Bass guitarist Herbie Flowers dies aged 86
T. Rex And Blue Mink Guitarist Herbie Flowers Passes Away At 86
People have praised Flowers as being a "lovely person"
Renowned British musician Herbie Flowers, known for collaborating with famous artists such as David Bowie, Paul McCartney, and Sir Elton John, passed away at the age of 86.
Flowers was a member of the pop group Blue Mink and the rock band T. Rex. He is believed to have helped create over 500 popular albums by the late 1970s.
He was recognized for crafting the iconic bassline in Lou Reed's Walk on the Wild Side from his album Transformer, released in 1972.
His passing was announced by his loved ones on Facebook over the weekend. Loved ones and friends paid tribute to Flowers, describing him as a kind-hearted individual and praising his musical talents for impacting numerous lives.
Flowers experienced success on the music charts with the band Blue Mink.
Brian Keith Flowers, born under that name, discovered his passion for music during his time in the Royal Air Force in the 1950s. He spent nine years serving as a member of the band, playing the tuba.
In 1969, Flowers helped create the pop group Blue Mink. The band had hit songs with their first single Melting Pot in 1969, and later with The Banner Man in 1971.
During the 1960s, Flowers gained recognition as a session bass player, collaborating with well-known record producers like Shel Talmy, Steve Rowland, and Tony Visconti.
He performed on the bass guitar for David Bowie's 1969 album and also on Diamond Dogs in 1974.
One of his biggest accomplishments was being the mastermind behind the iconic bassline for Lou Reed's popular song Walk on the Wild Side in 1972.
In a 2005 interview with the BBC, Flowers shared that he thought of the bassline idea because he would earn more money as a session musician if he played two instruments.
In 1977, Flowers joined the last group of T. Rex just before Marc Bolan passed away. He played on their last record, "Dandy In The Underworld," released in 1977, and also appeared on Bolan's TV show, Marc.
Flowers became a member of the last lineup of rock band T. Rex in 1977.
After hearing about Flowers' passing, many people shared their feelings of love and respect for the late individual.
The lead singer of The Charlatans, Tim Burgess, praised Flowers by saying that he made already great musicians sound even better.
The David Bowie estate also honored the star's previous partner by stating: "The extensive list of projects he worked on with Bowie and his colleagues throughout the years is too vast to detail here."
In addition to his amazing musical talents throughout the years, he had a kind spirit and a great sense of humor. His absence will be deeply felt.
Mat Osman, the bass player for Suede, also expressed condolences and admiration for Herbie Flowers. He noted the numerous iconic basslines Flowers contributed to songs like Space Oddity, Walk on the Wild Side, and Rock On.
