My choice would be John Paul Jones. Apparently he is still unhappy that he didn't get the credit he deserved for his work with LZ. He is probably right. Listen to some hard, driving rock by LZ and Jones will be at the heart of it, providing the foundation for Page's solos.

John Entwhistle would be my second choice.

Great bass guitarists.. hmmm.

Entwistle, is famous for introducing the power bass sound with slightly distorted driving bass, and who can forget his famous solo in my generation, but some of his licks were slightly embarrasing. And he often played too many notes when less could have been more.

For me the GREATEST bass guitar players ever! were..
Billy Sheehan (David Lee Roth), Bob Daisley(Ozzy and others), Bill Gould (Faith No More), Flea (Read Hot Chili Peps[but that good not recently]), Mark Bedders Bedford (madness)James Jamerson (motown), Paul Simonon (clash)

second division include, Entwisle(who), John Paul Jones(zeppelin), Tom Hamilton (aerosmith), Stu Zender (jamaroquai), Jeff Ament(pearl jam) -
these guys did something special, which while not technically astounding in most cases, , made an incredible difference to the sound of the band, which possibly helped propel the band to worldwide success.

im shocked nobodys mentioned phil lynnott from thin lizzy:o :o :o

Originally posted by LordChaverly
My choice would be John Paul Jones. Apparently he is still unhappy that he didn't get the credit he deserved for his work with LZ. He is probably right. Listen to some hard, driving rock by LZ and Jones will be at the heart of it, providing the foundation for Page's solos.

John Entwhistle would be my second choice.

lol chaverly you're correct again!

1. JPJ
2. John Entwistle
3. Flea

:thumbsup:

Originally posted by panda79
im shocked nobodys mentioned phil lynnott from thin lizzy
Well He was a great singer and frontman, who played solid rock bass but what he played on bass wasn't astounding or groundbreaking, and if he'd had broke an arm and had to have a stand in bass player, you wouldn't have worried that it wouldn't have sounded as good

The most Forgettable famous bass players
Michael Anthony (van halen) purposely boring so as not to takeanything away from his boss Eddie.
Mark King (level42) ok he was good at slapping but couldn't do anything else, and someone else played all the other bits.
Sid Viscious (sex pistols) so bad that the guitarist in the band had to record his parts
Bill Wyman (rolling stones) solid but boring, also not playing on all the recordings when he was in the band
Paul McCartney (beatles) not famous for his bass playing
Joey Tempest (Europe) gave up playing bass to concentrate on being a frontman
Blackie Lawless (w.a.s.p.) gave up playing bass when a better guy came to play who was much better.

Phil Lynott is the daddy! A close second are Cliff Burton (ex Metallica bassist now deceased), Jason Newsted (ex Metallica) and John Entwistle.

Hooky from Joy Division - best bass riffs ever in my humble opinion...

Purely for the innovative use of the bass I'd have to say Geddy Lee of Rush and as runner up Cliff Burton from Metallica.

Originally posted by muddycoffee
For me the GREATEST bass guitar players ever! were..
Billy Sheehan (David Lee Roth), Bill Gould (Faith No More), Flea (Read Hot Chili Peps[but that good not recently])

very much agree with those

i quite like gene simmons from kiss, his early work had a lot of bass driven ideas.


its great bass players people....not bass players famous because they are frontmen ;)

I really cannot decide here. A few suggestions would be; Jah Wobble, Peter Hook, John Wetton, John Paul Jones, Percy Jones.

JJ Burnel hasn't been mentioned and he's a fantastic bass player.:thumbsup:

Tony Levin of the later incarnations of King Crimson is one of the very best. Bernard Paganotti of Magma. Holger Czukay of Can. And one of the most virtuoso bits of bass playing I've ever come across was by a guy called Colin Hodgkinson who played for a jazz-rock band called Back Door who I believe came from somewhere in Yorkshire.

How come no mention for the one, the only

Lemmy

but also

Duff McKagan (Velvet Revolver/ex G n'R)
Les Claypool (Primus)
Matt Freeman (Rancid)
Flea
Cliff Burton
Jason Newstead
Geezer Butler
Nick Oliveri (ex QOTSA)
Timmy C (Audioslave/ex RATM)
Matt Cameron (Soundgarden)

Originally posted by metalman
Tony Levin of the later incarnations of King Crimson is one of the very best. Bernard Paganotti of Magma. Holger Czukay of Can. And one of the most virtuoso bits of bass playing I've ever come across was by a guy called Colin Hodgkinson who played for a jazz-rock band called Back Door who I believe came from somewhere in Yorkshire.

I meant to mention Holger Czukay in my original post. I am still a big Can fan. They have a style all of their own - a kind of throbbing, pulsating, shimmering and mesmeric quality. I rate them above other German bands of the same era, such as Kraftwerk (at their best brilliant too), Tangerine Dream, Amon Duul or La Dussedorf.

hmm, tough one, depends on taste.... there are too many to choose from, so here are a few


Gene Simmons

Flea

Tom Hamilton - Sweet Emotion bass line was his idea! That is, personally, the best Aerosmith track and my favourite! It was the song that got me into them!

Some would probably not agree, but Peter Steele of Type O Negative, I love the bass line on 'We Hate Everyone'. His style is slowish, sometimes fast, but for me catchy! - I guess that is just my personal preference!

Nikki Sixx!

Originally posted by muddycoffee
The most Forgettable famous bass players
Michael Anthony (van halen) purposely boring so as not to takeanything away from his boss Eddie.
Mark King (level42) ok he was good at slapping but couldn't do anything else, and someone else played all the other bits.
Sid Viscious (sex pistols) so bad that the guitarist in the band had to record his parts
Bill Wyman (rolling stones) solid but boring, also not playing on all the recordings when he was in the band
Paul McCartney (beatles) not famous for his bass playing
Joey Tempest (Europe) gave up playing bass to concentrate on being a frontman
Blackie Lawless (w.a.s.p.) gave up playing bass when a better guy came to play who was much better.

