Andy Rourke, the bassist for rock band the Smiths, has died aged 59, the band has announced.
EDnews informs via BBC that Guitarist Johnny Marr confirmed "with deep sadness" that Rourke died after a lengthy illness with pancreatic cancer.
In a statement posted on Twitter, Marr said: "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," he added.
Rourke played on the Smiths' most famous songs including This Charming Man and There Is a Light That Never Goes Out, as well as solo singles for singer Morrissey after the group broke up in 1987.