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Andy Rourke was a highly acclaimed English musician, best known as the bassist for the iconic band The Smiths. Born on October 20, 1964, Rourke joined The Smiths in 1982, shortly after their formation, and became an integral part of their distinctive sound. His melodic, innovative basslines were a crucial element of the band's music, often described as sophisticated and technically brilliant, setting him apart from many of his contemporaries.

Throughout his tenure with The Smiths, Rourke contributed to all their studio albums, including "The Smiths" (1984), "Meat Is Murder" (1985), "The Queen Is Dead" (1986), and "Strangeways, Here We Come" (1987). His work on tracks like "The Headmaster Ritual," "That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore," and "I Know It's Over" showcased his versatility and melodic sensibility. His bass playing was often a lead instrument within the songs, characterized by its complexity and emotional depth.

After The Smiths disbanded in 1987, Rourke continued a prolific career as a session musician and producer. He collaborated with a diverse range of artists across various genres, including Morrissey (his former Smiths bandmate), Sinéad O'Connor, The Pretenders, Badly Drawn Boy, and The Cranberries. His distinctive style graced numerous recordings, demonstrating his adaptability and enduring appeal.

Rourke also pursued solo projects and formed supergroups like Freebass, which featured fellow bassists Mani (The Stone Roses) and Peter Hook (New Order/Joy Division). Freebass released an album in 2011, further highlighting his passion for exploring new musical territories. He was also a member of the band Supergroup, contributing to their 2008 album.

Andy Rourke's contribution to music was significant. He influenced a generation of bass players with his unique approach, blending technical skill with a profound sense of melody and rhythm. His work with The Smiths remains a cornerstone of alternative rock, celebrated for its innovation and artistic merit. Andy Rourke passed away on May 19, 2023, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most talented and respected bassists of his generation.

Andy Rourke was a renowned English bassist, most famous for his integral role in the iconic band The Smiths from 1982 until their breakup in 1987. His innovative and melodic basslines were a defining characteristic of their music. Post-Smiths, he enjoyed a diverse career as a session musician, producer, and collaborator with artists like Morrissey and Sinéad O'Connor, and formed the bass supergroup Freebass. Rourke passed away in 2023, leaving a significant legacy in alternative rock music.

Official video What Difference Does It Make? by The Smiths

Stream The Smiths greatest hits here ▶ https://lnk.to/TheSmithsHits
Read More: https://www.thisisdig.com/feature/what-difference-does-it-make-the-smiths-song-story/

Subscribe here ▶ https://www.youtube.com/c/thesmithsofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Watch The Smiths' other official music videos ▶ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFIhsqj9dojqMSmDjAf6xLl9limlz95-e


What Difference Does It Make?" was released in 1984. The single version is taken from band's self-titled debut album The Smiths. A different version recorded for the John Peel Show on BBC Radio One is featured on the compilation album Hatful of Hollow.

Lyrics

All men have secrets and here is mine
So let it be known
For we have been through hell and high tide
I think I can rely on you...
And yet you start to recoil
Heavy words are so lightly thrown
But still I'd leap in front of a flying bullet for you
So, what difference does it make?
So, what difference does it make?
It makes none
But now you have gone
And you must be looking very old tonight
The devil will find work for idle hands to do
I stole and I lied, and why?
Because you asked me to!
But now you make me feel so ashamed
Because I've only got two hands
Well, I'm still fond of you, oh-ho-oh
So, what difference does it make?
Oh, what difference does it make?
Oh, it makes none
But now you have gone
And your prejudice won't keep you warm tonight
Oh, the devil will find work for idle hands to do
I stole, and then I lied
Just because you asked me to
But now you know the truth about me
You won't see me anymore
Well, I'm still fond of you, oh-ho-oh
But no more apologies
No more, no more apologies
Oh, I'm too tired
I'm so sick and tired
And I'm feeling very sick and ill today
But I'm still fond of you, oh-ho-oh
Oh, my sacred one...
Oh...

