Andy Rourke
Encyclopedia
Andy Rourke is a bass guitarist best known for being a former member of The Smiths
.
from his parents when he was 7 years old. At age 11 he befriended a young John Maher (the future Johnny Marr
) with whom he shared a mutual interest in music. The pair spent lunch breaks in school jamming
and playing on their guitars. When Marr and Rourke formed a band, he invited Rourke (still then a guitarist) to try on bass,which he fell in love with and he stuck with ever since.
At age 15 Rourke abandoned school. He passed through a series of menial jobs and played guitar and bass in various rock bands
, as well as in the short lived funk
band Freak Party
, with his school friend Johnny Marr.
When Marr and Morrissey
formed the Smiths, Rourke joined the band after their first gig
, and remained with the band almost throughout its existence. Marr claims that Rourke's contribution to The Queen Is Dead
LP
was "something no other bass player could match". Rourke was briefly sacked from the Smiths. The brief dismissal of Rourke came in the form of a note left by Morrissey under the windscreen wiper
of his car; "Andy, you have left The Smiths. Good luck and goodbye, Morrissey". Morrissey himself, however, denied this.
However, in May 1986, Rourke rejoined the Smiths, just before the recording and release of The Queen Is Dead album. The Smiths recorded and released the Album "Stangeways Here we Come" in 1987 to critical acclaim,but split soon after. Immediately after the break-up of the band, Rourke and Smiths drummer Mike Joyce played with Sinéad O'Connor
– Rourke (but not Joyce) appears on the album I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got
. They also, along with Craig Gannon
, provided the rhythm section for two singles
by former Smiths singer Morrissey – "Interesting Drug
" and "The Last of the Famous International Playboys
" – and Rourke composed the music for Morrissey's songs "Yes, I Am Blind," "Girl Least Likely To," and "Get Off the Stage." Rourke also played bass on "November Spawned a Monster
" and "Piccadilly Palare".
Rourke has also played and recorded
with The Pretenders
(appearing on some of the tracks on 1994's Last of the Independents
); Killing Joke
, Badly Drawn Boy
, Aziz Ibrahim
(formerly of The Stone Roses
), and ex-Oasis
guitarist Bonehead
as Moondog One
, which also includes Mike Joyce and Craig Gannon.
Rourke was originally involved, with Mike Joyce, in legal action against Morrissey and Marr in a dispute over royalties (see The Smiths
for details). However, while Joyce continued with the action, Rourke opted to settle out of court for £80,000 and was subsequently declared bankrupt.
Rourke and his Production Company with long time Manager, now ex manager, Nova Rehman, Great Northern Productions, organised Manchester Vs. Cancer Versus Cancer
, an anti-cancer concert in Manchester in January 2006. The concert was a response to learning that Nova's father Sheik Abdur, and sister Nina had been diagnosed with cancer. He unveiled Johnny Marr (his old bandmate in The Smiths) as one of the performers taking part, the first time they had appeared onstage together in 20 years.Their concert filled one of the biggest arenas in europe (The M.E.N Arena)
He was a member of Freebass
with bass players Mani
(ex-The Stone Roses
) and Peter Hook
(ex-New Order
) until August 2010 when it was confirmed via their website that he had left the group.
Manchester Versus Cancer also took place on 31 March 2007, featuring Noel Gallagher
and Gem Archer
of Oasis
, Paul Weller
, Ian Brown
, The Charlatans, Echo & the Bunnymen
, McAlmont and Butler
(Rourke performed with them and also the finale) it als featured former Oasis guitarist Bonehead
's new band 'Elektrik Milk'. He(Rourke) was less involved in the organisation of the 2008 gig as he had by then relocated to the USA, featuring The Fratellis
, The Enemy
, Badly Drawn Boy
(who Rourke toured with for 2 years), Inspiral Carpets
, Happy Mondays
, The View
, Athlete
and The Farm
. A Scottish Vs Cancer event was also held in 2008, featuring The Fratellis
, The Proclaimers
and more.
