Matthew Seligman (14 July 1955 – 17 April 2020) was a highly regarded English bassist, known for his work with a diverse range of influential artists across the new wave and post-punk music scenes of the 1980s. Throughout his career, he played alongside some of the era’s most iconic musicians, including Thomas Dolby, David Bowie, and Robyn Hitchcock.
Born in Cyprus and raised in Wimbledon, Seligman developed a passion for bass after being influenced by Paul McCartney, Tina Weymouth, and Andy Fraser. He began his professional career as a founding member of Bruce Woolley and the Camera Club, playing on their 1979 album English Garden. This was the band that first brought him together with Thomas Dolby. After leaving the Camera Club, Seligman joined the Soft Boys, contributing to their seminal 1980 album Underwater Moonlight. He later played with the Thompson Twins, appearing on their 1982 album Set, and was also part of Dolby’s solo band, featuring on the hit single “She Blinded Me with Science” from The Golden Age of Wireless.
As a session musician, Seligman’s bass playing graced albums by artists such as the Waterboys, Morrissey, Sinead O’Connor, and Tori Amos. He also performed with David Bowie at Live Aid in 1985 and contributed to Bowie’s Labyrinth soundtrack and the single “Absolute Beginners.”
In the following decades, Seligman continued to collaborate with various artists, including Thomas Dolby and the Radio Science Orchestra.
He also worked on projects like Neon Sisters and the Magical Creatures’ Wishing Machine.
Sadly Seligman passed away on 17 April 2020, aged 64, after contracting COVID-19. His death was a great loss to the music world, but his contributions continue to resonate through the numerous recordings he left behind.
