Rourke's relationship to Morrissey and Marr would end up being overshadowed by the post breakup lawsuits, initial 40-40-10-10 band split and Morrissey calling the rhythm section “spare lawnmower parts” and purposely misnaming them “Bruce (Foxton) and Rick (Buckler of the Jam).
What's of interest is that Rourke was a major part of Morrissey's post- Smiths solo band prior to the rockabilly makeover and then addition of the co-writing team of Boz Boorer and Alain Whyte. And yes, this includes while lawsuits were going on.
Rourke plays on seven of the 13 tracks on the Bona Drag compilation album including singles “Last of the Famous International Playboys” “Interesting Drug” and “November Spawned A Monster”.
While in those early solo years while Moz was trying out creative partners, Rourke even co wrote two songs- the B-sides (but incredible songs) “Girl Least Likely To” and “Yes I Am Blind”.
A lot of Rourke's last day output seems a bit gimmicky. Most famously he was part of a group called Freebass- which released one album in 2010- and was on paper at least, a Spinal Tap-ish collection of Manchester's greatest bassists- Rourke, Peter Hook and Mani from the Stone Roses. He next formed a group with Dolores O'Riordan of the Cranberries and New York based DJ Ole Koretsky called DARK and they released an album in 2016. (O'Riordan's last record released in her lifetime)
Rourke passed away in May of 2023 but had started another band in 2016 called Blitz Vega - which was a partnership with Kav Sandhu (who was the guitarist for the 2004 reunion lineup of the Happy Mondays).
The band released the single “Strong Forever” in 2022 which featured Johnny Marr on guitar. It's been the closest thing to a Smiths reunion since Rourke and Joyce backed Aziz Ibriham circa 2001.
The band's full length debut finally arrived in Fall of 2024 produced by DJ Z-Trip who has worked with Public Enemy, Meat Beat Manifesto and Beck.
It always seems like “swan song” albums manage to sound special as if otherworldly forces bring out the best out of an artist.
While I don't think it would have the same effect on everyone, it should resonate with Rourke fans. Like Johnny Marr's recent output (or his band with Bernard Sumner called Electronic) it's classic Britpop with strongly pronounced electronica and glam influences.
That said, I feel like I am underselling the album a little bit which on paper sounds like a Wikipedia footnote, because like Marr's recent albums- it's a gem of the Britpop sound and holds up for repeated listens.
Rourke never got around to touring because of the pandemic and had been working on the album for 8 years, but he left a gem of an album that is a real treat for his fans.
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