Legendary musician Herbie Flowers dies at the age of 86

Tim Allman

Acclaimed British bass guitarist Herbie Flowers, who worked with the likes of David Bowie, Paul McCartney and Sir Elton John, has died aged 86. Tim Allman looks back on his life and career.

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00:00It is one of the most memorable intros in the history of popular music.

00:17Lou Reed's Walk on the Wild Side, a seminal hit from the early 1970s.

00:23But this was the man who performed that oh-so-distinctive bassline, Herbie Flowers.

00:30Following the announcement of his death, tributes poured in on social media.

00:35The estate of David Bowie issued a statement saying,

00:38He was a beautiful soul and a very funny man.

00:42He will be sorely missed.

00:44Tim Burgess, lead singer of The Charlatan said,

00:48Farewell Herbie Flowers.

00:50He made the greats sound greater.

00:53That's ways Matt Osmond said, so many great basslines.

00:57Imagine having played on Space Oddity, Walk on the Wild Side and Rock On.

01:09Brian Keith Herbie Flowers was born in Isleworth in Middlesex in 1938.

01:15He began his music career as a bandsman in the Royal Air Force, where he played the tuba.

01:21But it was as a bass guitarist that he would become renowned.

01:25In a long and legendary career, he worked with David Bowie,

01:28Paul McCartney and Elton John, amongst others.

01:31He was the session musician's session musician.

01:34Always in demand, always capable of producing a special kind of magic.

01:40In a statement, his family said he had touched people's lives.

01:44We'll miss you, Uncle Herbie.

01:46Rock on.

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