Bassist David Bowie Matthew Seligman dies at 64 after battle with coronavirus

Renowned bassist Matthew Seligman, who played with David Bowie on Live Aid in 1985, died of coronavirus at age 64.

The musician is best known for his role on 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 her friend’s death and said that a candlelight vigil to remember the star would be held on YouTube live on April 19 at 8 p.m.

Lovedly remembered: Renowned bassist Matthew Seligman, who played with David Bowie on Live Aid in 1985, died of coronavirus at age 64 (pictured in 2010)

Matthew had been fighting COVID-19 for two weeks and had been on a respirator at St George’s Hospital in London.

He leaves behind his son Deji, his daughter Lily and Mami, his partner and Lily’s mother.

Born in Cyprus and raised in England, the bassist stood out as a founding member of Bruce Woolley and Camera Club, and of the psychedelic group The Soft Boys.

Iconic: Seligman even played with David Bowie during his legendary Live Aid performance in 1985 (pictured)

Matthew also had short-term spells with The Fallout Club, The Thompson Twins, The Dolphin Brothers and joined Dolby’s solo group.

He earned a reputation as a session musician and collaborated with Morrissey, Tori Amos, Sinead O’Connor, and David Bowie.

He would even play in Bowie’s iconic 1985 performance on Live Aid to an audience of billions and also appeared on his next two albums.

Matthew moved to Japan for a few years in 2000 before returning to the UK and changing his profession to law, specializing in human rights.

‘Grateful’: Robyn Hitchcock, who directed The Soft Boys and played alongside Seligman, has paid tribute to the bassist

Soft Boys member Robyn Hitchcock paid tribute to his former bandmate and said, ‘Everyone is leaving, but none of us expected Matthew to leave us so abruptly, forever.

“ I am deeply grateful to have played music with him; You could really see his face light up like a full moon when he heard a shot he enjoyed.

On stage, he would wobble, wobble, and walk 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