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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesHerbie Flowers, the British bassist and prolific session musician who played the memorable bass motif on Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side,” died on 5 September 2024, aged 86. The part’s distinctive sound came from layering double bass with an electric Fender Jazz bass overdub.
Who played bass on “Walk on the Wild Side”?
Herbie Flowers played the signature bass part on Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side,” from Reed’s 1972 album Transformer. Flowers was born Brian Keith Flowers on 19 May 1938. In an account published after his death, The Guardian reported that he died on 5 September 2024, aged 86.
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Transformer | $22.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Transformer | $28.22 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Lou Reed - Transformer | $46.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Transformer | $30.00 | Buy on Amazon |
How Flowers built the bass motif
The sound came from two bass parts rather than a single instrument. Flowers recorded the line first on double bass, then overdubbed an electric Fender Jazz bass part ten notes higher. The two layers give the motif its deep, rounded foundation and brighter, more prominent upper line.
What Flowers said about his contribution
Flowers described his work as arranging a line around music Reed had already written. As quoted in The Guardian’s 2024 report, he said: “People have often suggested that I should have got writer’s credits, but I just helped put an arrangement together.” He added: “Lou had the chords written out on a piece of paper and my job was to come up with the bass line.”
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#1 Best Overall
His account distinguishes the bass arrangement from songwriting credit: Reed supplied the chords, while Flowers devised the bass line. The Guardian report does not specify when Flowers originally made those remarks.
A career beyond one famous recording
The Guardian estimated that Flowers played on 500 hit songs over his career; that is the obituary’s estimate, not an independently audited discography count. Its list of artists he worked with includes David Bowie, Marc Bolan, Lou Reed, Elton John, Bryan Ferry and Cat Stevens, as well as three former Beatles other than John Lennon.
Rank #2
Blue Mink
Flowers was a founding member of Blue Mink. The group’s chart songs included “Melting Pot” and “The Banner Man.”
Sky
Flowers founded Sky, an instrumental progressive rock band. The Guardian reported that Sky released seven albums and performed with him until 1995.
Where to hear the performance
“Walk on the Wild Side” is on Reed’s 1972 album Transformer. Listening to the track in that album context makes it easier to hear how Flowers’s paired bass parts anchor the arrangement.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Vinyl Record
- Rock music LP
- RCA
- Vinyl Record - Rare rock, country or soul music LP
Rank #3
- Lou Reed
- Transformer
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