Brian “Herbie” Flowers, the British bassist whose playing shaped some of the most iconic recordings of the 20th century, has died aged 86.

Known for his work across diverse genres – from pop and rock to classical and jazz – Flowers’ unpretentious but masterful playing earned him a place among the most respected session musicians of his time.

Although his name may not be immediately recognisable to many, his distinctive bass lines have left an indelible mark on popular music, most famously in Lou Reed’s Walk on the Wild Side, David Bowie’s Space Oddity and David Essex’s Rock On.

Herbie Flowers (1938–2024)

Born in 1938 in West London, Flowers trained as a tuba player while serving in the Royal Air Force. During his service he developed an interest in the double bass and played in several Dixieland jazz outfits in the late 1950s.

Flowers began playing professionally in the 1960s, and his adaptability soon saw him in demand across London’s thriving music scene. He was a founding member of Blue Mink, a British pop group known for Melting Pot, and also co-founded the jazz-rock band T. Rex with Marc Bolan.

But it was as...