World Pancreatic Cancer Day and unveiling of the Andy Rourke mural

A mural dedicated to the late bassist of The Smiths will be officially unveiled next week – 21 November – on World Pancreatic Cancer Day.

Located in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, the 30ft x 20ft mural by renowned street artist Akse-P19 will be on permanent display on the side of The Wheatsheaf Pub for fans from all around the world to enjoy.

Back in September, a Crowdfunder was launched to fund the mural in tribute to Andy Rourke, who died in May last year aged 59, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Initiated by Mike Joyce, drummer with The Smiths, and in partnership with leading UK charity, Pancreatic Cancer Action, over £30,000 has now been raised (including Gift Aid) and donations can still be made until mid-December.

The mural has been brought to life by Akse-P19 with a striking image credited to The Smiths’ 1985-1986 UK/USA tour photographer, Nalinee Darmrong, who kindly gave her blessing to the project and who will be attending the unveiling too.

It is expected that the mural will over time attract thousands of fans of legendary band The Smiths, with many already planning to make a pilgrimage to the city for the unveiling day, from far and wide.

Bandmate and friend, Mike Joyce, said: “This is going to be both an emotional and very special day for many of us who knew and loved Andy. A tremendous amount of hard work has gone in to the planning and coordination of the project, and in raising funds and awareness of the mural Crowdfunder too – even my kids took part in the Manchester Half-marathon to boost funds.

“So many people have been incredibly generous and now, thanks to artist Akse-P19, we will see Andy’s mural finally brought to life. Thank you to every person who has donated – you made this happen.

He adds: “Andy’s death from pancreatic cancer, far too young, left us all absolutely devastated and I’ve been wanting to do something to celebrate his life and contribution to music. We will now have this magnificent mural image taken at a time in his life when he was incredibly happy and shining so brilliantly as a musician, right in the heart of Manchester where fans can come and pay tribute.”

Joe Kirwin, CEO of Pancreatic Cancer Action, said: “We are delighted to have partnered on the mural and we are sure that the interest 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. Part of Andy Rourke’s legacy will be the way his memory will live on in raising awareness in combatting pancreatic cancer.”

The mural is expected to be officially unveiled at approximately 1.30pm weather permitting.

Please donate to the Crowdfunder here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/andy-rourke-mural