Herbie Flowers, the influential British bassist, passed away on September 5, 2024, at the age of 86. The news was shared by a family member via social media, although no cause of death has been disclosed. Flowers was a prominent figure in the music industry for over 50 years, contributing to numerous recordings with musical icons like David Bowie, Elton John, Lou Reed, Paul McCartney, Bryan Ferry, and many others.
Born in 1938, Flowers’ early music career began in 1956 when he served in the Royal Air Force as a bandsman. It was here that he played the tuba before transitioning to the double bass and ultimately the electric bass. His unique background in brass influenced his approach to bass playing, a fact he noted in an interview with Guitar World, specifically regarding his work on Bowie’s "Space Oddity."
In addition to his session work, Flowers co-founded the band Blue Mink, which released the hit song "Melting Pot" in 1969, reaching number 3 on the UK Singles Chart. He was also a member of T. Rex, Rumplestiltskin, and Sky, showcasing his versatility across genres.
Flowers' most celebrated contribution came from creating the legendary bassline for Lou Reed's "Walk on the Wild Side," featured on the iconic album "Transformer." This track marked a high point in Reed's career, becoming his only song to enter the Top 20 in the U.S. charts and was recognized as Number 4 on NME’s compilation of the greatest basslines of all time.
The news of his passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow musicians and fans alike. The official social media accounts for David Bowie acknowledged Flowers' incredible talent and the profound impact he had through his collaborations over the decades. Industry figures such as Mat Osman from Suede and Tim Burgess from The Charlatans also expressed their admiration for the bassist’s contributions to the music world.
In his later years, Flowers served as a bass guitar instructor at Ardingly College in West Sussex and started local initiatives like the Shoreham Singers-by-Sea and the Ditchling Singers. His legacy as a gifted musician and dedicated teacher will continue to resonate within the communities he touched and the artists he inspired.
Further details and tributes can be found on NME's coverage of the event here.