In Memoriam: Erik Scott

Erik Scott

Sad news to report today: Erik Scott has passed away after a long battle with cancer. He was 71 years old. The news was shared on his official Facebook page by his wife, Mickie Scott.

“It is with a very heavy heart, that I let you know that Erik Eski Scott has lost his battle with cancer today,” she wrote. “Up to the end, he had expressed his love of music and his deep appreciation for having so many talented musicians and friends throughout his life. He was deeply moved by the love and support he received during his battle here at home and in the hospital. Please wish him well on his journey and know that we are so grateful for your support, and as Eski would say, ‘It’s never goodbye, but hang in there!'”

Scott’s career on bass began in 1969, but his breakthrough came in 1974 when he began recording and performing with Flo & Eddie. He can be heard on the duo’s albums Illegal, Immoral and Fattening as well as Moving Targets. He spent the rest of the decade recording with and producing several artists as well as composing and recording music for TV shows like Starsky & Hutch and Charlie’s Angels.

In 1980, things took a heavier turn. He was hired as Alice Cooper’s bassist for the band’s Flush the Fashion world tour. The position was a good fit for Scott, who would continue in the band and contribute to the writing on Special Forces and Zipper Catches Skin. His stint in the band ended in 1982, but he would return to produce and compose for Alice Cooper through the years.

The ’90s saw Scott become an original member of Sonia Dada, a Chicago-based band that blended rock, R&B, blues, and soul music. He also co-wrote “Father, Father” for “Pops” Staples on an album that won a Grammy for “Best Contemporary Blues Album” in 1994. A decade later he would work on the Mavis Staples album Have A Little Faith. More recently, Scott had been working on solo projects. His final solo album, In the Company of Clouds, came out in 2016.

Ryan Madora summed up Scott’s talents in a 2015 edition of Bass Players to Know: “Scott’s mastery lies somewhere between his ear for production, his mind for composition, and his ability to fit in with different musical styles,” she wrote. “He plays to the song with both his tone and musical movements. Not afraid to rock, his ability to perfectly execute thematic riffs, forcefully pedal the root, strike strong downbeats, and fill in the gaps with slides and noise makes him a great fit for the in-your-face rock of the 1980s. He also excels as a fretless player, integrating high melodic slides and beautifully sustained notes to his solo records and the music of Sonia Dada.”

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Erik Scott.

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  1. Jahenna

    Thank you for writing this informative article on Erik Eski Scott, heck of a musician, writer and producer. Rock in Peace