David Bowie bass guitarist Matthew Seligman dies aged 64 after coronavirus battle
Renowned bass guitarist Matthew Seligman, who played with David Bowie at Live Aid in 1985, has died from coronavirus aged 64.
The musician is best known for his role in the new wave scene in the 1980s and was a member of The Soft Boys and The Thompson Twins, also collaborating with Thomas Dolby.
Dolby, 61, confirmed his friend’s death and said a candlelight vigil to remember the star would be held on YouTube live on 19 April at 8pm, saying: ‘Matthew would want us to remember the good times and have a party.’
Fondly remembered: Renowned bass guitarist Matthew Seligman, who played with David Bowie at Live Aid in 1985, has died from coronavirus aged 64 (pictured in 2010)
Matthew had been battling COVID-19 for two weeks and had been on a ventilator at St George’s Hospital in London.
He leaves behind son Deji, daughter Lily, and Mami, his partner and Lily’s mother.
Born in Cyprus and raised in England, the bassist first came to prominence as a founding member of Bruce Woolley and the Camera Club, and psychedelic group The Soft Boys.
Iconic: Seligman even played with David Bowie during his legendary performance at Live Aid in 1985 (pictured)
Matthew also had short-lived spells with The Fallout Club, The Thompson Twins, The Dolphin Brothers and joined Dolby’s solo group.
He gained a reputation as a session musician and collaborated with Morrissey, Tori Amos, Sinead O’Connor and David Bowie.
He would even play at Bowie’s iconic 1985 performance at Live Aid to an audience of billions and also featured on his next two albums.
Matthew moved to Japan for a few years in 2000 before returning to the UK and switching professions to law, specialising in human rights.
‘Grateful’: Robyn Hitchcock, who fronted The Soft Boys and played alongside Seligman, has paid tribute to the bassist
Fellow Soft Boys member Robyn Hitchcock paid tribute to his former bandmate, saying: ‘Everybody goes, but none of us were expecting Matthew to leave us so abruptly, forever.
‘I’m profoundly grateful to have played music with him – you could really see his face light up like a full moon when he listened back to a take he enjoyed.
‘Onstage he would lope and lurch and pace when the music moved him. Matthew is, was, and always will be one of the greats.’
‘One of the greats’: The bassist and lawyer has been fondly remembered by his former bandmates