A new mural has been unveiled of The Smiths’ bassist Andy Rourke in the heart of Manchester.
The artwork – located on the side of the Wheatsheaf pub in the Northern Quarter – hopes to raise awareness of UK’s fifth biggest cancer killer, pancreatic cancer.
After months of fundraising the 30ft-20ft painting on Oak Street hopes to commemorate Rourke’s life and legacy after his death in May 2023.
The Smiths drummer and project pioneer Mike Joyce said a tremendous amount of work went into bringing the idea to life.
He said: “Andy’s death from pancreatic cancer, far too young, left us all absolutely devastated and I’ve been wanting to do something to celebrate his life and contribution to music.
“We will now have this magnificent mural image taken at a time in his life when he was incredibly happy and shining so brilliantly as a musician, where fans can come and pay tribute.”
The project has raised more than £30,000 for leading UK charity Pancreatic Cancer Action and as part of the partnership with the mural, a QR code for more donations has been added to the artwork.
The group of four – Morrisey, Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce – made their debut at Manchester Ritz in 1982 and before long had gained a loyal fan base in their hometown.
They went on to help put Manchester on the map during the 80s with hit indie songs like This Charming Man, There Is a Light That Never Goes Out and Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now.
After global success, tensions within the group led to their split in 1987.
Rourke made one of his last public performances playing with Marr at Madison Square Gardens in New York in 2022.
To donate to the fundraiser please click here.
Feature Image: Lucy Beetson
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