of all The Smiths' music as Instrumentals (sorry, not a Morrissey fan).
At least you sound grounded. Thanks for the sense. On another level. J M saw Patti Smith did he not? (I was encouraged to read the biogs), Mind mess, unfortinately. Down memory lane.
The smiths were my all time favourite band, such talented musicians, sorry but maybe Mike Joyce , his drumming was at best average. Obviously most people that enjoyed the smiths were focused on morrissey and Marr , but if you really appreciate music and can realize good musicians Andy Rourke really stood out, an amazing bass player, his bass on The Headmaster Ritual is outstanding, also on songs like This night has opened my eyes, and especially on Miserable Lie . Never received the recognition he deserved.
He actually looks a bit like Neil Young - and has lost a lot of his Manc accent - think he's been in the USA too long... Such great bass parts--how dare Morrisey and Marr only paid him 10% of the profits!
Four main reasons: 1) the record deals were signed ONLY with and to Morrissey and Marr. 2) Andy and Joyce didn't do any of the "grinding" for the band 3) They were not tue music publishers/authors and 4) Andy and Joyce were both undecided on staying with the Smiths at the very beginning when the 1st record deal was signed (which like Andy said was for 5 records). But also... it wasn't just Morrissey who didn't "pay them". It was both Morrissey AND Marr. For some reason Marr gets a freebie on this one which is not fair. Morrissey even had to do an extra album (Viva Hate) to honor the Marr/Morrissey contract. Then in the end, Andy settled the lawsuit case, but Joyce kept on it and took mostly Morrissey to the cleaners.
And Barbarism begins at home was easy? You learned to play on a fretless bass, according to J M. Incredible. This is no disrespect, as good as Duran Duran and musicians working for Trevor Horn X
as much as i like morrissey i like andy rourke and its a shame they parted under the circumstances and moz has decided to be an arse and doesnt have anything to do with the others
RIP Andy, your bass lines will live on forever for others to enjoy. Such a huge loss.
R.I.P Andy Rourke Your bass talents were and still are criminally overlooked
R.I.P. Andy Rourke 🙏, one of the greats
"Barbarism Begins at Home"... Not my favorite Smiths song by any stretch, BUT Andy's bass on that track is amazing.
Agreed, the bass is AMAZING. "This Night Has Opened My Eyes" has great bass too. Andy is why I've been playing a lot more bass now
Barbarism Begins at Home is probably my favourite Smiths song
@@aydenjenkins8760 Mine too
Could listen to Andy's bass all day long on barbarism. So cool
Barbarism Begins at Home has the best bass line. I can't be tired listening to the last part over and over again.
RIP Andy, forever in our hearts.💔
The smiths are part of the backdrop of my life, and Andy Rourke played his part. RIP Andy 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Ironic that he promoted 'Manchester against cancer'. I hope there will be a recognition for him.Would be richly deserved.
One of my all-time favorites on bass.
Easily one of the greatest bass players ever. His melodic playing was second to none.
Isn't Andy Rourke one of the most underrated bassists ever? "This Charming Man" isn't my favorite Smiths song, but the bass is second to none.
Agree on the 1st: underrated for sure. Disagree on the 2nd: it IS my fave Smiths song (in my ipinion the best Smiths song). ;) Agree on the 3rd: fantastic bass line, which is an achievement in itself to shine standing next to those guitars and lyrics/voice.
Without a doubt, he is one of the most underrated bass players I've ever heard.
Yes , absolutely correct, he’s an incredible bass player
Who is underrating Mr. Rourke? Not anyone who has heard him play, that's for sure.
only because Marr and Moz were so good as well; Andy didn't surround himself with uglier girls.
An incredible musician, the most underrated bassist
Andy is probably the most underrated bassist ever
@theblackpainterdecorator5718 ppl often don’t talk about him when talking about great bass players. I do believe they are using underrated correct
You will always live on in my house when I blast the Smiths out loud and force my kids to go along
The thing bout Andy is simply that he knew a lot bout bass scales and stuff and he was incredibly creative! Johnny couldn't have found a better bass player, for sure!
