Herbie Flowers, the legendary bassist whose remarkable talents graced around 500 hit songs, has passed away at the age of 86. Known as one of the most prolific session musicians of the 1970s, Flowers collaborated with a slew of iconic artists, including David Bowie, Lou Reed, Elton John, and three former Beatles—John Lennon being the notable exception.

One of Flowers’ standout contributions came in 1972 with Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side.” He created a two-note bassline that’s instantly recognizable today. The unique sound was born from his innovative approach: Flowers first laid down the track on a double bass, then overdubbed a line 10 notes higher using his Fender Jazz bass, effectively doubling his usual session fee. However, despite the song’s overwhelming success, Reed later reflected on its impact, admitting it took him two decades to “shake it out of his mind” due to the shift in audience perception.

In David Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” Flowers also played an essential role, adding a psychedelic bass part to the 1969 classic. Their relationship was often fraught; during the 1974 Diamond Dogs tour, Flowers uncovered plans to record their shows. He raised concerns with Bowie, asserting that if a live album was in the pipeline, the band deserved both a recording and performance fee. While Bowie’s management was displeased with Flowers’ demands, he ultimately secured compensation for the musicians. Ironically, Bowie would later view “David Live” as a point of decline for his Ziggy Stardust persona.

Flowers’ innovative double-tracked bass technique was showcased again in David Essex’s 1973 hit “Rock On.” Producer Jeff Wayne praised him for instinctively understanding how the minimalist arrangement could come together, laying down an initial riff and then layering a higher octave to create a captivating polyrhythmic feel. Flowers reunited with Wayne and Essex in 1978 for a musical adaptation of “The War of the Worlds,” featuring a star-studded cast that included Richard Burton and Phil Lynott.

In addition to his extensive session work, Flowers had his own musical pursuits. He co-founded the band Blue Mink in 1969, which enjoyed several hits like “Melting Pot” and “The Banner Man.” In 1970, he penned the catchy novelty song “Grandad,” recorded by Clive Dunn, inspired by a playful moment with his songwriting partner, Ken Pickett.

In 1978, he formed Sky, a progressive rock band that included classical guitarist John Williams and explored a variety of musical styles, recording seven albums before disbanding in 1995. He later partnered with drummer Peter Boita to produce the album “Poetry in Motion” in 1990, featuring works by poet John Betjeman and showcasing multiple renowned artists. The duo performed the album live at a charity event in 1992 and released a second album in 1998.

Born Brian Flowers in Isleworth, Middlesex, he experienced childhood during the Second World War, being evacuated for two years. After attending Tiffin Grammar School, he was conscripted into the Royal Air Force, where he earned the nickname “Herbie,” a playful nod to his surname. His musical journey began as a tuba player in the RAF Central Band, later shifting to Dixieland jazz bands. During a booking for the Queen Elizabeth ocean liner, he purchased his first electric guitar—a blue Fender Jazz bass—which became his iconic instrument.

Jazz remained Flowers’ first love, and in his later years, he often performed at jazz breakfasts during the Brighton Fringe Festival. Starting in the 1990s, he began teaching music at various colleges, sharing his knowledge through “rock shop” tutorials and hosting regular workshops from home while also founding community choirs.

Flowers had a long marriage to Ann Sanderson, beginning in 1959, and they welcomed two children before divorcing in 1992. Following Ann’s passing last year, Flowers found love again, marrying Claire Lacey, a cellist with the Finnish Chamber Orchestra. He is survived by Claire, his son Nick, daughter Jan, and granddaughter Lily.

Herbie Flowers, the celebrated musician who left a lasting legacy in the music world, was born on May 19, 1938, and passed away on September 5, 2024.