Soon after, he was playing bass for Ian Brown
on his recent tour and played the bass on a few tracks for his L.P "The World Is Yours"
Rourke continues to play the bass, he has a new band called "JetLag" with Ole Koretsky.
They are currently working in the studio to finish their first album and rehearsing with their new guitarist and drummer in their rehearsal space in Brooklyn.
Rourke is also a DJ on New York based eastvillageradio.com , every Monday 2 pm/4pm, his show is called JetLag.
In addition to recording their own tracks, JetLag(Rourke/Koretsky) recently remixed the Tokyo Police Club
song "Breakneck Speed".
DJ Wool- The Dark Snuggler remix
The Riff Raff- Changes Everything
The Bowery Riots- Closer
Albums
Singles
Albums
The Smiths
The Smiths were an English alternative rock band, formed in Manchester in 1982. Based on the song writing partnership of Morrissey and Johnny Marr , the band also included Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce...
.
Career
Andy Rourke received an acoustic guitarAcoustic guitar
An acoustic guitar is a guitar that uses only an acoustic sound board. The air in this cavity resonates with the vibrational modes of the string and at low frequencies, which depend on the size of the box, the chamber acts like a Helmholtz resonator, increasing or decreasing the volume of the sound...
from his parents when he was 7 years old. At age 11 he befriended a young John Maher (the future Johnny Marr
Johnny Marr
Johnny Marr is an English musician and songwriter. Marr rose to fame in the 1980s as the guitarist in The Smiths, with whom he formed a prolific songwriting partnership with Morrissey. Marr has been a member of Electronic, The The, and Modest Mouse...
) with whom he shared a mutual interest in music. The pair spent lunch breaks in school jamming
Jamming
Jamming may mean:* Interfering with communications or surveillance:** Radio jamming** Radar jamming and deception** Mobile phone jammer** E-mail jamming* Jamming , cheered show-offs during social dancing...
and playing on their guitars. When Marr and Rourke formed a band, he invited Rourke (still then a guitarist) to try on bass,which he fell in love with and he stuck with ever since.
At age 15 Rourke abandoned school. He passed through a series of menial jobs and played guitar and bass in various rock bands
Band (music)
In music, a musical ensemble or band is a group of musicians that works together to perform music. The following articles concern types of musical bands:* All-female band* Big band* Boy band* Christian band* Church band* Concert band* Cover band...
, as well as in the short lived funk
Funk
Funk is a music genre that originated in the mid-late 1960s when African American musicians blended soul music, jazz and R&B into a rhythmic, danceable new form of music. Funk de-emphasizes melody and harmony and brings a strong rhythmic groove of electric bass and drums to the foreground...
band Freak Party
Freak Party
Freak Party was the short-lived Manchester funk band that consisted of future members of The Smiths. Its members were schoolmates, Johnny Maher on guitar, Andy Rourke on bass, and Simon Wolstencroft, later of The Fall , on drums. The band broke-up because they could not find a decent singer...
, with his school friend Johnny Marr.
When Marr and Morrissey
Morrissey
Steven Patrick Morrissey , known as Morrissey, is an English singer and lyricist. He rose to prominence in the 1980s as the lyricist and vocalist of the alternative rock band The Smiths. The band was highly successful in the United Kingdom but broke up in 1987, and Morrissey began a solo career,...
formed the Smiths, Rourke joined the band after their first gig
Concert
A concert is a live performance before an audience. The performance may be by a single musician, sometimes then called a recital, or by a musical ensemble, such as an orchestra, a choir, or a musical band...
, and remained with the band almost throughout its existence. Marr claims that Rourke's contribution to The Queen Is Dead
The Queen Is Dead
The Queen Is Dead is the third studio album by the English alternative rock band The Smiths. It was released on 16 June 1986 in the United Kingdom by Rough Trade Records and released in the United States on 23 June 1986 through Sire Records. The album reached #2 on the UK Albums Chart, maintaining...
