Legendary UK Musician To Be Honoured With Mural
Written by Cian Mortimer on 3rd October 2024
Artist illustration of the proposed mural by acclaimed street artist, Akse. Image is based on a photo by The Smiths’ 1985/1986 USA/UK tour photographer Nalinee Darmrong. The photo was taken at the Caird Hall in Dundee in 1985.
The late Smiths bassist Andy Rourke is set to have a mural unveiled in his honour later this year.
Rourke sadly passed away in May following a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. The official unveiling of his mural is set to coincide with Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day on November 21st.
A Crowdfunder, which has now hit the target needed to ensure the mural will be put up, is still ongoing.
The mural will be brought to life by Akse, the street artist most well-known for his depictions of former Joy Division frontman Ian Curtis. Fans of The Smiths will be able to visit the mural on the side of The Wheatsheaf Pub in Manchester, a pub that Rourke was known to frequent.
The ex-Smiths’ drummer Mike Joyce said: “A huge thank you to everyone who has supported the Crowdfunder – absolutely delighted to confirm we’ve hit the target to secure funding.
It means the mural is going ahead and I am over the moon, as is everyone involved. We have been blown away.”
The Smiths have always been massively popular in Sunderland and around the North East. During his time with genre-defining post punk outfit, Rourke played venues across the North East. Middlesbrough and Newcastle are two cities which the band played multiple times.
In the summer of 1986, The Smiths played a gig at Newcastle’s Mayfair Ballroom. Just a few months later, the legendary quartet would be playing their last ever live gig.
Mike Joyce holding collection of The Smiths albums donated by Warner Music UK.
Warner Music UK have also donated a full vinyl collection of all nine records released by The Smiths. All donations over £10 will see the donor entered into a draw to win one of a number of prizes, including The Smiths records signed by ex-drummer Joyce.
Joyce said: “Thanks again – the amount of generous donations and the amazing response is a reflection of just how loved Andy was and it means the world to everyone involved in this project – cheers, Mike x.”
Click here to donate to the Crowdfunder.
