A Crowdfunder has been launched to fund a mural in tribute to The Smiths’ late bassist, Andy Rourke.
Andy (59) died in May last year following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Initiated by Mike Joyce, drummer with The Smiths, and in partnership with leading UK charity, Pancreatic Cancer Action, fans of Rourke can now donate to the Crowdfunder, which is open to Smiths fans globally.
The mural will be brought to life by world-renowned street artist Akse with a striking image credited to The Smiths’ 1985-1986 UK/USA tour photographer, Nalinee Darmrong, who has kindly given her blessing to the project. The photo was taken at the Caird Hall in Dundee in 1985.
The planned mural will be located on the side of the Wheatsheaf Pub on Oak Street in the Northern Quarter of Manchester – an area loved and frequented by Rourke when he lived in the city.
Bandmate and friend, Mike Joyce, said: “Andy’s passing left us all absolutely devastated and I’ve been wanting to do something to celebrate his life and contribution to music. The idea of a mural in the centre of Manchester feels a fitting place and way for all his many fans to come and pay tribute.
“Securing a suitable site for the mural has been challenging at points as many locations and buildings have restrictions. However, the wonderful couple, Lisa and Robert of the Wheatsheaf pub, which is a big part of the local community in the Northern Quarter and an area where Andy lived for a while, came to the rescue and now, over a year since the plans began, we have secured a wonderful location.
Mike added: “Thanks to this Crowdfunder, fans of Andy and The Smiths can contribute to a permanent memorial, but also increase awareness of this debilitating disease and raise money for the charity, Pancreatic Cancer Action.
“The mural will not only serve as a permanent tribute to Andy’s legacy as a brilliant musician but also as a memory of the funniest, sweetest lad I had the pleasure of knowing.”
Joe Kirwin, CEO of Pancreatic Cancer Action, said: “We are delighted to be partnering to support this Crowdfunder. We are sure that the interest and support this project will generate will play a part in bringing even more understanding about pancreatic cancer, which presently, is the most deadly of all common cancers.”
A limited edition of 100 x A4 prints for fans who pledge £50, and 30 x A3 prints for fans who pledge £100, will be available, each signed by Mike Joyce and artist Akse. Donations include UK and international postage.
The mural will be officially unveiled in November – Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month – at a special celebration with details to be announced in October.
You can donate to the Crowdfunder here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/
Image credit: 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.