I agree with most of what you say, except the part about McCartney. It's generally considered that Paul was/is a fabulous bass player and is cited by many modern bassists for playing some of the most melodic and intricate basslines of the early/mid 60s.

Apart from Macca, my favourite bassman is Jack Bruce.

Mani Stone Roses / Primal Scream Fame

Originally posted by mojoworking
Paul was/is a fabulous bass player and is cited by many modern bassists for playing some of the most melodic and intricate basslines of the early/mid 60s.

Speaking as someone who played bass guitar and studied the instrument for nearly 2 decades, as well as a serious beatles music fan who often picks apart their music using both music manuscript and close study of the CDs and enjoys their clever musical tricks and chord progressions.
Paul McCartney, while a distinguished musician and half of one of the most important music writing partnerships of the late 20th century. I can confirm that he plays bass like a failed guitar player who's concentrating on his singing.

Ok silly love songs and day tripper were good bass riffs, but out of Beatles/wings/Mccartney back catalogue I struggle to think of anything else which is worth a mention on bass.

Do you have any examples?

At a similar time, motown had the Legendary James jamerson who played in the Motown studios, and his bass lines were groundbreaking because he was one of the first people to convert to bass guitar from upright bass. He came up with many brilliant and extraordinary bass lines including I was made to love her by Stevie Wonder, I want you back by the Jackson 5, and many others. You can regularly hear his riffs reused in modern records all the time, and is frequently remembered as a genius.

He played on nealy 30 uk no1 singles and over 70 number 1s in the american R&Bcharts.

Originally posted by muddycoffee
Speaking as someone who played bass guitar and studied the instrument for nearly 2 decades, as well as a serious beatles music fan who often picks apart their music using both music manuscript and close study of the CDs and enjoys their clever musical tricks and chord progressions.
Paul McCartney, while a distinguished musician and half of one of the most important music writing partnerships of the late 20th century. I can confirm that he plays bass like a failed guitar player who's concentrating on his singing.

Ok silly love songs and day tripper were good bass riffs, but out of Beatles/wings/Mccartney back catalogue I struggle to think of anything else which is worth a mention on bass.

Do you have any examples?


Without even mentioning his post-Beatles' work, there's Paperback Writer, Rain, most of Sgt Pepper, Taxman, Hello Goodbye, much of Abbey Road etc.

As someone who has been in several pub bands over the years, I can tell you that it's not always easy to figure out what's going on in those mid-to-late period Beatles' songs.

You have to consider his playing in the context of what was happening elsewhere at the time. Macca's style may seem simple to us now, but it was groundbreaking and hugely influential in the 60s.

Jaco Pastorius is easily the best bass player I've ever heard, certainly technically speaking. He's the equivalent of Jimi Hendrix of the bass world. However I'm not too keen on the style of music he played (fusion). His debut album 'Jaco Pastorius' (1976) provides a good intro to his awesome chordal techniques, 16th notes and false and natural harmonics. He also played with Weather Report between 1976 and 81.

My personal fave bassists in terms of originality, tone, creativity and versatility are all rock and blues based, they would include:

John-Paul Jones
John Entwistle
Tommy Shannon (Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble)
Flea
Mani
Timmy C (Rage)
Cliff Burton (mainly for 'Orion' and 'Anaethesia')
That guy from The Jam (he's awesome)

Cliff Burton for me he was the riff man

Originally posted by mojoworking
Without even mentioning his post-Beatles' work, there's Paperback Writer, Rain, most of Sgt Pepper, Taxman, Hello Goodbye, much of Abbey Road etc.

As someone who has been in several pub bands over the years, I can tell you that it's not always easy to figure out what's going on in those mid-to-late period Beatles' songs.

You have to consider his playing in the context of what was happening elsewhere at the time. Macca's style may seem simple to us now, but it was groundbreaking and hugely influential in the 60s.

I clicked on this thread with the full intention of nominating Macca. He might play the bass like a guitarist, but I like that. He led the band with his melodic basslines. Unconventional perhaps, but brilliant.

I nominated McCartney when there was another thread on a similar topic some months ago, and was generally talked down to and told to come back when I understood bass playing.

I'm glad that there are some others who agree with me.

Bas playing is not all about playing fiddly little bass riffs that stand out clearly in the song, that is a small part of bass playing in most bands.

It is about providing part of the beat, the backbone of the music and acoompaniment rather than "showing off" with fancy stuff.

Originally posted by mojoworking
I agree with most of what you say, except the part about McCartney. It's generally considered that Paul was/is a fabulous bass player and is cited by many modern bassists for playing some of the most melodic and intricate basslines of the early/mid 60s.


Ooooo I was going to say just this, well said:thumbsup:

I also think Muddycoffee is talking muso twaddle.

I think most people would agree that music is something that you feel and moves you, not something performed from a text book, IMO.


Stuart Morrow form the original New Model Army was interesting , not heard anything quite like him since.

Originally posted by Stocksy
Jaco Pastorius is easily the best bass player I've ever heard, certainly technically speaking. He's the equivalent of Jimi Hendrix of the bass world. However I'm not too keen on the style of music he played (fusion). His debut album 'Jaco Pastorius' (1976) provides a good intro to his awesome chordal techniques, 16th notes and false and natural harmonics. He also played with Weather Report between 1976 and 81.


And quite rightly said, Jaco is one of my personal faves and no-one even gave him a look in!

Some of mine are;
1. Larry Graham

2. Stanley Clarke, totally awesome in every aspect of bass playing....just inspirational; checkout the Clarke/Duke project 1, mindblowing.

3. Marcus Miller...OMG!!!! what can you say about this guy, he as played and produced for so many people, Luthor V.Dross, Miles Davis, Diana Ross, David Sanborn just to name a few.

4. Bernard Edwards (late) of Chic....this guy changed the shape of bassplaying in the late 70's by placing the emphasis on the bass/rythymn guitar other than the drums as the beat and look what happenend?!! WOW!!!

