Bassist Phil Chen who played for some of rock ‘n’ roll’s biggest legends died December 14 following a long battle with cancer, his family announced on Facebook.
Chen played on Rod Stewart’s Da Ya Think I’m Sexy and his album Blondes Have More Fun.
In a 2014 video entitled A day in the life with Phil Chen at EastWest Studio & his jam room, Chen talked about how the Lone Rangers inspired him as he played his familiar riff in Da Ya Think I’m Sexy. He also showed off his skills as a soloist.
Other stars who benefited from Chen’s bass playing included Rod Beck and his classic 1975 album Blow by Blow and he also had a long association with the Doors and Eric Clapton and John Marley, according to Ultimate Classic Rock.
“With heavy hearts, we share the news that Phil Chen passed away on the morning of December 14, 2021 after a long battle with cancer. He spent his final days surrounded by family and close friends and cherished time with his grandchildren who always brightened his day. He will be missed greatly and his contagious passion for music and positive energy on and off the stage will be remembered always,” the announcement on Facebook said.
He was 75.
Born in Jamaica in 1946, he moved to England in the 1960s, according to Metro. During a virtual ceremony on November 13, the Asian Hall of Fame inducted Chen as part of a class of 10.
AsAmNews has Asian America in its heart. We’re an all-volunteer effort of dedicated staff and interns. Check out our new Instagram account. Go to our Twitter feed and Facebook page for more content. Please consider interning, joining our staff, or submitting a story, or making a contribution.
