Andy Anderson (pictured second from left) has passed away from terminal cancer just nine days after he publicly announced the diagnosis on his Facebook page. Anderson was primarily known for his tenure in The Cure, of which he was a member for two years in 1983 and 84. Following his death, members of The Cure and artists such as Iggy Pop have poured out their sympathies in public tributes.
Anderson first came into contact with Robert Smith, The Cure’s mastermind, frontman and only constant member, in 1983 when he played drums for The Glove, Smith’s short-lived side project with Siouxsie and the Banshees’ bassist Steven Severin. The Glove only released one album, ‘Blue Sunshine‘, and following the project’s disbandment, Anderson joined The Cure after original drummer Lol Tolhurst switched to keyboards.
Anderson recorded three albums with The Cure and drummed on popular singles such as ‘The Love Cats‘ and ‘The Caterpillar‘. He was part of The Cure’s worldwide Top Tour. Unfortunately, near the end of the tour he was fired from the band for destroying a hotel room and was replaced by Boris Williams who remained The Cure’s drummer until 1994.
As well as his period in The Cure, Anderson worked with a variety of other music projects. He collaborated with artists such as Peter Gabriel, The Sex Pistols’ Glen Mattlock and Mike Oldfield. Anderson had also recently been working as solo artist under the pseudonym AAMuzik.
Addressing his diagnosis, Anderson said, “Hi guy’s, I am and I have Terminal 4 Cancer, and their is no way of returning back from that, it’s totally covering the inside of my body, and I’m totally fine and aware of my situation.”
“Please, No Boo, Hooing, here, just be positive, for me it’s just another life Experience and Hurdle, that one has to make yet another Choice in life, be cool, I most definitely am and positive about the situation.”
Following news of his passing many of the artists Anderson worked with payed their tributes. In a statement on Twitter, Lol Tolhurst had this to say, “It’s with a heavy heart, I have to report the passing of a Cure brother. Andy Anderson was A true gentleman and a great musician with a wicked sense of humor which he kept until the end, a testament to his beautiful spirit on the last journey. We are blessed to have known him.”
Anderson had also worked with the infamous punk rock legend Iggy Pop, who went on Twitter to say this,”Andy was a great guy. He was one of the nicest people I’ve ever met or worked with. I’m really sorry he’s gone.”
Anderson’s friend Sean Dunmore wrote the following message on Facebook, “I’m sure Andy Anderson would like he’s fans and friends who he was so dedicated to and loved so much to know, that very sadly he’s passed away. Gone onto the next adventure, to the next gig. Everyone has so many good memories of this kind and gentle man. He wouldn’t want you to be sad but celebrate the joy of life.”
