Trevor Bolder loses battle with cancer

Bass player passes away aged 62.

Published 22nd May 2013

The musician was known primarily for his work with Uriah Heep, whom he played almost continuously since 1976, and David Bowie's Spiders from Mars, the band he joined in 1971. His playing can be heard on the Bowie albums Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane.

"Trevor was a wonderful musician and a major inspiration for whichever band he was working with. But he was foremostly a tremendous guy, a great man" said Bowie.

Bolder was also a close friend of Planet Rock presenter Joe Elliott, who will be paying tribute to him in his show this Saturday.

Tributes were paid last night to the man and his talent, both of which were described by Mick Box as  "world class". Despite undergoing surgery for pancreatic cancer earlier this year, Bolder lost the battle on Monday evening.

An official statement from Uriah Heep read:

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.