Gracias rouke. En paz descanses. Escucharé. Siempre a los Smiths. Son parte de mi vida.gracias
RIP Andy, you will be missed....
I loved Andy's bass lines in the Smith's songs. Always adding melody and texture.
Very saddened to hear that Andy Rourke has left us.
He was way too young, 3 years younger than me.
Though whilst he was here, he contributed to the world in many ways.
Well played Andy.
most underrated bass player
the true genius of the Smiths.... I can say that without him on the Bass, the Smiths sound would not have been the same
A great bass player...."the true genius of the Smiths" is a bit of a stretch though
a bit of a stretch. yikes. perhaps if he wasn't strung out on heroin for most of the early years.
Larry Adams In his defence 'he wasn't 'strung out on heroin for most of the early years'. That's just nonsense.
Well, perhaps you know better. Assuming you are from the UK, based on your "defence" spelling, perhaps you do. At the time, in the U.S., that was clearly what most people thought. And, of course, Johnny Marr described Andy Rourke's extensive drug use in Marr's autobiography, Set the Boy Free. In the book, Marr described Rourke's drug use that migrated from softer drugs to harder drugs. I can also direct you to a documentary and some magazine stories on The Smiths in which Rourke details his multi-decade problem with drugs. I can only go by what I've read and watched. Of course, he was a great bassist and I don't mean to suggest otherwise, but there was a reason he was kicked out of the band at least once and only brought back by Marr because his other choices didn't work out.
Larry Adams It's just that you said 'early years'. Everyone and his grandmother knows Andy Rourke developed a heroin problem late into the band's career (they were only recording for 4 years) and was booted out for a while. Also I don't see how it affected his work with them really, his playing on all their recorded output is fantastic.
There is a Light that never goes out
Lovely guy. Makes me a bit sad that johnny tried someone else as a bass player before going to him, they'd been mates for years.
daniel mcdermott he was a heroine addict at the time I think that’s why
@@ivansime9127 yeah that’s correct, I’m reading Johnny’s autobiography now - he stopped hanging out with Andy for a little while because everyone at Andy’s house was getting into heroin and Johnny wasn’t into it. That was when he started the Smiths but couldn’t find anyone else as good as Andy on bass. He made Andy agree to stop doing heroin and he joined the band.
He still ended up being addicted to heroin for most of the band’s run, unbeknownst to Morrissey and others, but eventually he got arrested and also had some bad shows because he was too fucked up and that’s when they briefly kicked him out of the band. But again they needed him so he re-joined soon after.
Anyway he’s an absolute ace bass player. I’ve seen people try to credit Marr for how good the Smiths basslines are but according to Marr himself, Andy wrote all his bass parts himself. He also credits Andy with really getting Mike Joyce locked in and making the rhythm section super tight. People pay a lot of attention to Morrissey and he’s got his merits but to me the chemistry between Marr on guitar and Rourke on bass is the true magic of the smiths.
Does that REALLY matter?
What an absolute diamond. My favourite bass player, because he inspired me to start playing. Now also my son.
My favorite bass player. The man is freaking talented cool af. 🖤👏👌
The Headmaster Ritual. remastered. that bass is sublime.
RIP Andy.
I think that the opposite is true. Moz and Marr didn't appreciate all that the rhythm section added to the Smiths sound. They would not have been as great with different musicians on those instruments. But I still love The Smiths, one of the greatest all-time bands. Just my opinion. Peace....
They were even worse to the rhythm guitarist, but yeah, totally agree
Thank you so much for this gem!🫶
Sad to hear the news, rest in peace, Andy
His baas lines were funky , moving, clever, got to be in a legend band, he will always be remembered, especially through his playing on smiths albums, rip andy
So sad to hear of his passing. The Smiths played a huge part in helping me get through life, during some difficult times in the 80's. I have quite an eclectic taste when it comes to music and like to keep up with new bands coming on the scene. But The Smiths have always been one constant, the one band I return to, to relive those memories again.
People of course always talk about Morrissey and Marr...but Andy and Mike were the driving heart beat of a lot of the songs.
