Long-standing Uriah Heep bassist and integral member of David Bowie’s Spiders From Mars, Trevor Bolder, has died of cancer, aged 62.

Alongside guitarist Mick Ronson, Bolder joined Bowie’s flamboyant backing band in 1971 and performed on the albums Hunky Dory, The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars, Aladdin Sane and Pin Ups.

Following the split of The Spiders’, Bolder opened the next major chapter of his musical career by joining progressive hard rock outfit Uriah Heep, where he replaced bassist John Wetton. Bolder made his recording debut with the band on the 1977 album Firefly, and appeared on every major release right up until 2011.

In addition to his iconic sideburns and incredibly influential approach to the bass guitar, Bolder was known among his peers as an innovator arranger, singer, songwriter and solid gold friend with a tremendous work ethic and dedication to his craft.

It is fair to say that Trevor has left a huge gap in the world of rock and roll, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of his fans and the hands of young and aspiring musicians who have just had their first taste of Ziggy or Heep.

Thank you for the music.