LP
Gramophone record
A gramophone record, commonly known as a phonograph record , vinyl record , or colloquially, a record, is an analog sound storage medium consisting of a flat disc with an inscribed, modulated spiral groove...
was "something no other bass player could match". Rourke was briefly sacked from the Smiths. The brief dismissal of Rourke came in the form of a note left by Morrissey under the windscreen wiper
Windscreen wiper
A windscreen wiper or windshield wiper is a device used to remove rain and debris from a windscreen or windshield. Almost all motor vehicles, including trains, aircraft and watercraft, are equipped with such wipers, which are usually a legal requirement.A wiper generally consists of an arm,...
of his car; "Andy, you have left The Smiths. Good luck and goodbye, Morrissey". Morrissey himself, however, denied this.
However, in May 1986, Rourke rejoined the Smiths, just before the recording and release of The Queen Is Dead album. The Smiths recorded and released the Album "Stangeways Here we Come" in 1987 to critical acclaim,but split soon after. Immediately after the break-up of the band, Rourke and Smiths drummer Mike Joyce played with Sinéad O'Connor
Sinéad O'Connor
Sinéad Marie Bernadette O'Connor is an Irish singer-songwriter. She rose to fame in the late 1980s with her debut album The Lion and the Cobra and achieved worldwide success in 1990 with a cover of the song "Nothing Compares 2 U"....
– Rourke (but not Joyce) appears on the album I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got
I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got
I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got is the second album by Sinéad O'Connor. It was released in 1990 on Chrysalis Records.-Description:The critically acclaimed album contains her most famous single, "Nothing Compares 2 U", and was one of the best selling records in the world in 1990, topping the charts...
. They also, along with Craig Gannon
Craig Gannon
Craig Gannon , is an English guitar player. Previously best known for being the second guitarist in The Smiths, he is now a composer for film and television.-Career:...
, provided the rhythm section for two singles
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
by former Smiths singer Morrissey – "Interesting Drug
Interesting Drug
"Interesting Drug" was the fourth solo single released by Morrissey. The song was not featured on one of Morrissey's main studio albums, but can be found on the compilation album Bona Drag along with the B-side "Such a Little Thing Makes Such a Big Difference"...
" and "The Last of the Famous International Playboys
The Last of the Famous International Playboys
"The Last of the Famous International Playboys" was the third single released by Morrissey. It reached number 6 in the UK Singles Chart. The song was not featured on one of Morrissey's main studio albums, but can be found on the compilation album Bona Drag along with the B-side "Lucky Lisp"...
" – and Rourke composed the music for Morrissey's songs "Yes, I Am Blind," "Girl Least Likely To," and "Get Off the Stage." Rourke also played bass on "November Spawned a Monster
November Spawned a Monster
"November Spawned a Monster" is a song by Morrissey. It was released as a single in 1990. It was written by Morrissey and Clive Langer. It also features one of Morrissey's former colleagues from The Smiths, Andy Rourke...
" and "Piccadilly Palare".
Rourke has also played and recorded
Sound recording and reproduction
Sound recording and reproduction is an electrical or mechanical inscription and re-creation of sound waves, such as spoken voice, singing, instrumental music, or sound effects. The two main classes of sound recording technology are analog recording and digital recording...
with The Pretenders
The Pretenders
The Pretenders are an English rock band formed in Hereford, England in March 1978. The original band consisted of initiator and main songwriter Chrissie Hynde , James Honeyman-Scott , Pete Farndon , and Martin Chambers...
(appearing on some of the tracks on 1994's Last of the Independents
Last of the Independents
Last of the Independents is the sixth album by rock group The Pretenders, released in 1994. For this album, the band is officially credited as being Chrissie Hynde , Adam Seymour , Andy Hobson and Martin Chambers...
); Killing Joke
Killing Joke
Killing Joke are an English post-punk band formed in October 1978 in Notting Hill, London, England; other sources report the band formed in early 1979.Related news articles: Founding members Jaz Coleman and Geordie Walker have been the only constant members.A key influence on industrial rock,...
