Legendary session bassist Herbie Flowers dies at the age of 86

The legendary British bassist Herbie Flowers passed away at the age of 86 of unspecified causes last September 5 as reported by BBC. Besides having his own solo career and being a member of the final T.Rex line-up (From August 1976 to September 1977), Flowers was known as one of the most praised session bass players of all time. He was part of many classic songs by other famous artists. He worked with names like Elton John, David Bowie, Lou Reed, Bryan Ferry, Harry Nilson, Cat Stevens, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and more. He was such a prolific bass player that by the end of the 70s he had played bass on an estimated amount of 500 hit recordings. He was also a member of Blue Mink and Sky.

Bowie’s estate released an official statement about Flowers’ death: “GOODBYE HERBIE FLOWERS Though we’ve not managed to have it officially confirmed, if the news is correct, we are very sad to learn of the passing of Herbie Flowers in the last couple of days. His work with Bowie and associates over the years is too long to list here. Aside from his incredible musicianship over many decades, he was a beautiful soul and a very funny man. He will be sorely missed.”

Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

Classic albums and songs Herbie Flowers played in

David Bowie

“David Bowie” (1969)

“Diamond Dogs” (1974)

George Harrison

“Somewhere In England” (1981)

“Gone Troppo” (1982)

“Brainwashed” (2002)

Elton John

“Tumbleweed Connection” (1970)

“Madman Across the Water” (1971)

“A Single Man” (1978)

Harry Nilson

“Nilsson Schmilsson” (1971)

Lou Reed

“Transformer” (1972)

Ringo Starr

“Stop and Smell the Roses” (1981)

Cat Stevens

“Foreigner” (1973)

T.Rex

“Dandy in the Underworld” (1977)