Bassist Matthew Seligman, who performed with David Bowie, dead at 64 from coronavirus complications
English musician Matthew Seligman, who backed artists including David Bowie, Morrissey and Sinéad O'Connor, has died from coronavirus complications. He was 64.
In a Facebook post shared Friday, fellow musician and collaborator Thomas Dolby shared a statement from Kevin Armstrong, another musician who worked with Bowie.
"Very sad news from Kevin Armstrong just now: 'Friday: Matthew Seligman has suffered a catastrophic haemorrhagic (sic) stroke from which he won't recover. It is expected that he will not survive longer than 12/24 hours. His ventilator will be gradually withdrawn until the inevitable end. I am so sad to have to bear this terrible news. I have loved him as a friend and a fellow musician for 40 years,' " Dolby's post read.
Dolby added more information, confirming that Seligman had been admitted to the hospital with the novel coronavirus.
"Matthew has been on a ventilator in an induced coma for two weeks, after being admitted to St George’s London with Covid-19," he wrote. "He has a partner and two kids living in Wimbledon. Kevin has been liaising with them. He has no other close relatives, as his parents are gone and his brother passed away a month ago. I don't have words."
Hours later, Dolby posted an update, sharing: "Matthew’s gone."
In addition to Bowie, Seligman played bass for multiple other artists and groups, including Dolby, The Soft Boys and the Thompson Twins.
He was also a founding member of Bruce Woolley & The Camera Club, which also included his friend Dolby.
On Sunday, Dolby live-streamed a tribute for Seligman on YouTube.
The tribute was virtually attended by Armstrong, English singer-songwriter Tom Bailey and more family and friends.
Other stars have also passed away from COVID-19 complications, including British performer Tim Brooke-Taylor, a member of comedy trio The Goodies. He died April 12 from the virus at 79.
Emmy- and Grammy-winning musician Adam Schlesinger, co-founder of the band Fountains of Wayne, also died from coronavirus complications on April 1. He was 52.
More: Photographer Peter Beard confirmed dead at 82 after going missing for nearly three weeks
More: Sirio Maccioni, who opened famed eatery Le Cirque, dies at 88