It's like a youthful part of the cliff of my life has just gently slid into the sea. People passing, particularly those that influenced us so much, remind us that time is a precious commodity that gently slips by us, unnoticed most of the time.
Safe journey to the other side Andy and thanks for the vibes and the wonderful legacy you've left behind.
Mike joyce was no slouch either, love his drumming style particularly on the smiths last album. He certainly was a very underrated bassist this charming man was his best playing, he tuned his bass up a step as well.
Miss you already Andy ❤
Super underrated bass player that deserves a place amongst the greats. Criminally overlooked, a shame.
Who underrates him? Overlooked, yes, but underrated?
I learned to play bass guitar because Andy Rourke. Cheers Andy!
The best rock bassist in my opinion.
Andy Rourke - LEGEND!
happy birthday Andy, what you’ve given music is so brilliant, hope you’re well x
RIP Andy Rourke
Andy Fu..king Rourke !! Thank you so much for all you left us !!
So nice to see interviews with Andy and hear from him,as if he mattered,which he totally does!
CRIMINALLY UNDERRATED. Rest in Peace.
A most accomplished bass player. His riffs were hard to learn. Real craftsman. As were all the Smiths.
RIP Andy
Rourke Marr Joyce and Morrissey were just meant to be. Amazing time superb musicians.All great bands have a brilliant bass section. The Smiths ?... bloody hell as we say in England, they're not bad. Legends all 4 of them and in their own rights,
R.I.P Andy
extremely underrated. as a matter of fact i had to google his name. my favorite song is Rusholme Ruffians. he holds that song together like super glue and it’s so melodic.
legend!
for me The line of bass Rourke are perfect
Thanks for uploading this!
Excellent bass player..
This blokes a very nderated bass player. Johnny Marr is truly ace but without Rourke's basslines the songs wouldn't be half as good.
Happy-go-lucky..
Merry Xmas.
Andy .
All the best .
Kind regards
Anthony 🏴
Too bad Johnny, Mike, and Andy didn't create a new band together after Morrissey left.
Johnny is the one who left.
I love morrissey, but he continued to act like a little bitch which led to Johnny saying fuck it I'm done.
You have to hate in mind Marr contributed more than just riffs, he produced, he spent countless hours in the studio whilst morrissey was at home.
it was Johnny who left. Mike & Andy contributed bass and drums on Morrissey's early solo albums
They also played together as Sinead O'Connor's rhythm section soon after Smiths broke up
That's because Johnny left, not Morrissey. Mike and Andy performed with Morrissey after the Smiths dissolved.
Danzig made me pick up a guitar 4 years ago. The Smiths quickly showed me what I should be learning lol
Great to hear from him.
RIP Andy Rourke 😢
Like all the really nice people I have ever met, very humble (but also extremely talented). Thanks for the bass on my personal final choice of desert island disc - This Charming Man. The bassline (which I would describe as muscularly melodic) is a big reason why this song is just too good.
Andy Rourke RIP
Andy, Peter Hook, Mani, Steve Garvey, Jez Kerr. Manchester bassists are the best.
My partner was a good friend of Andys back in the day. Tells me not only did he get instruments for Christmas but one Christmas he got a boxed magic tricks compendium which he brought into school one day for the schools little talent show they used to host. Andy performed lots of little tricks including the disappearing ball in an egg cup trick. Hes pretty sure he won. Rip Andy.
Good interview. Because the vid ends with a freeze frame, you might as well scroll the credits above it.
rip music genius
The Spanish translations is hilarious. The bit when Andy says "we used to be in awe of The Buzzcocks cos they had flight cases etc....." they write "The Buzzcocks threw bottles.....(supposedly beer bottles at the audience"........effen amateurs!!!!.
good thing they had indie labels back then
Have a listen to the fucking Headmaster Ritual if you want one of the best bass lines ever to grace a song! : )
Great bass player..very underrated
One of Andy's best basslines was on the hand that rocks the cradle I'm my opinion.
My fav is heavens know im miserable now, easy lines but so melodic!!
