The Smiths bassist Andy Rourke has died at the age of 59.

The sad news was broken by his former bandmate, guitarist Johnny Marr on social media on Friday.

In a Twitter post, Marr confirmed that Rourke died after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Andy Rourke after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer. Andy will be remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by those who knew him and as a supremely gifted musician by music fans. We request privacy at this sad time,” he tweeted.

Rourke, who joined The Smiths in 1982, shared stages with his bandmates until they parted ways five years later, ahead of the release of their fourth studio album, Strangeways, Here We Come.

After the split, Rourke co-founded the super group Freebass, and collaborated with The Smiths frontman Morrissey on his solo projects.

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