| 29 March 2009
This is a list paying homage to all the bass players who brought the bass out of the shadows and into the front of the band, singing. For too long, bass players like Smokey and I have been relegated to the corner of the stage, behind the crash cymbal, and floor toms. Well, no more, I say. These great rock bassists have paved the way for guys like us to get in front of that microphone and get that adoration from teenage girls we all want. Well, at least, what us bass players want.
10. Mark King-Level 42.
More than just a 80's alternative band, Mark King and Level 42 was making great funk-jazz-alt rock music throughout the 80s and early 90s. Best known for their hit single and video, "Something About You". Mark could really wail on the bass, slapping and snapping with the best of them, and his vocals were quite good, too.
9. Phil Lynott-Thin Lizzy.
Gritty 70s bassist and great vocalist for the Irish hard rock band, Thin Lizzy. Best remembered for the huge hit, "The Boys are Back in Town". I'll always remember them for their version of "Whiskey in the Jar".
8. Brian Wilson-Beach Boys.
Yes, Brian Wilson was the principal bass player for the Beach Boys, later switched to keyboards, but all of their early recordings, (and most of their catalog), had Wilson on bass guitar. Had some cool bass lines in many of their songs, and his vocals are unmatched. If this list had included songwriting, Wilson would probably be number one.
7. John Wetton-King Crimson/Asia.
Wetton is a very underrated bass player, best known for his time with the 80's hitmaker, Asia. His work on bass for King Crimson is great, on Asia is decent. Very good lead singer. "Heat of the Moment" is one of the best songs out of the 80s, and always reminds me of my senior year. Waaa...
6. Bootsy Collins-Parliament/Funkadelic/James Brown/Dee-Lite.
This is for Smokey. This old school 70s basist, is the godfather of funk bass. He is one of the two original slappers, (along with Sly and the Family Stone's Larry Graham). He has influenced more bass players than anyone and his comedic vocals have lent themselves to many recordings.
5a. Roger Waters-Pink Floyd
How could I forget about Roger Waters? One of the all-time great songwriters of rock and roll. An undeniable genius, not only in his songwriting, but his memorable bass lines. Maybe not technically fast and proficient as others on this list, he still created some of the greatest bass lines and riffs ever. Listen to Comfortably numb or Hey You to get an idea of his unmatched creativity.
5. Jack Bruce-Cream/John Mayall's Bluesbreakers.
Considered one of the best bass players of the late 60's-early 70's, Bruce's best known for the power trio, Cream. This band, with Eric Clapton on guitar and Ginger Baker on drums, was considered the first, "Supergroup". They took the World by storm, releasing hit after hit, most of which were written by Bruce. If not for Bruce's decades long battle with drug addiction, he would have been much, much bigger.
4. Geddy Lee-Rush.
Certainly has the most recognizable voice of this group. His super-high voice is impossible to duplicate. As a matter of fact, most Rush cover bands I've seen usually have a female lead singer. Besides his soprano rock voice and model good looks, he could really move on the bass. Growing up, I was always trying to master Rush licks on the bass. It was always cool to warm up on the bass by playing some Rush bass line. This Canadian prog-rock band dominated the early 80s, selling out arenas worldwide.
3. Sting-The Police.
One of the most well-known rock stars of the last 30 years, singing for 80's supergroup, The Police and, of course, his well founded solo career.I just recently saw The Police live and I was thoroughly impressed with his bass-playing ability. His raspy, soulful voice is one of the most recognizable voices in rock history. Also, Sting was the prototypical lead man. I hated him in "Dune though. Stick to music, Gordon.
2. Les Claypool-Primus/Frog Brigade.
Man, can this weird mofo play the bass. He has practically reinvented this instrument. He does things that no one else has ever done before on the bass. His vocals aren't all that great, but he's funny, he likes to wear Civil War uniforms and don funny hats. He is a front man for the new millenium. His work on the Sabbath cover, War Pigs, is mind blowing.
1. Sir Paul McCartney-The Beatles/Wings.
Who else could it be? I mean, this guy is a genius. He is the ultimate front man of the greatest and most infuential band of all-time, The Beatles. Certainly not the most technical bass player on the list, (okay, maybe not even on the top 5), but he crafted some great bass lines, while writing the most impressive song catalog in rock. His bass work influnced generations after him. His bass work in Wings is also pretty impressive, even better than some of The Beatles work. His vocals are second to none. He's been making hit after hit for 45 years now and isn't slowing down, despite his one-legged ex's attacks.
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Comments (8)
Subscribe to this comment's feedno rog?
also, John Entwistle also sang right?
From a huge hippy such as yourself, im surprised you left off Phil Lesh
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