Tributes pour in for bassist Herbie Flowers, collaborator with David Bowie, dead at 86

Renowned bassist Herbie Flowers, who worked with iconic musicians such as David Bowie, Paul McCartney, and Marc Bolan, has died at the age of 86. Flowers, best known for his iconic bass line on Lou Reed’s Walk on the Wild Side, passed away on Thursday, as confirmed by family members. His niece’s husband, Kevin J. Conkin, shared the news on Facebook, saying, “While we knew and loved him as Uncle Herbie, his musical contributions have likely touched your lives as well.”

Flowers’ extensive career as a session musician in London in the 1960s and 70s saw him collaborate with a variety of legendary artists, including Elton John, George Harrison, Cat Stevens, and Harry Nilsson. He was also a member of the bands T. Rex, Blue Mink, and Sky.

David Bowie’s estate paid tribute to Flowers, stating, “His work with Bowie and associates over the years is too long to list. Aside from his incredible musicianship, he was a beautiful soul and a very funny man. He will be sorely missed.”

Tim Burgess, lead singer of The Charlatans, also honored Flowers, saying he “made the greats sound greater.” Suede bassist Mat Osman added, “RIP Herbie Flowers. So many great basslines – imagine having played on Space Oddity, Walk on the Wild Side, and Rock On.”

Flowers, who lived in Ditchling, East Sussex, leaves behind a lasting legacy in the music world, with his contributions spanning multiple decades and genres.