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Andy Rourke is a British bass guitarist and guitar player best known for his work with The Smiths. After that band broke up, he became a session musician.
Career
Before joining The Smiths, Andy Rourke had played guitar and bass in various rock and funk bands, often with his school friend John Maher (the future Johnny Marr).
The Smiths
Singer Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr formed The Smiths in 1982. They recruited a drummer called Mike Joyce and let Dale Hibbert, the engineer who worked in the studio where they recorded their demo tapes, play bass. Hibbert was fired after the second gig, however, and replaced by Rourke, fixing the line-up. The Smiths went on to great national acclaim, releasing 18 Top 50 singles, four studio albums and numerous compilations. Rourke's problems with heroin use caused him to be temporarily fired from the band in early 1986, but he was quickly reinstated.
Session work
After The Smiths broke up in the summer of 1987, Rourke became a session musician. He toured and recorded with Sinéad O'Connor, Morrissey and The Pretenders. With Morrissey, he also wrote a number of songs. Currently, Rourke tours and records with Badly Drawn Boy.
The Smiths court case
During the early 90s, a court case served in which former Smiths drummer Mike Joyce claimed a full quarter of the group's earnings in performances and recordings instead of the 10% meted out to him and Rourke by band directors Morrissey and Marr. Rourke was originally part of the case with Joyce but had to withdraw for lack of funds. He settled out of court and, apart from a fixed settlement sum, continues to receive 10%. Joyce went on to win the case in 1996 and is entitled to the full 25%.
Discography
The Smiths
For his work with The Smiths, see the discography in the main Smiths article. Andy Rourke plays on all Smiths releases.
Session work
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