There are a number of songs on the ’70s charts where a dominant bass line has really made the recording. Think of Jump Into the Fire by Harry Nilsson, Rock On by David Essex, and Lou Reed’s Walk on the Wild Side.
The guy responsible for those was Herbie Flowers, one of the most influential and prolific bass players in British popular music.
The distinctive sound of Walk on the Wild Side came from Herbie overdubbing both double bass and electric bass, producing one of the most recognisable bass parts in rock history.
Although his name was not widely known outside musician circles, millions of people have heard Herbie Flowers playing on some of the most famous recordings of the 1960s, 1970s and beyond. During his career he is estimated to have played on hundreds of hit records and more than 20,000 recording sessions.
Born Brian Keith Flowers in Isleworth, England, in 1938, he first learned the tuba and later took up double bass while serving in the Royal Air Force. After leaving the service, he became an in-demand session musician, equally comfortable on electric bass, double bass and tuba.
As well as the aforementioned Nilsson, Essex and Reed songs, Flowers also played on David Bowie’s Space Oddity and numerous recordings by Elton John, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. He contributed to songs by Bryan Ferry and Cat Stevens, and he also played bass on Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of the Worlds.
Beyond session work, Flowers was a founding member of the bands Blue Mink and Sky. He also spent time with T.Rex and composed the 1970 chart-topping novelty hit Grandad for actor-singer Clive Dunn.
Known for his humour, versatility and impeccable musicianship, Flowers remained active as a performer, teacher and community choir leader well into later life. Following his death in September 2024 at the age of 86, tributes poured in from across the music world, recognising a musician whose bass lines helped define the sound of modern rock and pop.
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