Herbie Flowers has passed away at the age of 86 as tributes pour in for the musician who played alongside huge stars including Elton John and David Bowie

A musician who played with the likes of Sir Elton John, David Bowie and Paul McCartney has died aged 86.

Herbie Flowers’ death was confirmed on Facebook by close family members. Tributes from family and friends said Flowers was a “beautiful soul” and his musical contributions had touched many lives.

Flowers played bass in pop group Blue Mink and rock band T. Rex, and is thought to have contributed to more than 500 hit albums by the end of the 1970s. The guitarist was credited with creating the famous bassline in Lou Reed’s Walk on the Wild Side from his 1972 album Transformer.

Following the news of his passing, the estate of music superstar David Bowie released an eloquent homage on X, formerly known as Twitter, where Bowie had performed before. Flowers was the bass guitarist for Diamond Dogs (1974) and David Bowie’s self-titled album (1969).

“We have learned with great sadness that Herbie Flowers passed away in the previous few days. Too much has been done over the years by him with Bowie and associates to mention here. In addition to being an amazing musician for many years, he had a lovely soul and was a hilarious man. We shall sincerely miss him. His family and friends are in our thoughts,” the message said.

The tributes were led by Tim Burgess, frontman of The Charlatans, who said that Flowers “made the greats sound greater”. Mat Osman, the bass player for Suede, also contributed tributes externally, stating: “RIP Herbie Flowers.” Imagine having played on Space Oddity, Walk on the Wild Side, and Rock On—there are so many amazing basslines.”

Born Brian Keith Flowers, his love for music started in the Royal Air Force in the 1950s, where he served for nine years as a bandsman playing the tuba.