Legendary Bassist Herbie Flowers, Collaborator with Music Icons, Dies at 86

Herbie Flowers, the acclaimed bass guitarist known for his collaborations with music legends, has passed away at the age of 86. His family confirmed the news on social media on September 8, 2024, marking the end of a remarkable career that spanned over five decades.

Born on May 19, 1938, in Isleworth, Middlesex, England, Flowers began his musical journey in the Royal Air Force, where he played tuba and double bass. This early experience laid the foundation for his versatile career as a session musician, contributing to over 500 hit recordings.

Flowers' talent graced the works of numerous iconic artists. He played bass on David Bowie's "Space Oddity" and Lou Reed's "Walk On The Wild Side," the latter featuring his distinctive twinned bassline. His contributions extended to albums by Elton John, Bryan Ferry, and Paul McCartney, among others.

The bassist's versatility was evident in his involvement with various bands. He was a founding member of the pop group Blue Mink in the late 1960s and later joined the rock band T Rex. In the late 1970s, Flowers formed the instrumental rock band Sky, which released seven albums and achieved success in the UK and Australia.

Flowers' impact on the music industry went beyond his bass playing. He co-wrote the hit song "Grandad" for Clive Dunn, which reached No. 1 in the UK in 1971. His talents were also featured in film and television, contributing to the soundtrack of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and playing the bass line for the theme of the British TV series "Are You Being Served?".

David Bowie's estate paid tribute to Flowers, stating, "Aside from his incredible musicianship over many decades, he was a beautiful soul and a very funny man. He will be sorely missed." Tim Burgess, lead singer of The Charlatans, echoed this sentiment, noting that Flowers "made the greats sound greater."

Throughout his career, Flowers collaborated with a diverse range of artists. He played on George Harrison's album "All Things Must Pass," Harry Nilsson's "Nilsson Schmilsson," and was briefly a member of Roxy Music in 1972-1973. His contributions to Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds further showcased his versatility.

In his later years, Flowers shared his knowledge and experience by teaching music at Ardingly College in West Sussex. His contributions to music education were recognized in 2015 when he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Sussex.

Herbie Flowers' passing marks the end of an era in popular music. His legacy lives on through the countless recordings he enhanced with his distinctive bass playing, influencing generations of musicians and leaving an indelible mark on the history of rock and pop music.

"Aside from his incredible musicianship over many decades, he was a beautiful soul and a very funny man. He will be sorely missed."