Seen him in town loads of times, he is a down to earth guy youd never believe he was Bass player in one of the best bands ever!! Dunno if he lives in Manchester anymore? Any budding bass players out there and you've not learnt any Smiths material I suggest you should right NOW!!!! Seriously he is one of the best indie bassists ever none 0f that slap and pop bollocks proper bass playing!! Ill get crucified of you bass purists so fucking what!!!!!
I agree, only the no talent players with no groove, soul, or ability to write a song much less play through one relies on that bullshit slap and pop bass playing. Andy is hands down the best pop/indie bass player ever!
As much as I agree, the only thing that can be deemed uninspired about "slap and pop" bass playing is that people learn a basic 4 note rhythm and apply the same minor pentatonic scales to it.
Um.... Andy uses a bit of popping in his playing from time to time ("What She Said" "The Queen Is Dead"). Anyway, one should not dismiss any style of playing out of hand. I much prefer fingerstyle (don't even like a pick!) but I certainly realize there is something to good slap/pop playing. I can't do it, but when it's done well, it sounds great.
RIP Andy 😢😢😢
RIP ❤
Legend.
Love his bass.
✝RIP✝
“He was a disaster” I wonder if Dale Hibbert loves to hear that :-)
He hasn’t had it easy in the books. From the Decibel demos his bass doesn’t sound off at all. Adequate enough.
He met Johnny Marr at age 11. That to me explains the "magic" that were The Smiths. I tolerate Morrissey's voice over the music because it fits most of the time, but ideally, I would love to see a reissue of all The Smiths' music as Instrumentals (sorry, not a Morrissey fan).
legend
Bring back your rocking buzz cut hair! You are THE best bass guitarist.
Bass virtuoso period!!!!!
R.i.p Legend
When Morrissey fell off the stage one time, he got up with his nhs specs all askew and either Rourke and Joyce were dying to laugh, as one would!!!!!
DEP 🙏🙏
Rip
Completely shafted by the smiths.
RIP
What a nice bloke.
Muy bueno!
At least you sound grounded. Thanks for the sense. On another level. J M saw Patti Smith did he not? (I was encouraged to read the biogs), Mind mess, unfortinately. Down memory lane.
Super bass.
The bass in Shakespeare sister... Men, the best one by far
Damn , he raised money to fight cancer, then died of it :(
Please educate positively if wrong
Great base player
very technically proficient bass player
The smiths were my all time favourite band, such talented musicians, sorry but maybe Mike Joyce , his drumming was at best average. Obviously most people that enjoyed the smiths were focused on morrissey and Marr , but if you really appreciate music and can realize good musicians Andy Rourke really stood out, an amazing bass player, his bass on The Headmaster Ritual is outstanding, also on songs like This night has opened my eyes, and especially on Miserable Lie . Never received the recognition he deserved.
He looks mostly the same as he did 20 years ago.
Right his face just looks slightly older and his hair is different lol
Bass guitar*
He actually looks a bit like Neil Young - and has lost a lot of his Manc accent - think he's been in the USA too long...
Such great bass parts--how dare Morrisey and Marr only paid him 10% of the profits!
Four main reasons: 1) the record deals were signed ONLY with and to Morrissey and Marr. 2) Andy and Joyce didn't do any of the "grinding" for the band 3) They were not tue music publishers/authors and 4) Andy and Joyce were both undecided on staying with the Smiths at the very beginning when the 1st record deal was signed (which like Andy said was for 5 records).
But also... it wasn't just Morrissey who didn't "pay them". It was both Morrissey AND Marr. For some reason Marr gets a freebie on this one which is not fair. Morrissey even had to do an extra album (Viva Hate) to honor the Marr/Morrissey contract. Then in the end, Andy settled the lawsuit case, but Joyce kept on it and took mostly Morrissey to the cleaners.
And Barbarism begins at home was easy? You learned to play on a fretless bass, according to J M. Incredible. This is no disrespect, as good as Duran Duran and musicians working for Trevor Horn X
as much as i like morrissey i like andy rourke and its a shame they parted under the circumstances and moz has decided to be an arse and doesnt have anything to do with the others
I love morrissey for basically being The Godfather for Indie rock but as a person, he’s absolutely deplorable.
Gone by the PFIZER effect.