The Smiths’ Mike Joyce launches crowdfunder for permanent mural of Andy Rourke

nme.com:

The Smiths drummer Mike Joyce has launched a crowdfunding campaign to create a permanent mural of late bassist Andy Rourke – find out more below.On Sunday (September 15), Joyce took to social media to share that he has launched a campaign on the Crowdfunder platform.

The campaign aims to secure a permanent mural of Rourke in Manchester to honour his legacy and impact.Additionally, the campaign will also raise funds for the charity organisation Pancreatic Cancer Action.

This is notable as Rourke had died from pancreatic cancer at the age of 59 last year.The money raised from the campaign will go directly to the creation of the mural and will cover expenses such as “artist fees, materials, scissor lift hire, permits, and other associated costs including the production/packaging/shipping of prints”.

Any money raised beyond the campaign’s £15,500 target will go towards the Pancreatic Cancer Action.Delighted to finally share that after many months of planning, there is an official CrowdFunder to create a permanent mural dedicated to Andy Rourke in partnership with the charity, Pancreatic Cancer Action.https://t.co/PL7N7pgkNL#AndyRourke #TheSmiths #PancreaticCancerAction— Mike Joyce (@mikejoycedrums) September 15, 2024Joyce said in a statement: “Thanks to this Crowdfunder, fans of Andy and The Smiths can contribute to a permanent memorial in his and the band’s hometown of Manchester, 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.”So far, £3,541 has been raised.