Trevor Bolder, longtime Uriah Heep bassist and former member of David Bowie's backing band, has passed away at the age of 62. The musician sadly died today (May 21) after a battle with cancer.

The British musician leaves behind an incredibly distinguished career, having played with David Bowie for a number of years, contributing bass and occasional trumpet parts to such classic albums as 'Hunky Dory' (1971), 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars' (1972), 'Aladdin Sane' (1973) and 'Pin Ups' (1973).

Bolder was also a longtime member of Uriah Heep from 1976-1981 and once again from 1983 until 2013, putting in a total of 35 years with the band. Bolder can be heard on a total of 21 separate releases from the pioneering British hard rock band, including studio albums and official live records.

Uriah Heep memorialized their longtime bassist in a heartfelt statement:

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 longtime 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. Prior to joining Heep, he was a founder and ever-present member of David Bowie's legendary Spiders from Mars band, performing on all of their key albums and at countless shows. He also performed with Wishbone Ash, Cybernauts and The Rats.

Uriah Heep guitarist Mick Box added:

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.

Our best wishes go out to the family, friends and bandmates of Trevor Bolder, and we thank the musician for over four decades of great music.

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