Herbie Flowers, one of the most celebrated session bassists in the history of popular music, passed away on September 5, 2024, at the age of 86.
Born Brian Keith Flowers on May 19, 1938, in Isleworth, England, he began his musical journey playing the tuba before picking up the bass. His distinctive playing style became iconic in the 1960s and 70s, as he worked with some of the biggest names in rock, including David Bowie, Lou Reed, and Elton John.
Flowers' bass lines helped define the sound of many legendary tracks, and his influence on the music world is profound. Here’s a look at six of his most famous contributions.
Scroll down for the PDF with the TAB and notation.
1. Hold On – Ian Gomm
Released in 1979, Hold On by Ian Gomm is a testament to Herbie Flowers' ability to create a subtle but effective groove. This track features his smooth, melodic bass line that perfectly complements Gomm's pop-rock style. Flowers’ steady playing provides a solid foundation, proving that sometimes the best bass parts are the ones you feel more than hear.
2. Horsell Common and the Heat Ray – Jeff Wayne (The War of the Worlds)
Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds is a masterpiece of progressive rock storytelling, and Flowers’ contribution to Horsell Common and the Heat Ray is a standout. The deep, menacing bass mirrors the tension and drama of the track, blending perfectly with Wayne’s orchestral arrangements. Flowers' work on this concept album helped give it the grand, cinematic feel it is known for.
3. New York City (You’re a Woman) – Al Kooper
Herbie Flowers added his distinctive touch to Al Kooper's 1971 track New York City (You’re a Woman). The bass line on this song is a blend of jazz and rock, with Flowers’ walking bass line providing a playful counterpoint to Kooper's piano and vocals. It’s a great example of his versatility and ability to seamlessly switch between musical genres.
4. Jump Into The Fire – Harry Nilsson
Herbie Flowers’ driving, distorted bass line in Jump Into The Fire is one of the most recognizable bass riffs in rock history. Taken from Nilsson’s 1971 Nilsson Schmilsson album, this song features a relentless, hypnotic groove that pushes the track into a chaotic, almost manic energy. Flowers' playing here is both raw and powerful, showing just how essential the bass can be to a song’s overall feel.
5. Rock On – David Essex
In Rock On, released in 1973, Flowers created one of the most unusual and innovative bass lines ever recorded. Flowers double tracked two bass parts—one pitched higher than the other—giving the song its eerie, minimalist groove. This inventive approach helped the song become a hit and remains a textbook example of how creativity in bass playing can completely transform a track.
6. Walk On The Wild Side – Lou Reed
Flowers’ most famous contribution to music is undoubtedly the bass line for Walk On The Wild Side. Lou Reed’s 1972 classic is anchored by Flowers’ iconic sliding bass part, which was recorded using both electric and double bass, creating a unique texture. This bass line is so recognizable that it has become a part of music history, and it solidified Flowers' reputation as a master of the instrument.
5 Herbie Flowers Bass Lines - TAB/Notation
Herbie Flowers Iconic Bass Lines Playlist
Herbie Flowers' career spanned decades, during which he played on thousands of recordings and left an indelible mark on the music industry. His ability to adapt to different genres while always maintaining his distinctive style made him one of the most sought-after bassists in the world.
