Until I decided to take up bass, there I could have only listed a small number of bassists: Tina Weymouth, Flea, Sting, Billy Gibbons, Geddy Lee, Michael Anthony,and Marko Hietala (formerly of Nightwish). The only ones I can think of that I ever appreciated specifically for their skill on bass were Flea and Sting.
Since I retired and got my bass during the flu panic, I’ve been exposed via internet to some people I want to be like when I grow up:: Lee Sklar (I always wondered who the bearded guy in the Sussudio video was), Billy Sheehan, Marcus Miller, Victor Wooten, and the list continues to grow.
i’ll have to revisit this thread next year to update everybody on how my appreciation of musicians has grown…
Seriously though Lemmy, Steve Harris (before Maiden started sucking), Joey Demaio and Geezer Butler are all incredible. Jack Bruce and John Entwhistle are both legends. I’ve recently discovered Paul Gray (ex-Damned) - video attached for reference…
Yup, same. I was a guitar player for a long time before taking up bass. Bassists rarely registered with me. I knew the flashy ones — Flea, Billy Sheehan, etc. — and the ones who sang — Geddy Lee, Sting — and a couple of others like Tina Weymouth. Because, well, she’s just cool.
But I have a newfound appreciation for “pocket” players like Lee Sklar and David Hood. And a weird new appreciation for disco . When I was a metal/punk/New Wave guy in the 70s & 80s, disco was anathema, but, damn, those are some good bass lines! Who knew that in my mid 50s I would re-discover Donna Summer and Earth, Wind & Fire.
ETA: Kinga Glyk absolutely ripping “September”
Yes, this is true, NPFTD, X Factor, Virtual XI and Brave New World were weaker overall. Ok, ok. You got me, but for a couple of gems they were pretty terrible.
. When I was a metal/punk/New Wave guy in the 70s & 80s, disco was anathema, but, damn, those are some good bass lines! Who knew that in my mid 50s I would re-discover Donna Summer and Earth, Wind & Fire.