, Badly Drawn Boy
Badly Drawn Boy
Damon Gough is an English alternative music singer/songwriter. He was born on 2 October 1969, in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. He grew up in the Breightmet area of Bolton, Lancashire, England....
, Aziz Ibrahim
Aziz Ibrahim
Aziz Ibrahim is a British musician. He was born in Longsight, Manchester to Pakistani parents. He is best known for his work as guitarist with Simply Red, The Stone Roses and their former vocalist Ian Brown in whose support band he regularly performs – both in the studio and live...
(formerly of The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses are an English alternative rock band formed in Manchester in 1983. They were one of the pioneering groups of the Madchester movement that was active during the late 1980s and early 1990s...
), and ex-Oasis
Oasis (band)
Oasis were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. Originally known as The Rain, the group was formed by Liam Gallagher , Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs , Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan and Tony McCarroll , who were soon joined by Liam's older brother Noel Gallagher...
guitarist Bonehead
Paul Arthurs
Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs is an English musician and one of the founding members of the English rock band Oasis, best known as their rhythm guitar player from 1991-1999.-Early life:...
as Moondog One
Moondog One
Moondog One was a Manchester based rock band. Members included former Oasis rhythm guitarist Paul Arthurs, Johnny Evans of Buffalo 66 as well as Mike Joyce and Andy Rourke of The Smiths....
, which also includes Mike Joyce and Craig Gannon.
Rourke was originally involved, with Mike Joyce, in legal action against Morrissey and Marr in a dispute over royalties (see The Smiths
The Smiths
The Smiths were an English alternative rock band, formed in Manchester in 1982. Based on the song writing partnership of Morrissey and Johnny Marr , the band also included Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce...
for details). However, while Joyce continued with the action, Rourke opted to settle out of court for £80,000 and was subsequently declared bankrupt.
Rourke and his Production Company with long time Manager, now ex manager, Nova Rehman, Great Northern Productions, organised Manchester Vs. Cancer Versus Cancer
Versus Cancer
Versus Cancer is an annual concert, reportedly now the largest annual charity concert in the United Kingdom. It raises money predominantly for Cancer Hospital Christie Hospital in Manchester to assist research for effective alternative treatments but acts more as a blanket charity aiming to help...
, an anti-cancer concert in Manchester in January 2006. The concert was a response to learning that Nova's father Sheik Abdur, and sister Nina had been diagnosed with cancer. He unveiled Johnny Marr (his old bandmate in The Smiths) as one of the performers taking part, the first time they had appeared onstage together in 20 years.Their concert filled one of the biggest arenas in europe (The M.E.N Arena)
He was a member of Freebass
Freebass
Freebass were an English band consisting of, originally, three bassists Andy Rourke , Peter Hook and Gary "Mani" Mounfield and singer Gary Briggs...
with bass players Mani
Gary Mounfield
Gary Manny "Mani" Mounfield , is an English rock bassist of The Stone Roses and Primal Scream. He has a distinctive playing style that combines a fast moving rock style with a dance rhythm or dub groove...
(ex-The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses are an English alternative rock band formed in Manchester in 1983. They were one of the pioneering groups of the Madchester movement that was active during the late 1980s and early 1990s...
) and Peter Hook
Peter Hook
Peter Hook is an English bass player, musician and author.He was a co-founder of the post-punk band Joy Division along with Bernard Sumner in the mid-1970s. Following the death of lead singer Ian Curtis, the band reformed as New Order, and Hook played bass with them throughout their career until...
(ex-New Order
New Order
New Order are an English rock band formed in 1980 by Bernard Sumner , Peter Hook and Stephen Morris...
) until August 2010 when it was confirmed via their website that he had left the group.
