The world of music is in mourning after the passing of legendary bassist Herbie Flowers, who died at the age of 86. Flowers, whose remarkable career saw him play alongside some of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, left an indelible mark on the music industry with his inventive and unforgettable basslines. His family confirmed his passing on social media, paying tribute to the man whose bass playing had, quite literally, changed the sound of modern music.

The Icon Behind "Walk on the Wild Side"

Perhaps best known for his iconic double bass slide on Lou Reed’s 1972 hit Walk on the Wild Side, Herbie Flowers’ contribution to music spans far beyond that memorable session. The bassline, one of the most recognizable in rock history, came together during a routine session for which Flowers was paid just £17. Despite the modest compensation, that simple yet haunting bassline became one of the defining sounds of the 1970s.

Reflecting on the session in a 2022 interview with Guitar World, Flowers remarked, "Lou had the chords written out on a piece of paper and my job was to come up with the bass line." His role, as he humbly put it, was to craft something memorable—something that would resonate with listeners. He did exactly that, creating a bassline that not only supported the track but elevated it to iconic status.

A Career Spanning Decades

Born in 1938, Herbie Flowers started his journey as a musician in the Royal Air Force in the 1950s, where he learned to play the tuba. His musical curiosity led him to pick up the double bass as a secondary instrument, and from there, his career took flight. After his service, Flowers began playing in jazz bands and even worked as a bandsman aboard the Queen Elizabeth ocean liner.

In the 1960s, Flowers became a session musician, working with some of the biggest names in the business, including producers like Shel Talmy and Tony Visconti. His work with Visconti introduced him to the likes of David Bowie and Elton John, cementing his place in the heart of the London music scene.

Flowers was involved in countless hits during his career, contributing to more than 500 albums by the end of the 1970s. His work with artists such as Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr only further showcased his versatility and creativity as a bassist.

Collaborations with Rock and Pop Legends

In addition to his work with Lou Reed, Flowers played on albums and tracks that would go on to define a generation. He lent his talents to Bowie’s early hit Space Oddity and is responsible for the wobbling, other-worldly bassline on David Essex’s Rock On. These are just two examples of his ability to bring something unique and unforgettable to every project he touched.

Flowers was also a member of several notable bands, including T. Rex, Blue Mink, and Sky. His time with T. Rex in the mid-1970s saw him play on the band’s final album, Dandy in the Underworld, shortly before the untimely death of Marc Bolan in 1977. With Sky, a progressive rock band formed in the late 1970s, Flowers further demonstrated his remarkable range as a musician.

More Than a Session Player

Despite his success as a session musician, Flowers’ legacy extends beyond the studio. He was a composer in his own right, having written the 1970 novelty hit Grandad by Clive Dunn, which became a surprising chart success in the UK. Additionally, his playful side emerged when he bet Bowie that he could get the stylophone—a children’s toy—onto the recording of Space Oddity. Bowie accepted the bet, and the rest is history, with the stylophone becoming a defining feature of the track.

Herbie Flowers’ ability to blend humor, creativity, and professionalism made him a beloved figure among musicians and fans alike. As Rick Wakeman, who worked with Flowers on countless recordings, put it, "Not only a fabulous bass player and musician but also a true gent and a very funny man too."

Tributes from the Music World

News of Herbie Flowers’ death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from musicians and fans around the world. Tim Burgess, lead singer of The Charlatans, remarked that Flowers "made the greats sound greater," while Suede bassist Mat Osman reflected on his extraordinary contributions, tweeting, "Imagine having played on Space Oddity, Walk on the Wild Side, and Rock On."

David Bowie's estate also paid tribute, acknowledging his work with Bowie and others over the years. "Aside from his incredible musicianship, he was a beautiful soul and a very funny man. He will be sorely missed."

Flowers’ influence was not limited to rock and pop. His work on Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds album further displayed his talent for creating atmospheric and emotionally resonant basslines, making him a key player in one of the most successful concept albums of all time.

A Legacy That Will Live On

As the music world reflects on the life and career of Herbie Flowers, it’s clear that his legacy will endure. His basslines—simple yet powerful—continue to inspire generations of musicians. His advice to young players was always straightforward: "Don’t play somebody else’s lick, learn to read music, and listen to a bit of Miles Davis."

For a man whose name was often overshadowed by the stars he played with, Flowers’ influence is undeniable. He was more than just a session player; he was a creative force who shaped the sound of modern music, leaving an indelible mark on every track he touched.

Though Herbie Flowers may no longer be with us, his music will continue to resonate, inspiring listeners and musicians alike for generations to come.

"People have often suggested that I should have got writer’s credits, but I just helped put an arrangement together," Herbie Flowers on his work on "Walk on the Wild Side."