5. Jaco Pastorius, fantastic, intricate and innovational player who actually taught in US universities he was that good.
Weather Report was never the same without him.

6. Mark King. great player but relied upon the click too much but still, if you ever saw him live it was not all slap bass, the guy could realy turn it on great playing and rifts on Children Say, Still in Your Arms

7. Nathan East, one of present greats, this guy has palyed with just about everyone and also played in the band called Fourplay. He toured with Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Anita Baker just to name a few

Bassplayer I found your post interesting and informative, I 'll check some of those guy's out.
What's your opinion of Nick Beggs and I don't necessary mean the Kajagoogoo day's

Jaco Pastorius - saw him with Weather Report at Manchester Apollo around 1978. Absolutely blew me away!

Percy Jones - great fretless playing for Brand X.

Colin Hodgkinson - greatly underrated talent.

The McCartney debate:-

Paul began to take his bass playing a little more seriously around 1965 when studio technology allowed his Hofner Violin Bass to be plugged directly (DI or Direct Inject) into the recording console (mixing desk and hence onto 1/2" tape). This made his bass louder and clearer (and being a bass, deeper) than on any Beatles recordings up to this point. The results showed up on Rubber Soul, tracks like You Won't See Me, Drive My Car and John Lennon's The Word. For clarity, listen to Michelle (is that a capo, Paul? - the 'guitar solo' sounds like a bass guitar to these ears).

The Beatles were still on 4 track at this point, and would be for another three years (Sgt Peppers was recorded on 4 track!) but a clean bass guitar would be one of the first instruments recorded, along with the drums. These tracks would then be 'bounced' onto a spare track freeing up the tracks they had been recorded on.

It is no surprise then that with the recording of Revolver in 1966, Paul's approach to the bass guitar had begun to alter. The pre-album release (not released on the forthcoming album) was Paperback Writer c/w Rain. Both show a far more interesting style of bass guitar playing. For most of the a-side, Paul's bass-line tracks the lead guitar work of George, the latter probably playing his Gibson SG. But the b-side was a real Macca tour de force, wonderfully melodic and sonic bass guitaring - aided and abetted by arguably Ringo Starr's finest performance on drums as a Beatle.

Two points: a) the poor recording technology of the day always led studio sound engineers and producers to mix the bass guitar extremely low because a heavy bass could lead to the needle jumping on a standard 45 single! Paul and the Beatles once more pushed the boundaries and insisted on getting a fatter, deeper bass sound on the Beatles' recordings. The Americans, who were light years ahead of the British in recording technology were already recording bass that was more audible in the mix (and no doubt, in stereo).

b) the bass track on Rain is speeded up (as is the drum track IIRC - John's voice sounds well speeded up). Some of the flourishes higher up the neck sound so smooth, but this is due to the track's being speeded-up (giving a glissando effect).

A further sidenote would be that McCartney contributed more interesting bass-lines to his own songs! (Go listen.)

In 1967, Paul moved onto Rickenbacker and this would become his main bass guitar for the next 20 years. The Rickenbacker, recorded DI allowed for better dynamics and the results can be heard on Sgt Peppers and beyond.

The ker-plunky bassline to With A Little Help is a fine example of Paul's sense of melody (indeed, it makes the track). Other standout Macca bass-lines are: Something, Dig A Pony (back on Hofner), I Want You (She's So Heavy) and the Harrison classic b-side Old Brown Shoe (an almost jet-propelled performance, again, complemented by Starr's shuffling drumming).

Solo-wise, there are a few to choose from, but to all intents and purposes muddycoffee is right: Paul McCartney was and is a fine singer/songwriter/musician who happened to be the Beatles' bass guitarist.

And only then, because nobody else wanted to play the bass! For a reluctant bass guitarist however, the man did a fine job.

Jaco, hands down.

However...check out George Porter Jr of The Meters and Bootsy Collins and Bernard Odum with James Brown. Funky as hell.

Alan Crockford of the JTQ is also phenomenal.

Also, Pino Palladino, brilliant fretless session player.

And, of course, James Jamerson and Bernard Edwards as already mentioned.

BOOTSY COLLINS :clap:

Probably Flea out of RHCP or Les Claypool out of Primus......

John Paul Jones also!

Danny Thompson
Played with Nick Drake, Tim Buckley, Richard Thompson, John Martyn...er Gomez, and many many more.

Ron Carter
Played with Miles Davis, Gil Scott-Heron, Tribe Called Quest

Jaco Pastorius
Solo, Weather Report, Joni Mitchell - Hegira is an all time fav album.

Hon mention to: Dave Pegg, Geddy Lee, Andy Rourke, Andy Fraser, Jack Bruce, Rick Danko, Kai Eckhardt (saw with John McLaughlin, ridiculously accomplished), Larry Graham, Bill Laswell, Jah Wobble, and of the ladies Tina Weymouth.

for solid bass lines i like two but really i dont think they are the best ever just they play solid bass with a bit of cleaver working in there too!! And are two of my personal fav's

Cliff burton & Floyd London (Metallica & The Almighty)

What about Jah Wobble, anyone rate him?

I agree with many of the choices here, especially Bernard Edwards and Geddy Lee. In Edwards' case, I don't even really like the music very much, but I find his playing almost hypnotic. The melding of his bass and Nile Rodgers' guitar is awesome.

I also like Randy Meisner's playing on the Hotel California album - I use this as a test disc when I'm tweaking my audio system (and showing it off to friends!)

Someone made the point about music enjoyment and involvement as opposed to the fretw**k you hear quite a lot. I nominate the hugely underrated Tony Butler of Big Country. Nothing flash, just rock solid, and with drummer Mark Brzezicki, one of the best rhythm sections I've heard.

Hi,

Tricky one, after all its never easy to compare genius. Personally, I'd also have to single out Bernard Edwards. Think Bassman said it all in his post. A legend, who died far too young. I'm sure I recently read somewhere his son is now continuing his legacy as a producer.

