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

pic.twitter.com/RlB7QM6ckW

— Depeche Mode (@depechemode) May 26, 2022

“We are shocked and filled with overwhelming sadness with the untimely passing of our dear friend, family member, and bandmate Andy ‘Fletch’ Fletcher.” Writes the band, “Fletch had a true heart of gold and was always there when you needed support, a lively conversation, a good laugh, or a cold pint. Our hearts are with his family, and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and respect their privacy in this difficult time.”

After joining the band Composition Of Sounds in the last 70s, alongside Martin Gore and Vince Clarke, the group soon recruited singer Dave Gahan. Once the group underwent a name change and became Depeche Mode, the rest is history. The new wave movement has many names associated with it; Duran Duran, Talking Heads, New Order etc. – but not many had the staying power of Depeche Mode, who were still touring up until 2018 off the back of their 14^th studio album Spirit. The album made it to no.5 in the UK charts, but throughout the group’s 4-decade career they had managed to bag not 1, but 2, no.1 albums with Ultra and Songs Of Faith And Devotion.

Synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys took to their socials once the news was released, “Fletch was a warm, friendly and funny person who loved electronic music and could also give sensible advice about the music business.”

 Lol Tolhurst, known most famously as a founding member of The Cure, was once of the first to pay their respects, “I knew Andy and considered him a friend. We crossed many of the same pathways as younger men. My heart goes out to his family, bandmates, and DM fans.”

After the band’s 2018 tour concluded, their last great moment would be that of their induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Fletcher, Gahan, and Gore were joined by former bandmates Vince Clarke and Alan Wilder for the ceremony.

Bondzie’s family made a statement on Sunday, with the MC’s eldest saying: “Hello everyone, as Alphonso’s first-born, I unfortunately come with some with sad news to say that Skibadee has passed away. As a family we ask for some privacy, but may he rest in peace.” It was also confirmed on Skibadee’s Facebook page by his firstborn, that Bondzie died aged 47, not 54 as has been stated in some places. “I’d like to thank everyone for all the love and messages I have received today I am extremely heartbroken with this sad news and still in shock.”

Among the many tributes paid online, former So Solid Crew member Lisa Maffia shared a post on Twitter saying, “Not too sure what to say! Another pioneer gone! My heart goes out to your beautiful daughters, family and friends. DnB finest @therealskibagram I’m sorry to hear this news. Rest well sir #skiba #RIP.” While Bournemouth based Dubstep DJ FuntCase says, “I can’t believe we’ve lost another legend. Skibadee is a name in DnB even the people who barely knew DnB knew of. I first heard this dude on a vinyl I bought way back with simon bassline smith from 2005 called Big Tingz and I could never stop playing it in my sets.”

DJ Flight, who in the scene has been championed for her attempts to have women be better represented in the industry, succinctly sums up the shock that came from the news, “f***ing hell. I didn’t want to believe it but seems an official post went up on his fb again.. RIP Skibadee, an icon of Jungle D&B who inspired countless MCs in many genres. really awful news, love & condolences to his family & close friends.”

Skibadee was making music right until the very end, his last release, ‘Finally’, with SASASAS, Zdot, DJ Phantasy came out only 10 days ago. You can listen to the song below.

Fellow BBC Radio DJ Greg James showed his respect for Long on Twitter. Saying, “She picked the greats and got them in session before other DJs had even heard of them. She was such a laugh as well”.

This is so sad. A truly brilliant radio person. She was so kind and sweet to me when I was on earlies on R1 and she was on R2 nights at the same time. She picked the greats and got them in session before other DJs had even heard of them. She was such a laugh as well https://t.co/f6gJl3xyAS

— Greg James (@gregjames) December 26, 2021

Richard Coles, of The Communards fame, shared his appreciation for Long’s Work after revealing that she was “the first Radio 1 DJ to give [the group] a session”. You can listen here to America, live on Long’s show in 1985. Long’s husband, Paul Berry, added to the host’s tributes saying, “I’ve lost the love of my life and I’m going to spend the rest of it half a person. She had my back from the day we met, you couldn’t possibly ask for more love and loyalty from a wife.”. After being together for many years, Janice and Paul only got married in 2017, their 2 children added to the tributes; Blue, 25, says, “Mum I love you. You paved the way for me to have an incredible life. You were a trailblazer for so many women to go conquer and succeed. The first woman to host Top of the Pops and the first woman to have her own daily show on Radio 1.” And Fred, 33, as well as labelling his mum an “absolute G” also says, “She wasn’t only a mum to me but a whole bunch of my friends that she took in and cared for and I’ll never forget everything she has done for me.”  

The first we heard of the news was through her agent, Nigel Forsyth. He lovingly described Long as, “a wonderful, warm human being and exceptional broadcaster.” Adding, “She told a brilliant story and always made you roar with laughter with her sharp wit.” He also went on to describe her success; moving through Radio Merseyside after joining as an assistant in 1979, eventually joining Radio 1 in 1983, she then hosted her own daily show and also presented Top of the Pops. Leading to this FANTASTIC interaction.

Farewell Janice Long. Radio icon and one of the best presenters Top of the Pops ever had (I wasn’t around I just watch the reruns). Here’s a little she told about her time presenting with John Peel and the video to Addicted to Love. pic.twitter.com/7KescbiL6L — Rob Osborne (@robosbornewales) December 26, 2021

Tonight, (Monday 27^th December) BBC Radio Wales host Adam Walton will be hosting a special programme featuring Long’s colleagues, friends, and other special guests. See here to listen to the show from 7 PM.