Bowie’s bassist dies, 86
RIPTributes are flowing for the late Herbie Flowers, whose distinctive twang can be heard on recordings by David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Elton John and, indelibly, on Lou Reed’s Walk On The Wild Side.
Herbie learned to play an instrument as a national serviceman in the Royal Air Force. His credit apppears on some 500 releases.
And a fine tuba player, too: the sweetly innocent Tuba Smarties.
He possessed the rare talent of knowing exactly the right note to play at the right time, and no more.
He also produced some lovely winsome songs.
RIP.
Walk On The Wild Side is second only to the Hammerklavier among the all time greatest musical achievements.
I remember him standing in for the local sixth-form college orchestra when they were a player down. Very nice fella.
Herbie only received £17 for the bass line in Walk On the Wild Side. But immortality as well. Isn’t it playing in your mind at this moment,!