#TheSmiths #WhatDifferenceDoesItMake

The Smiths - What Difference Does It Make? (Official Music Video)

Official audio for There Is A Light That Never Goes Out by The Smiths

Read more about TQID here ▶ https://www.thisisdig.com/feature/the-smiths-the-queen-is-dead-album/

Stream The Smiths greatest hits here ▶  https://lnk.to/TheSmithsHits

Subscribe here ▶ https://www.youtube.com/c/thesmithsofficial?sub_confirmation=1

Watch The Smiths' other official music videos ▶ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFIhsqj9dojqMSmDjAf6xLl9limlz95-e

There Is A Light That never Goes Out was featured on the groups third studio album, The Queen is Dead. The track was not released as a single however, until 1992. It peaked at No.25 in the UK Singles Chart and has received critical acclaim. 

Lyrics 

Take me out tonight 
Where there's music and there's people 
And they're young and alive 
Driving in your car 
I never never want to go home 
Because I haven't got one 
Anymore
Take me out tonight 
Because I want to see people and I 
Want to see life 
Driving in your car 
Oh, please don't drop me home 
Because it's not my home, it's their
Home, and I'm welcome no more
And if a double-decker bus 
Crashes into us 
To die by your side 
Is such a heavenly way to die 
And if a ten-ton truck 
Kills the both of us 
To die by your side 
Well, the pleasure - the privilege is mine
Take me out tonight 
Take me anywhere, I don't care 
I don't care, I don't care 
And in the darkened underpass 
I thought oh God, my chance has come at last
(but then a strange fear gripped me and I 
Just couldn't ask)
Take me out tonight 
Oh, take me anywhere, I don't care 
I don't care, I don't care 
Driving in your car 
I never never want to go home 
Because I haven't got one, da... 
Oh, I haven't got one
And if a double-decker bus 
Crashes into us 
To die by your side 
Is such a heavenly way to die 
And if a ten-ton truck 
Kills the both of us 
To die by your side 
Well, the pleasure - the privilege is mine
Oh, there is a light and it never goes out 
There is a light and it never goes out 
There is a light and it never goes out 
There is a light and it never goes out 
There is a light and it never goes out 
There is a light and it never goes out 
There is a light and it never goes out 
There is a light and it never goes out 
There is a light and it never goes out

#TheSmiths #ThereIsALightThatNeverGoesOut #TheQueenIsDead

The Smiths - There Is A Light That Never Goes Out (Official Audio)

Official video for This Charming Man by The Smiths 

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"This Charming Man" was released as the group's second single in October 1983.
The single was re-issued in 1992, reaching number 8 on the UK singles chart. Mojo magazine journalists placed the track at number one on their 2008 "50 Greatest UK Indie Records of All Time" feature.


Lyrics

Punctured bicycle 
On a hillside desolate 
Will nature make a man of me yet?
When in this charming car 
This charming man
Why pamper life's complexity 
When the leather runs smooth 
On the passenger's seat?
I would go out tonight 
But I haven't got a stitch to wear 
This man said "it's gruesome 
That someone so handsome should care"
Ah ! A jumped-up pantry boy 
Who never knew his place 
He said "return the ring"
He knows so much about these things 
He knows so much about these things
I would go out tonight 
But I haven't got a stitch to wear 
This man said "it's gruesome 
That someone so handsome should care"
La, la-la, la-la, la-la, this charming man
Oh, la-la, la-la, la-la, this charming man
Ah ! A jumped-up pantry boy 
Who never knew his place 
He said "return the ring"
He knows so much about these things 
He knows so much about these things 
He knows so much about these things

#TheSmiths #ThisCharmingMan

The Smiths - This Charming Man (Official Music Video)

The Queen Is Dead

Inside The Smiths

The Smiths: Under Review

The Importance of Being Morrissey

Manchester: Beyond Oasis

The Stone Roses: Made of Stone

The Joy of the Guitar

The Young Ones

Top of the Pops

The Old Grey Whistle Test

The Tube

Rockpalast

Oxford Road Show

The South Bank Show

Never Mind the Buzzcocks

Hand in Glove

This Charming Man

What Difference Does It Make?

Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now

William, It Was Really Nothing

How Soon Is Now?

Shakespeare's Sister

That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore

The Boy with the Thorn in His Side

Bigmouth Strikes Again

Panic

Shoplifters of the World Unite

Sheila Take a Bow

Girlfriend in a Coma

Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before

I Started Something I Couldn't Finish

Interesting Drug

The Last of the Famous International Playboys

November Spawned a Monster

Piccadilly Palare

The Emperor's New Clothes

Curvy

Hey Christo

Lost My Mind

Strong

The Smiths

Andy Rourke was an English musician, best known as the bassist for the iconic British rock band The Smiths.

andyrourke.com

jetlagnyc.com

Wikipedia

IMDb

Andy Rourke

The Smiths' debut single, establishing their unique sound with its raw energy and Rourke's distinctive bass.

The Smiths' breakthrough single, known for its jangling Rickenbacker guitar riff and Morrissey's witty lyrics. Rourke's bass provides a propulsive, melodic foundation.

An acoustic-driven song where Rourke's subtle bass complements the understated melody.

Back to the Old House

A single that showcased a more melancholic side of The Smiths, featuring Rourke's memorable bass hook and poignant lyrics.

A B-side from The Smiths' debut period, showcasing Rourke's early contributions to the band's sound.

I Keep Mine Hidden

A track from The Smiths' debut album that highlights Rourke's ability to craft melodic and memorable bass parts.

I Want the One I Can't Have

A popular single from The Smiths' first album, featuring Rourke's energetic and melodic bassline.

A single released between albums, featuring Rourke's signature basslines and Morrissey's distinctive lyrical style.

Known for its extended, funky bass solo, this track is a testament to Rourke's skill and importance in The Smiths' sound.

Barbarism Begins at Home

A brooding and atmospheric track featuring a distinctive tremolo guitar and Rourke's melodic bassline. It became one of The Smiths' most iconic songs.

The title track of the band's second album, featuring a spoken-word interlude and a heavy, impactful bassline by Rourke.

Meat Is Murder

A B-side that showcases Rourke's melodic sensibility and the classic Smiths sound.

These Things Take Time

A more upbeat and hopeful track from The Smiths, with Rourke's bass providing a solid, driving rhythm.

A powerful and anthemic song with layered guitars and Rourke's solid bass presence. It marked a high point in The Smiths' discography.

A somber track from The Smiths' landmark album, featuring Rourke's characteristic melodic bass.

Never Had No One Ever

A fast-paced and energetic track that captures the band's punkier side. Rourke's bassline is dynamic and propulsive.

A narrative song from The Smiths' classic album, with Rourke's bass providing a strong, rhythmic backbone.

Rusholme Ruffians

The title track of the seminal album, it's a politically charged and defiant song with a memorable bass riff from Rourke.

A quintessential Smiths anthem, celebrated for its dramatic strings, heartfelt lyrics, and Rourke's driving bassline. It's a fan favourite and a defining track of the band's career.

There Is a Light That Never Goes Out

A cinematic track from The Smiths' final studio album, with Rourke's bass playing a key role in its atmospheric build.

Death of a Disco Dancer

A darkly humorous track from The Smiths' final studio album, featuring Rourke's typically inventive bassline.

A dramatic and sweeping ballad from The Smiths' final album, where Rourke's bass adds depth and emotion.

Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me

An uplifting and defiant single that became a favourite among fans, showcasing Rourke's melodic bass playing.

A melancholic and introspective song from The Smiths' final album, featuring Rourke's nuanced bass work.

Unloveable

An often overlooked gem from The Smiths' last album, demonstrating Rourke's contribution to the band's textured sound.

Andy Rourke

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