Manchester Versus Cancer also took place on 31 March 2007, featuring Noel Gallagher
Noel Gallagher
Noel Thomas David Gallagher is an English musician and singer-songwriter, formerly the lead guitarist, backing vocalist and principal songwriter of the English rock band Oasis. He is currently fronting his solo project, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.Raised in Burnage, Manchester with his...
and Gem Archer
Gem Archer
Colin Murray "Gem" Archer is a member of the English rock band Beady Eye. He is, however, best known for his work with Heavy Stereo and Oasis. He joined Oasis as rhythm guitarist in November 1999, and handled lead guitarist for acoustics as well. He also contributed towards the writing of some of...
of Oasis
Oasis (band)
Oasis were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. Originally known as The Rain, the group was formed by Liam Gallagher , Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs , Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan and Tony McCarroll , who were soon joined by Liam's older brother Noel Gallagher...
, Paul Weller
Paul Weller
Paul Weller is an English singer-songwriter. Starting with the band The Jam , Weller then went on to branch out musically to a more soulful style with The Style Council...
, Ian Brown
Ian Brown
Ian George Brown is an English musician, best known as the lead singer of the alternative rock band The Stone Roses, which broke up in 1996 but are confirmed to reunite in 2012. Since the break-up of the Stone Roses he has pursued a solo career...
, The Charlatans, Echo & the Bunnymen
Echo & the Bunnymen
Echo & the Bunnymen are an English post-punk band, formed in Liverpool in 1978. The original line-up consisted of vocalist Ian McCulloch, guitarist Will Sergeant and bass player Les Pattinson, supplemented by a drum machine. By 1980, Pete de Freitas had joined as the band's drummer, and their debut...
, McAlmont and Butler
McAlmont and Butler
McAlmont and Butler are an English rock/soul music duo, comprising singer David McAlmont and guitarist Bernard Butler.- History :The duo formed in 1994. Both Butler and McAlmont had already experienced success in the music industry. Butler was the guitarist in the indie band Suede, until his...
(Rourke performed with them and also the finale) it als featured former Oasis guitarist Bonehead
Bonehead
Bonehead can refer to:* an idiot* Bonehead, a derogatory term in the skinhead and punk subcultures, referring to white power skinheads.* Bonehead, a derogatory term in the United Kingdom, used by traditional skinheads to describe punk rock-influenced skinheads* Bonehead, a derogatory term in South...
's new band 'Elektrik Milk'. He(Rourke) was less involved in the organisation of the 2008 gig as he had by then relocated to the USA, featuring The Fratellis
The Fratellis
The Fratellis were an indie rock band from Glasgow, Scotland. The band consisted of lead vocalist and guitarist Jon Fratelli , bass guitarist Barry Fratelli , and drummer and backing vocalist Mince Fratelli .The band released 2 albums during their career, Costello Music in 2006 and Here We Stand in...
, The Enemy
The Enemy (UK band)
The Enemy are an English rock band formed in Coventry in 2006, signed to Warner Music Group . In June 2007, The Enemy played twice at Glastonbury Festival, first in the 'Guardian Lounge' on Saturday and then the much larger 'Other Stage' on Sunday. They also headlined on the Saturday night of T in...
, Badly Drawn Boy
Badly Drawn Boy
Damon Gough is an English alternative music singer/songwriter. He was born on 2 October 1969, in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. He grew up in the Breightmet area of Bolton, Lancashire, England....
(who Rourke toured with for 2 years), Inspiral Carpets
Inspiral Carpets
Inspiral Carpets are an alternative rock band from Oldham in Greater Manchester, England formed by Graham Lambert and Stephen Holt in 1983. The band is named after a clothing shop on their Oldham estate...
, Happy Mondays
Happy Mondays
Happy Mondays are an English alternative rock band from Salford, Greater Manchester. Formed in 1980, the band's original line-up was Shaun Ryder on lead vocals, his brother Paul Ryder on bass, lead guitarist Mark Day, keyboardist Paul Davis, and drummer Gary Whelan...
, The View
The View (band)
The View are a Scottish indie rock band. They incorporate various styles such as punk, pop, alternative rock, pop punk, powerpop, folk, and acoustic in their music....
, Athlete
Athlete (band)
Athlete are a British rock band formed in Deptford, London, comprising Joel Pott , Carey Willetts , Stephen Roberts and Tim Wanstall...
and The Farm
The Farm (band)
The Farm were a British band from Liverpool, popular through the early 1990s. Their album Spartacus reached the top position on the UK Albums Chart when it was released in March, 1991.-History:They formed in early 1983....
