The artwork will be revealed in November, which is pancreatic cancer awareness month.
Rourke said he hoped it would raise awareness of “getting an early diagnosis”.
symptoms, external, which include the whites of people’s eyes and skin turning yellow, skin becoming itchy and changes in weight, appetite and digestion.
The mural will be created by renowned street artist Akse, who has previously depicted footballer Marcus Rashford in Withington and musician David Bowie on the side of a pub in Oak Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
The Rourke mural will portray him performing at Dundee’s Caird Hall in 1985, as captured in an image by tour photographer Nalinee Darmrong.
The Smiths were formed in Manchester in 1982 and released four studio albums before breaking up in 1987.