Also noticed Bootsy Collins name deservedly appearing in this thread. Not only an amazing player but surely the sharpest dresser of the 70s!:clap:

Mr Pastorius without a doubt.

Nick.

Derek Smalls, Spinal Tap. Listen to the bass-line on 'Big Bottom' ;)

Originally posted by Norbert
Danny Thompson
Played with Nick Drake, Tim Buckley, Richard Thompson, John Martyn...er Gomez, and many many more.

Don't forget his work with Pentangle and Donovan

Originally posted by Norbert
Hon mention to: Dave Pegg, Geddy Lee, Andy Rourke, Andy Fraser, Jack Bruce, Rick Danko, Kai Eckhardt (saw with John McLaughlin, ridiculously accomplished), Larry Graham, Bill Laswell, Jah Wobble, and of the ladies Tina Weymouth.

I'm glad someone's finally mentioned Peggy. He's a great player and vastly underrated

Peter Hook - Joy Division/New Order
Mark King - Level 42
Flea - RHCP
Bruce Foxton - The Jam
John Entwistle - The Who

Just to throw a name in to the pot but how about John McCoy of Gillan / Mammoth???

Chris Squire of Yes....don't think anyone's mentioned him yet...brilliant!

Paul McCartney...and I don't care what others say....I thought he was a very good bass player.

Sting....although he is never noted for playing bass...he also played electric double bass on a lot of Police tracks, for which I think he is more noted.

The bloke out of Faith No More, simply because he can play any style (slap, fingers, pick) very well, and his basslines always suited the song perfectly. In fact, sometimes the bassline WAS the song.

I love most of Matt Freeman's stuff as well, but sometimes it's overly flashy and it's generally just up and down the scales anyway.

I like McCartney; again- he knows what to play and when. I also like the bassist in Madness, and Fat Mike of NOFX is pretty good- I honestly don't know how he 'sings' while playing some of his basslines.

And then there's me of course. Talentless but good at hiding it. Anyone guitarists want to join my band?

Originally posted by Modesty
Bassplayer I found your post interesting and informative, I 'll check some of those guy's out.
What's your opinion of Nick Beggs and I don't necessary mean the Kajagoogoo day's

NIck Beggs now there is a blast from the past.............

I once played on the same set as he did whilst playing for Eliakim back in the early 90's.

Our band palyed support to his band, Ellis Beggs. It turned out that most of the 600 strong crowd only turned up to watch us; by the time EB were due on stage barely 50 people remained to watch them!


Nick Beggs said"Where is everybody then?"
Someone in the crowd said, "' Best bands been on! You 'll 'ave to make do wi' whats left!"

What he played though was quite impressive. He has got one of the biggest thumbs I've ever seen. He played very much in the Mark King mould but not as inventive at filling in the empty spaces like what MK is and does.

Haven't heard anything from him in ages, any news as to what he is doing?

Tom Jenkinson aka Squarepusher.

Well, it's mad as crackers anyway.

One name I haven't seen mentioned here yet is Bill Laswell. Listening back to him nowadays, he sounds quite limited in his range, but for a long time he was my favourite bass player, absolutely one of a kind and very exiting to listen to (in particular his early, very raw "mutant disco" stuff: Temporary Music, Memory Serves and One Down by Material, and his solo album Baselines). Laswell was also the last bass player who really influenced my own bass playing: after absorbing his whole body of work, and that of earlier influences, I felt like I'd done the gamut of bass-playing, and I actually found my own playing more influenced by drummers and pianists.

Those earlier influences: Lemmy (mainly his stuff with Hawkwind), Chris Squire, JJ Burnel, Holger Czukay, Flea, James Jamerson, Stanley Clarke, Jah Wobble, Bruce Foxton...

and if we're including double bassists, Charles Mingus, Ron Carter and Danny Thompson.

Like Yodameister said, bass-playing is much more about feel than about manual dexterity. Some of the players mentioned here are great at squeezing a dozen notes into a millisecond, but don't really have much musical personality other than their ability to play fast. I used to be really attracted to speed players when I was younger, but the older I get the more I realise that a sign of really good bass playing is being able to play something dead slow and imbue it with your own personality, whether that be through tone or through playing slightly with the timing of the beats. One of my favourite bassists in this respect is Holger Czukay (also Jah Wobbble, who is something of a disciple of Czukay's), and also Robbie Shakespeare.

Originally posted by DanSumption
One name I haven't seen mentioned here yet is Bill Laswell. Listening back to him nowadays, he sounds quite limited in his range, but for a long time he was my favourite bass player, absolutely one of a kind and very exiting to listen to (in particular his early, very raw "mutant disco" stuff: Temporary Music, Memory Serves and One Down by Material, and his solo album Baselines). Laswell was also the last bass player who really influenced my own bass playing: after absorbing his whole body of work, and that of earlier influences, I felt like I'd done the gamut of bass-playing, and I actually found my own playing more influenced by drummers and pianists.

Those earlier influences: Lemmy (mainly his stuff with Hawkwind), Chris Squire, JJ Burnel, Holger Czukay, Flea, James Jamerson, Stanley Clarke, Jah Wobble, Bruce Foxton...

and if we're including double bassists, Charles Mingus, Ron Carter and Danny Thompson.

Like Yodameister said, bass-playing is much more about feel than about manual dexterity. Some of the players mentioned here are great at squeezing a dozen notes into a millisecond, but don't really have much musical personality other than their ability to play fast. I used to be really attracted to speed players when I was younger, but the older I get the more I realise that a sign of really good bass playing is being able to play something dead slow and imbue it with your own personality, whether that be through tone or through playing slightly with the timing of the beats. One of my favourite bassists in this respect is Holger Czukay (also Jah Wobbble, who is something of a disciple of Czukay's), and also Robbie Shakespeare.

Oh my! you sound like you are definitely "old school" in the nicest of ways.
I used to be exactly the same to a point, filling in the gaps, no spaces. But like you say its the interpretation and feel that creates the music and over the years; when playing, this is in the forefront of my mind every week.
I always try to make it sound like something everyone would like to hear and identify your playing as an integral part of whatever tune is playing and not a separate instrument.
Shoot!............its getting tooooo deep!