. A Scottish Vs Cancer event was also held in 2008, featuring The Fratellis
The Fratellis
The Fratellis were an indie rock band from Glasgow, Scotland. The band consisted of lead vocalist and guitarist Jon Fratelli , bass guitarist Barry Fratelli , and drummer and backing vocalist Mince Fratelli .The band released 2 albums during their career, Costello Music in 2006 and Here We Stand in...
, The Proclaimers
The Proclaimers
The Proclaimers are a Scottish band composed of identical twin brothers, Charlie and Craig Reid . They are probably best known for the songs "Letter from America", "I'm On My Way" and "I'm Gonna Be ". The band tours extensively throughout Europe and other continents...
and more.
Soon after, he was playing bass for Ian Brown
Ian Brown
Ian George Brown is an English musician, best known as the lead singer of the alternative rock band The Stone Roses, which broke up in 1996 but are confirmed to reunite in 2012. Since the break-up of the Stone Roses he has pursued a solo career...
on his recent tour and played the bass on a few tracks for his L.P "The World Is Yours"
Rourke continues to play the bass, he has a new band called "JetLag" with Ole Koretsky.
They are currently working in the studio to finish their first album and rehearsing with their new guitarist and drummer in their rehearsal space in Brooklyn.
Rourke is also a DJ on New York based eastvillageradio.com , every Monday 2 pm/4pm, his show is called JetLag.
In addition to recording their own tracks, JetLag(Rourke/Koretsky) recently remixed the Tokyo Police Club
Tokyo Police Club
Tokyo Police Club is an indie rock band from Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. It consists of vocalist and bassist David Monks , keyboardist Graham Wright, guitarist Josh Hook , and drummer Greg Alsop ....
song "Breakneck Speed".
DJ Wool- The Dark Snuggler remix
The Riff Raff- Changes Everything
The Bowery Riots- Closer
Morrissey
Singles- "Piccadilly Palare"
- "Interesting DrugInteresting Drug"Interesting Drug" was the fourth solo single released by Morrissey. The song was not featured on one of Morrissey's main studio albums, but can be found on the compilation album Bona Drag along with the B-side "Such a Little Thing Makes Such a Big Difference"...
" - "November Spawned a MonsterNovember Spawned a Monster"November Spawned a Monster" is a song by Morrissey. It was released as a single in 1990. It was written by Morrissey and Clive Langer. It also features one of Morrissey's former colleagues from The Smiths, Andy Rourke...
" - "The Last of the Famous International PlayboysThe Last of the Famous International Playboys"The Last of the Famous International Playboys" was the third single released by Morrissey. It reached number 6 in the UK Singles Chart. The song was not featured on one of Morrissey's main studio albums, but can be found on the compilation album Bona Drag along with the B-side "Lucky Lisp"...
"
Albums
- Bona DragBona Drag- 2010 re-release :The 2010 re-release features the following additional tracks:* "Happy Lovers at Last United" * "Lifeguard on Duty"...
(1990)
FreeBass
EP's- Two Worlds Collide(EP)2010 - 24 Hour Service Station
- You Don't Know This About Me - The Artur Baker Remixes(2010)- 24 Hour Service Station
- Fritz von Runte vs Freebass Redesign (digital EP) 2010 - 24 Hour Service Station
- Two Worlds Collide - The Instrumental Mixes (digital EP) 2010 - 24 Hour Service Station
Singles
- "Live Tomorrow You Go Down" (digital single) 2010 - 24 Hour Service Station
Albums
- It's A Beautiful Life(LP) 2010 - 24 Hour Service Station / Essential (Europe, Australia & SE Asia)
External links
- http://www.vulgarpicture.com
- http://www.versuscancer.org
- http://foreverill.com/bass.htm
- http://www.bassplayer.com/story.asp?sectioncode=21&storycode=13168
- Pretenders 977 Radio
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tMMOZKC9Og