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RIP Andy Rourke

RIP, thought I'd share picture of my ticket stub from a great concert back in '85
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A brilliant and inspiring player. Being claimed at 59 is far too young. I expected the guys in The Smiths to be much older.

I spent ages trying to play "This Charming Man" as a beginner player, having no idea it was far above my head at the time. Once I got a handle on it, many other songs seemed much easier in comparison.
 
It really does break my heart. One thing I noticed when I came over to bass from guitar a few years ago and did a deep dive, is that isolated bass tracks are usually a big mess that sounds good in a mix. Except for Andy Rourke. His lines were together and his playing was tight and clear AND he sounded fantastic in a mix.

I can't wait to do some listening, because my work speakers have no low end at all.
 
One of my recent influences. If the anti-pick crowd still exists, I would direct them to Andy's playing and how present and driving it was on the Smiths songs. One of the greats!

It's crazy how young he was when he recorded all that stuff too! As recommended above,check out his isolated bass tracks on YT.
 
One of my recent influences. If the anti-pick crowd still exists, I would direct them to Andy's playing and how present and driving it was on the Smiths songs. One of the greats!

It's crazy how young he was when he recorded all that stuff too! As recommended above,check out his isolated bass tracks on YT.

He must have been 19 or 20. He's only 4 years older than me, and I was listening to the Smiths in high school!
 

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