Trevor Bolder, the bass player who was one of the founding
members of David Bowie's legendary backing band the Spiders From Mars, died
Tuesday at the age of 62, after suffering from pancreatic cancer for several
years.
Bolder played on several classic Bowie albums, including Hunky Dory, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, and Aladdin Sane.
The English musician and record producer was also known for being a
member of British rock group Uriah Heep, joining them in the late 1970s and
playing with them throughout his career. He appeared on the band's most recent
album, Into the Wild, in 2011, and was planning to join them for their
performance at the Download Festival in June, reports NME.
Bolder also played
with Mick Ronson and Wishbone Ash.
Uriah Heep issued the following statement about Bolder's
death:
"It is with great sadness that Uriah Heep announce the
passing of our friend the amazing Trevor Bolder, who has passed away after his
long fight with cancer. Trevor was an all time great, one of the outstanding
musicians of his generation, and one of the finest and most influential bass
players that Britain ever produced. His long time membership of Uriah Heep
brought the band's music, and Trevor's virtuosity and enthusiasm, to hundreds of
thousands of fans across the world. He joined the band in 1976 and, barring one
short break, was a fixture until his ill health forced him to take a step back
early this year."
Lead guitarist Mick Box said, "Trevor was a world class
bass player, singer and songwriter, and more importantly a world class friend.
He will be sadly missed by family, friends and rock fans all over the world. We
are all numb to the core."
