The mural was painted by renowned street artist Akse P19, whose work often immortalises cultural icons, from Mark E. Smith to Ian Curtis. The black-and-white artwork is based on a photograph of Rourke taken during The Smiths’ 1985 tour, performing at Dundee’s Caird Hall. Next to the painting is a prominent logo of the Pancreatic Cancer Action charity

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Mike Joyce, Rourke’s bandmate and drummer for The Smiths, attended the unveiling and praised the mural in an interview with BBC Radio Manchester: “I knew it was going to be good; I just didn’t realise how good it would be.” Reflecting on Rourke’s musical legacy, Joyce added, “He gained immortality when he played those bass lines, and those bass lines are here forever.”

Rourke’s role in The Smiths has often been overshadowed by the spotlight on Morrissey and Johnny Marr. However, his intricate bass work, particularly on Meat Is Murder, provided a solid foundation that allowed the singer and guitarist to shine. This mural is a reminder of his importance to the band and Manchester’s music scene. The Wheatsheaf’s owners, Robert Ashton and Lisa Booth, were eager to support the project. “We’re a music pub, we both love music, so we said yes straightaway,” they told BBC Manchester. The mural cements the Northern Quarter’s reputation as a hub for Manchester’s musical heritage.

The project also served as a fundraising effort, with over £32,000 raised so far for the Pancreatic Cancer Action charity. Mike Joyce played a key role, offering personalised rewards for donors, including signed Smiths vinyl and prints of the original photograph used for the mural. “We wanted to do something to celebrate Andy’s life,” Joyce explained. “We initially thought we’d put on a gig or a DJ show… but the next day, it would have been over. Now, we have something that will last forever.”

Manchester has long been a city proud of its musical history, with tributes to local icons like Mark E. Smith, Pete Shelley, and Liam Gallagher adorning its streets. These must-see locations have been a boost for tourism, drawing music fans to landmarks like Salford Lads Club and the murals of the Northern Quarter.

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The reaction to the Rourke mural has been overwhelmingly positive. Reddit user InnerBlacksmith1858 summarised the sentiment: “Criminally underrated. [Joyce] and Rourke both.” Fans have expressed gratitude that a quieter, yet essential, part of The Smiths’ rhythm section is receiving overdue recognition.

What a tribute to one of Mancunia’s finest.

— ChrisL20 (@Drainstarrrr) November 21, 2024

With its thoughtful design, the mural strikes a balance between honouring Rourke and raising awareness for pancreatic cancer. As Joyce aptly put it, Andy Rourke’s legacy is immortal—and now it’s painted in his home city for all to see.

Rourke contributed to all four of The Smiths’ albums, The Smiths, Meat is Murder, The Queen is Dead and Strangeways, Here We Come. Following their disbandment, Rourke went on to work with artists such as Badly Drawn Boy, Sinead O’Conner, The Pretenders and former Oasis guitarist, Bonehead.

There was an outpouring of tributes from his ex-bandmates, with The Smiths’ guitarist Johnny Marr taking to Twitter to confirm the news.

Marr wrote, “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.“

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 pic.twitter.com/KNehQxXoFz

— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) May 19, 2023

Marr went on to request privacy as the band grieve their former bandmate and friend.

The Smiths’ frontman Morrissey shared his own tribute on his website, writing, “I just hope … wherever Andy has gone … that he’s OK. He will never die as long as his music is heard. He didn’t ever know his own power, and nothing that he played had been played by someone else. His distinction was so terrific and unconventional and he proved it could be done.”

Morrissey continued, “He was also very, very funny and very happy, and post-Smiths, he kept a steady identity – never any manufactured moves. I suppose, at the end of it all, we hope to feel that we were valued. Andy need not worry about that.”

Mike Joyce, The Smiths’ drummer, also shared his thoughts, tweeting, “Not only the most talented bass player I’ve ever had the privilege to play with but the sweetest, funniest lad I’ve ever met. Andy’s left the building, but his musical legacy is perpetual. I miss you so much already. Forever in my heart mate.”  

Not only the most talented bass player I’ve ever had the privilege to play with but the sweetest, funniest lad I’ve ever met. Andy’s left the building, but his musical legacy is perpetual. I miss you so much already. Forever in my heart mate. — Mike Joyce (@mikejoycedrums) May 19, 2023

Andy Rourke’s contribution to music has been celebrated by musicians and fans alike, with presenter Terry Christian summing his passing up as “another hole left In the History of Manchester music.”

Sad to hear of death of Andy Rourke, I knew he’d jad cancer for sevetal years now but understood he was in some ki d of recovery . Lovely guy – I first met him in November 1983 – another hole left In the History of Manchester music. R.I.P Andy #Manchester #TheSmiths

— terry christian (@terrychristian) May 19, 2023

I’m back… we’re back. New music. Let’s go. pic.twitter.com/F7sIY3UPZU

— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) August 26, 2021

The musician also hinted at a new music video in his tweet. The musician recently signed an album deal with musical publisher BMG, describing the deal the musician expressed his joy and stated “It’s a good feeling”

The musician’s rise to fame began when he co-wrote and played the guitar with The Smiths formed in 1982.  The band lineup also included frontman Morrisey, Andy Rourke (Bassist) and Mike Joyce (Drummer).

The band’s debut album The Smiths was released on the 3rd March 1984 and peaked at number 10 in the UK Official Albums Chart. The band’s album Meat is Murder was released on February 11th 1985 providing them with a number 1 album.

The musician departed from the band in 1987 and worked with various bands until embarking on his solo career. The soloist released his debut solo album The Messenger co-produced with James Doviak on February 25th 2013.  The album reached number 10 in the UK Official Singles Chart and the musician has not released any solo material since the release of his 2019 single “Single Life”.

Upon signing his new deal with BMG, the musician has now hinted at new music and is ready to release new material under his new deal with BMG. The musician is set to perform intimate concerts next month and is joined by Blossoms, The Big Moon and Zuzu for his sold-out tour date in Manchester.

See Johnny Marr’s Tour dates below. Tickets for the remainder of his dates are available here

20/09/21 University Union- Leeds
21/09 King George’s Hall- Blackburn
23/09 Electric Ballroom- London
25/09 Emirates Old Trafford- Manchester

Tickets on sale now. https://t.co/tnoz5F0oWg pic.twitter.com/HrJqihK5sC

— Johnny Marr (@Johnny_Marr) July 30, 2021