British bassist Herbie Flowers , who performed with David Bowie , Elton John , and Paul McCartney , died on Saturday aged 86. His family confirmed his death on Facebook, with tributes pouring in almost immediately, praising his “incredible musicianship”. “While we knew and loved him as Uncle Herbie, his musical contributions have likely touched your lives as well,” wrote Kevin J Conklin, who is married to Flowers’s niece Lorraine Bassett.
“He played bass on many of the songs from the golden age of rock. “Not many of us get our own entry in Wikipedia as Herbie did. Herbie’s musical contributions continued as he worked to involve children in music later in life.
Herbie played a huge role in Lorraine’s life as a substitute father. Herbie walked her down the aisle at our wedding. She loved him dearly.
I was blessed to have known him. We’ll miss you Uncle Herbie! Rock on,” he wrote. No cause of death was announced.
Bowie’s estate paid tribute and said: “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.
” Lead singer of the Charlatans, Tim Burgess, posted on X: “Farewell Herbie Flowers, he made the greats sound greater.” Mat Osman, Suede’s bassist, also posted on X: “Ah, damn. RIP Herbie Flowers.
So many great basslines – imagine having played on ‘Space Oddity,’ ‘Walk on the Wild Side’ and ‘Rock On’.” Flower.