Louis Johnson (Stomp by The Johnson Brothers) is another one of my faves, he also played on Don't Stop Til' Yuo Get Enough by MJ, ABSOLUTELY AWESOME bassline and he also played on a lot of the albums, (early 80's) for acoustic guitarist Earl Klugh. The track Twinkle comes to mind. ooooooh yes!

There are some knowledgeable folks on here, so maybe you can answer me a question.

One of my favourite bass lines is the 'walking bass' in Stevie Wonder's 'Sir Duke'. Who played that?

And from a similar era, I also dig the bass in Ian Dury and the Blockheads' 'Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick'.

Thank you, fellow musos.

Originally posted by Ousetunes
There are some knowledgeable folks on here, so maybe you can answer me a question.

One of my favourite bass lines is the 'walking bass' in Stevie Wonder's 'Sir Duke'. Who played that?

And from a similar era, I also dig the bass in Ian Dury and the Blockheads' 'Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick'.

Thank you, fellow musos.
Great question cos' this is a great bassline to loosen up the fingers to. The guy in question is Nathan Watts. Many people think that he may have played this on a 5 string due to the run he creates before the horn section but I remember seeing him in concert with SW and he played a 4 string..... so maybe he detuned the bass!!!!!!!!!!; either way....damn..... its silky smooth

Originally posted by Ousetunes
There are some knowledgeable folks on here, so maybe you can answer me a question.

One of my favourite bass lines is the 'walking bass' in Stevie Wonder's 'Sir Duke'. Who played that?

And from a similar era, I also dig the bass in Ian Dury and the Blockheads' 'Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick'.

Thank you, fellow musos.

...and it was Norman Watt-Roy on bass for Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick

Norman Watt-Roy plays some great basslines. I saw The Blockheads live once when they did a benefit gig for their drummer Charley Charles, who was dying of cancer; it was one of the best gigs I've ever been to (I also heard the Blockheads at Glastonbury in 1985, but was too far from the stage and too stoned to get quite so into the music).

Stevie Wonder has some great basslines too: one band I used to play in had "Superstition" on our setlist, one of the most enjoyable basslines I've ever played.

While we're on Stevie Wonder, how about the bassline to 'I Wish'? Superb!

As we've brought double bass players into the mix, check out Paul Chambers from Miles Davis' first great quintet. Locked into the groove with Philly Joe Jones on drums, this guy was amazing.

Here are another three that just popped into my head:

Muzz Skillings - Living Colour
Doug Wimbish - Tackhead and Living Colour
Stuart Zender - original Jamiroquai bassist

Originally posted by hearlon
As we've brought double bass players into the mix, check out Paul Chambers from Miles Davis' first great quintet.
Gosh, yes. How could I forget him? Stuff from his own quartet (with Art Taylor, Hank Jones & Kenny Burrell) was incredible too - check out his version of "You'd be So Nice to Come Home To".

Plus he did some great stuff with John Coltrane, who'd also played with him in Miles's band, and who wrote the piece "Mr P.C." for him.

Based on this thread, Sheffield Forum's top all time bass players are:

1st: Flea

Joint 2nd:

John Paul Jones
John Entwhistle
Cliff Burton
Paul McCartney
Jaco Pastorius

Joint 7th:

Jah Wobble
Bernard Edwards

Joint 9th:

James Jamerson
Peter Hook
Geddy Lee
Holger Czukay
Bruce Foxton

More votes for Jaco!

MINGUS MINGUS MINGUS MINGUS MINGUS

Have a listen to some early 'Byrds', Chris Hillman does some very subtle but complex bass-lines (he was originally a blue-grass banjo palyer)

Anyone mentioned Robbie Shakespeare yet?

Originally posted by moworm
Anyone mentioned Robbie Shakespeare yet?
Yes, I did!
Originally posted by DanSumption
...good bass playing is being able to play something dead slow and imbue it with your own personality, whether that be through tone or through playing slightly with the timing of the beats. One of my favourite bassists in this respect is Holger Czukay (also Jah Wobbble, who is something of a disciple of Czukay's), and also Robbie Shakespeare.

Dan is right to mention Bill Laswell and the double bass players, Ron Carter and Paul Chambers. I agree that the latter's work with Miles Davis and John Coltrane is absolutely beautiful.

Two other wonderful double bass players are Jimmy Garrison and Reg Workman, both of whom probably did their finest work with John Coltrane. Garrison was the bassist in 'classic quartet' period Coltrane, and some of his performances on various versions of tracks like 'Afro Blue' are sublime. Then again, it required a master to be able to play with the 'human octopus' that was Elvin Jones on drums.

Originally posted by timo
Dan is right to mention Bill Laswell and the double bass players, Ron Carter and Paul Chambers. I agree that the latter's work with Miles Davis and John Coltrane is absolutely beautiful.
Why thank you timo :) although to be fair, it wasn't me that first mentioned either Ron Carter or Paul Chambers, I think the only new names I brought to this discussion were Laswell and Mingus.

OMG!, maybe I,m being too modern with my choices here!...I also think that a vote for the best bassist is maybe a bit premature.

Some of the members seem to have quite extensive knowledge on certain types of music therefore bringing in more musicians.....which is great, but if you were to break the category into early jazz, 60's, rock and pop and modern jazz, the list from 1 to 10 or whatever may differ greatly to peoples individual choice.
But hey..........the research goes on.....

Originally posted by bassplayer
if you were to break the category into early jazz, 60's, rock and pop and modern jazz, the list from 1 to 10 or whatever may differ greatly to peoples individual choice.
For early jazz, it would have to be Slam Stewart. I think all the jazz bassists mentioned so far have been "modern", although that's a slightly misleading term as modern jazz started in the 1950s.

My all time favourite has got to be Jack Bruce - not only the first real "rock" bassist when in Cream, but also played some jazz rock alongside John McLaughlin (Lifetime, Escaltor Over The Hill).

