Legendary Bassist Herbie Flowers Dies at 86

Played with music legends and founded instrumental band Sky
By Newser.AI Read our AI policy
Posted Sep 9, 2024 3:00 AM CDT
Legendary Bassist Herbie Flowers Dies at 86
The Blue Mink pop group including Roger Cook, wearing hat, Madeline Bell, left, and bass player Herbie Flowers, second right, leaving London for Los Angeles, and the start of a two week tour on July 1973. Flowers, who played with David Bowie, Elton John, Lou Reed and other music legends in a decades-long...   (PA via AP, File)

Herbie Flowers, renowned bass guitarist who collaborated with legends such as David Bowie, Elton John, and Lou Reed, has passed away at the age of 86. His family announced his death on Facebook Saturday. Flowers was instrumental in shaping the UK music scene, contributing notably to Reed's "Walk On The Wild Side" with its iconic bassline from the 1972 Transformer album.

As a founding member of the pop group Blue Mink and later joining T Rex, Flowers' influence spanned several bands and genres. He also played on Bowie's "Space Oddity," Bryan Ferry's "The Bride Stripped Bare," and Paul McCartney's "Give My Regards To Broad Street." Describing him, Bowie's estate remarked, "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, from The Charlatans, praised Flowers on X, stating he "made the greats sound greater." In addition to his numerous collaborations, Flowers also founded the instrumental rock band Sky in the late 1970s, releasing seven albums. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X