English rock band The Smiths bassist Andy Rourke has died.

He was 59.

Guitarist  Johnny Marr tweeted: " 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," read the tweet.

  Andy Rourke was an English musician, best known as the bassist of the Smiths.

He was known for his melodic approach to bass playing.