Longcol,
Yes, Bruce is a superb bassist and belongs in any discussion of fine exponents of the musical art. You mention my favourite guitarist of all time-John McLaughlin. McLaughlin's unbelievably brilliant Mahavishnu Orchestra featured a great bass player too- Rick Laird. Laird kept up with Mc Laughlin's stratospheric guitar technique and impossible time signatures, and the ferocious batterie of Billy Cobham. For that he deserves some sort of a medal.

Originally posted by timo
McLaughlin's unbelievably brilliant Mahavishnu Orchestra featured a great bass player too- Rick Laird. Laird kept up with Mc Laughlin's stratospheric guitar technique and impossible time signatures, and the ferocious batterie of Billy Cobham. For that he deserves some sort of a medal.
And he made some very nice noises with a wah-wah pedal too, possibly the first bassist to do so.

Many still talk fondly of the fuzz bass-playing of Hugh Hopper in Soft Machine, and if I recall correctly, he also dabbled with wah-wah. Whether Laird beat him to it or not I do not know.
I always rather liked John Wetton's dark, sinister basslines in King Crimson. Robert Fripp described Wetton's technique as 'peerless' as far as seventies rock was concerned. It can be heard to wonderful effect on what might just be the ultimate assaultative rock album, 'Red'. Here Crimson's rhythm section of Wetton and Bruford sound awesome. At times Wetton's lines seem to soar like black hawks above Bruford's effortless percussive brutality. As Alan Freeman might have said in those days, 'Not half!'.

i have to vote for Rich Vernon - previously with Peter Perrett and latterly with the Mission. But there again I would say him as he's an amazing guitarist and a great pal!

Originally posted by timo
Many still talk fondly of the fuzz bass-playing of Hugh Hopper in Soft Machine, and if I recall correctly, he also dabbled with wah-wah. Whether Laird beat him to it or not I do not know.
I always rather liked John Wetton's dark, sinister basslines in King Crimson. Robert Fripp described Wetton's technique as 'peerless' as far as seventies rock was concerned. It can be heard to wonderful effect on what might just be the ultimate assaultative rock album, 'Red'. Here Crimson's rhythm section of Wetton and Bruford sound awesome. At times Wetton's lines seem to soar like black hawks above Bruford's effortless percussive brutality. As Alan Freeman might have said in those days, 'Not half!'.
You're right timo, I'm pretty sure Hopper used a wah before Laird (I knew there was another bassist in my collection, along with Laswell and Laird, with that lovely treacley bass wah sound) and you have managed to dredge up two more bassists who I have worshipped in my time - I especially love Wetton's stuff. Thank you.

Originally posted by Rubysoho

Les Claypool (Primus)


Is there a contest ?

Originally posted by redhotjo
i have to vote for Rich Vernon - previously with Peter Perrett and latterly with the Mission. But there again I would say him as he's an amazing guitarist and a great pal!

Name dropper!

But still, imagine if all these great bassplayers had heard each others material, which I may say a lot of the more modern players have, none of them would say that they are the "best, daddy, kingpin " or whatever due to the mutual respect that would have for each others ability; and then maybe there could be one who would say "ITS ME!"

Still stopping with guitarists, I remember watching a Princes Trust concert and at the time there was banter between Mark Knoppfler and Eric "Slowhand"Clapton as to who was the best guitarist.
Well when it came down to them both being on stage side by side together, Slowhand BLEW Knoppfler out of the water and all they could do was laugh about it. They knew what was going on but there was only one guy in it.

I don't think that they really cared because they were both making shedloads of money and were both recognised as being at the top of their game anyway.

Hence my earlier statement, I think that they all would recognise and respect each others incredible talents and abilities that some of us can all try to aspire to reach.........like I constantly try to do every day I practice!!!!!!!!!

Bassplayer,
You mention some sort of 'contest' between Knoppfler and Clapton, which the latter allegedly 'won'. What criteria aside from speed and dexterity could possibly be employed here? Surely it is all down to subjective opinion?

Interestingly, Miles Davis regarded Clapton as a, 'no-playing motherf***er', and a 'blues copyist' who lacked 'feel'. He was genuinely astonished at the adulation heaped upon 'Slowhand'. In sharp contrast, he recognised John McLaughlin as 'an original genius'.

Originally posted by timo
You mention some sort of 'contest' between Knoppfler and Clapton, which the latter allegedly 'won'. What criteria aside from speed and dexterity could possibly be employed here? Surely it is all down to subjective opinion?
In my own subjective opinion, a "contest" between Knoppfler and Clapton would probably be the "entertainment" laid on by Satan in the ring of hell reserved for onanists.

Knopfler and Clapton, I ask you?

For me it has to be Dave allen from Gang of Four

I see Flea gets mentioned a lot. Dave allen was his inspiration as a bass player.

*scoots of to dig out Entertainment*

Originally posted by timo
Bassplayer,
You mention some sort of 'contest' between Knoppfler and Clapton, which the latter allegedly 'won'. What criteria aside from speed and dexterity could possibly be employed here? Surely it is all down to subjective opinion?

Interestingly, Miles Davis regarded Clapton as a, 'no-playing motherf***er', and a 'blues copyist' who lacked 'feel'. He was genuinely astonished at the adulation heaped upon 'Slowhand'. In sharp contrast, he recognised John McLaughlin as 'an original genius'.

It was one of those "Press" media things. It was aload of crap really but good to watch.

If the great and legend iconic Miles Davis thought that of Clapton; well he WAS!(RIP) entitled to his own opinion. Some may agree or disagree. Sellout tours and packed concert venues would suggest that he is wrong but............!
I like the way that Sting sings but someone told me that he wails like a cat!!!!
Thats their opinion, I don't have to like it but.... hey!!!!

