The funk bassists that inspired Andy Rourke
When it comes to The Smiths, the discourse often centres around the songwriting partnership of guitarist Johnny Marr and lyricist Morrissey. The danger of this is that it neglects the vital influence of drummer Mike Joyce and bassist Andy Rourke. Rourke, in particular, was responsible for the formulation of some of indie rock’s most beloved basslines, many of which came from unexpected avenues of inspiration.
Forming in the wake of the punk scene, The Smiths remain one of Manchester’s finest musical exports. Gaining a following for their unique sound, blending sounds of 1960s pop with their post-punk contemporaries, backed up by Morrissey’s famously melancholic lyrics. Despite the singer’s recent claims, the history of the Rough Trade-singed indie band far too often omits the drum and bass of Joyce and Rourke.
Rourke’s finest moment arguably comes with the track ‘Barbarism Begins at Home’, taken from Meat Is Murder. With lyrics condemning corporal punishment and child abuse, the piece is credited to the songwriting partnership of Marr and Moz, but it was ultimately formed around the funky bassline provided by Rourke.
“I would say it’s 80 to 90% bassline,” explained Rourke to Mojo, “I’m into my funk, and this was the closest I could get away with”. While The Smiths’ discography had no shortage of funk-ridden basslines, they were often overshadowed by the jangly guitar talents of Marr. On ‘Barbarism Begins at Home’, Rourke’s bass is undoubtedly the star of the show.
Expanding on the influences that went into this bass riff, Rouke admitted, “I was into Stanley Clarke, James Jamerson, and, I’m almost embarrassed to say it, Mark King from Level 42”. The pop jazz-funk of Level 42 might be a somewhat uncool influence for the indie rockers, but you cannot argue with the basslines that were produced as a result. However, Rourke did agree that “I think doing more in that style would have been a terrible idea, though. People would probably have assassinated us.”
While Rourke attributes ‘Barbarism Begins at Home’ to his love of funk and disco, Marr seems to recall distinctly trendier influences, “I guess it came out of this love of retro kind of James Brown records, and things like Rip Rig & Panic and The Pop Group.” he once told Uncut. The guitarist also noted a mutual love of American no wave acts like James Chance and the Contortions, who he and Rourke had been fans of long before the advent of The Smiths.
Inspiration often comes in unexpected forms, and that was certainly true for the immense bass talent of Andy Rourke. In contrast to the punk scene that first inspired The Smiths, Rourke maintained a love for American funk, soul, and disco, which helped to carve out the signature sound of Manchester’s finest.