Bassplayer,
Regarding the merits of Clapton's guitar playing, I would not base judgement upon his mass appeal, concert sell-outs etc. The general public are genetic refuse in the main, moronically-stupid and lacking in good taste and artistic knowledge. I would trust the opinion of connoisseurs such as Lord C, Dan Sumption, boyface and Mojoworking every time, rather than the lumpen, slack-jawed masses. My own view is that Clapton is a pleasant, middle of the road, blues-rock player quite unworthy of the ridiculous adulation heaped upon him by the panjandrums of the vulgar rock press. He has a certain talent for reproducing the 'licks', as I believe they are known, of those such as Buddy Guy and Elmore James, in a rock context. He is certainly not the great innovator of popular legend. Perhaps innovation is an overrated virtue anyway? Much is made of Clapton's 'groundbreaking' work with Cream. Cream are regarded as the first 'rock supergroup', and credited with being amongst the first, or even the first, to extend the sonic boundaries of the medium. I wonder how differently Cream, Hendrix, early Pink Floyd and Soft Machine etc might have sounded were it not for the influence of contemporary jazz? In particular, the modal 'sheets of sound' favoured by John Coltrane were clearly transposed into the guitar work and general approach of many so-called 'innovatory' bands of this period. Too many seem to take the old 'Clapton is God' graffiti of the 60s seriously.

Back to bass-ics [sorry!] Another one to possibly delight Dan- John Greaves of Henry Cow, Slapp Happy and Greaves and Blegvad. Greaves used a fuzz bass similarly to Hugh Hopper, and plays particularly well on Henry Cow's 'Concerts' double album. He sounds wonderful alongside the great Fred Frith and Chris Cutler. I wonder if Dan might remember this delightful cove, who would often play sitting down a la Jah Wobble?

Apart from obvious (JPJ, Flea, Entwistle and Geezer).

Eric Avery - Janes Addiction
Ben Shepherd - Soundgarden
Jeff Ament - Pearl Jam
Tim Commerford - RATM, Audioslave
Mike Inez - AIC, Ozzy
Hiro Yamamoto - (early) Soundgarden
Melissa auf der Mer - Hole, Pumpkins

Boosh,
I certainly agree with you regarding the merits of Pearl Jam's Jeff Ament. He has a rather fierce approach to his instrument, and produces some pleasingly 'grungy' basslines. Neil Young is a fan too.

Originally posted by timo
Bassplayer,
Regarding the merits of Clapton's <a style='text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 3px double;' href="http://www.serverlogic3.com/lm/rtl3.asp?si=22&k=guitar" onmouseover="window.status='guitar'; return true;" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true;">guitar</a> playing, I would not base judgement upon his mass appeal, concert sell-outs etc. The general public are genetic refuse in the main, moronically-stupid and lacking in good taste and artistic knowledge. I would trust the opinion of connoisseurs such as Lord C, Dan Sumption, boyface and Mojoworking every time, rather than the lumpen, slack-jawed masses. My own view is that Clapton is a pleasant, middle of the road, blues-rock player quite unworthy of the ridiculous adulation heaped upon him by the panjandrums of the vulgar rock press. He has a certain talent for reproducing the 'licks', as I believe they are known, of those such as Buddy Guy and Elmore James, in a rock context. He is certainly not the great innovator of popular legend. Perhaps innovation is an overrated virtue anyway? Much is made of Clapton's 'groundbreaking' work with Cream. Cream are regarded as the first 'rock supergroup', and credited with being amongst the first, or even the first, to extend the sonic boundaries of the medium. I wonder how differently Cream, Hendrix, early Pink Floyd and Soft Machine etc might have sounded were it not for the influence of contemporary jazz? In particular, the modal 'sheets of sound' favoured by John Coltrane were clearly transposed into the guitar work and general approach of many so-called 'innovatory' bands of this period. Too many seem to take the old 'Clapton is God' graffiti of the 60s seriously.

Back to bass-ics [sorry!] Another one to possibly delight Dan- John Greaves of Henry Cow, Slapp Happy and Greaves and Blegvad. Greaves used a fuzz bass similarly to Hugh Hopper, and plays particularly well on Henry Cow's 'Concerts' double album. He sounds wonderful alongside the great Fred Frith and Chris Cutler. I wonder if Dan might remember this delightful cove, who would often play sitting down a la Jah Wobble?

Very nicely put Time, and I mostly agree with you more regarding the (furore!) about Clapton. I have heard many other guitarists who play mindblowing stuff; innovative too; which Clapton hasn't even touched.
God he ain't, he's just another guitarist!!!!!!!

The jazz link you made was absolutely true and I acknowledge that while there are many others like yourself who appear more in the know than myself, to you all .....RESPECT!!!!!!

Bassplayer,
Thanks for the very kind words there. Glad you agree re Clapton. He is certainly not 'God' in the guitar universe.

Having criticised him, I do acknowledge that he has done some very pleasant stuff. I always think that he was at his best in the early seventies, playing with Delaney and Bonnie and ex-members of their band [Whitlock, Radle etc] in Derek and the Dominoes. The music was nothing 'new', innovative or groundbreaking, merely well-played blues rock with a hint of country. This is not my usual stomping ground, but in this case Clapton and co did a very good job indeed. See the boxed set 'Crossroads' for examples including out-takes. Frankly, since those 'free and easy' days, Clapton seems to take himself a tad too seriously. Why bother listening to his endless 'versions' of blues standards when the original Buddy Guy records are vastly superior. It is akin to buying a Marks and Spencer version of a Barbour jacket.

timo, everything you say here about the Ferrari-driving playboy that EC has become is sadly true. However, to appreciate his true genius and feel the enormous weight of his influence, you have to go back to 1966 and the John Mayall/Bluesbreakers "Beano" LP.

At that stage, there was no one in Britain (and probably no white guitarist in the world) playing guitar like that. Clapton took the string-bending styles of Freddie & Albert King, mixed it with a little Buddy Guy, played it loud through a Marshall amp and served it up piping hot to a white audience

Not only had it never been done before, it had also certainly never been recorded before. Hats off to Mike Vernon who found a way to record Clapton in the Decca studios at stage volume - another first.

Personally, I was 16 when I heard the "Beano" LP and it was single-handedly responsible for introducing me to the music of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Robert Johnson, Freddie King, Otis Rush and others.

Gentlemen, I put it to you: that's why Eric is a god in the eyes of those of us who were lucky enough to be there at the time.

John Entwistle or Bruce Foxton

Okay here ya go, the definative bass player list (in my opinion)
and in no order:

1. Phil lesh - grateful dead
2. Bootsy Collins - not only can the bass move but also remove!
3. Paul McCartney - (ouch that hurts, but he is fab)
4. Tina Weymouth - solid, simple, lovely
5. Phil Lynot - just try sining and playing the bass!!!
6 Tony levin - very inventive
7. ...

I'm bored already...

Mojo,
Cheers, old bean, for your valuable contribution there. I have a great respect for your knowledge and experience, Mojo. I can imagine that Clapton must have sounded like nothing on earth back in '66 [when I was five, and the only 'Beano' I knew had Dennis the Menace in it]. As I think I've told you before, I always felt slightly 'cheated' growing up, and would have liked to have been part of your generation. In other words, 16-18 around 67/68. I saw the sixties and heard much of the great music, but as a child. You were most fortunate to have witnessed it all at an age when you could really appreciate it.

Thanks for your wise words, my pal.

Originally posted by mojoworking
timo, everything you say here about the Ferrari-driving playboy that EC has become is sadly true. However, to appreciate his true genius and feel the enormous weight of his influence, you have to go back to 1966 and the John Mayall/Bluesbreakers "Beano" LP.

At that stage, there was no one in Britain (and probably no white guitarist in the world) playing guitar like that. Clapton took the string-bending styles of Freddie & Albert King, mixed it with a little Buddy Guy, played it loud through a Marshall amp and served it up piping hot to a white audience

Not only had it never been done before, it had also certainly never been recorded before. Hats off to Mike Vernon who found a way to record Clapton in the Decca studios at stage volume - another first.

Personally, I was 16 when I heard the "Beano" LP and it was single-handedly responsible for introducing me to the music of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Robert Johnson, Freddie King, Otis Rush and others.

Gentlemen, I put it to you: that's why Eric is a god in the eyes of those of us who were lucky enough to be there at the time.

I was also one of lucky ones to have been there at that time I bow down to the best posting ever on the forum. Good stuff mojo. :thumbsup:

Originally posted by owdlad
I was also one of lucky ones to have been there at that time I bow down to the best posting ever on the forum. Good stuff mojo. :thumbsup:

Why, thank you timo and owdlad, you're both very kind :blush:

Just read this thread and i'm amazed (unless i've missed it?) that nobody has mentioned the amazing Victor Wooton!!!

Mick Karn


..........

Mick Karn


..........

Ah! Good call Tarquin! Mick Karn of Japan fame and his fretless bass! :)

john entwistle
no competition
& even though i don't like the who

1. Jaco Pastorius
2. Victor Wooten
3. Michael Manring
4. Jeff Berlin
5. John Patitucci

Hooky from Joy Division - best bass riffs ever in my humble opinion...

Though Squarepusher is really rather good too.

Squarepusher live on BBC Culture Show (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ0LL1SJ-6U&feature=related)

A few of my favourites that I don't think have been previously mentioned:

1. Mike Watt from Minutemen
2. Kim Deal from Pixies & The Breeders
3. Brian Gibson from Lightning Bolt
4. Tessa Pollitt from The Slits
5. Philip Moxham from Young Marble Giants

I'm surprised there is no mention of Noel Redding, fair enough Jimi kind of grabbed the attention but Noel and Mitch Mitchell were tight as a tight thing!

He's not the best though, Jaco is :thumbsup:

I didnt see a mention for Robert Shakespeare - of Sly and Robbie fame - on this thread. According to their Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbie_Shakespeare) page (so it must be true), they have worked on over 200,000 tunes - and you dont get to do that by being rubbish!

One of my faves, who I've also not noticed a mention of, is Doug Wimbish, who has also worked with some of the greats of rock, reggae, pop, soul and funk.

John "Rhino" Edwards bassist for status quo is an amazing bass player but he has abnormally large hands and makes it look easy.

No one mentioned Bootsy Collins yet?

Jean Jaque Burnell from the Stranglers - Mr Barracuda bass!

Two months late to this thread, but I can't believe nobody's mentioned either of the two best bassists ever:

2. John McVie
1. Bakithi Kumalo

john deacon-queen

Predictable but definitely my two favourite performers: Bernard Edwards and Mark King... fantastic to watch.

gota be pastorious for me too also helmut hattler of german 70,s band kraan is worth checking out a bit obscure but an amazing player.

If there has to be one, it's gotta be Jaco.

Though Squarepusher is really rather good too.

That's my top choice.

gota be pastorious for me too also helmut hattler of german 70,s band kraan is worth checking out a bit obscure but an amazing player.

Kraan were great - I've got several of their albums and not only is Hattler a great bass player, the other three (guitarist Wolbrandt, sax player Pappert and drummer Fride) were just as good. At a time when most German rock was electronic they decided to do something different - light airy jazz rock, immaculately played and tight as a gnat's chuff, as the saying goes. If you can get hold of a copy of Kraan live, which was issued over here on Gull records, it's highly recommended. Sadly after Pappert left they were never quite the same, but still OK.

I was just going to post and say Jack Bruce, no questions, but having read the thread I think I need to do some more research!

NIKKI SIXX <3 or jack bruce...

While we're here... Tom Jenkinson isn't too shabby

NIKKI SIXX <3 or jack bruce...

OUCH!

He is definately the coolest looking bass player, but he is absolutely shocking technichally!

In no particular order

Jaco Pastorius
John Paul Jones (Led Zep)
Mike Howlett (Gong)
Billy Sheehan (Mr Big) (although I don't like the band)
Hansford Rowe (Gong)

[QUOTE=PaliRichard;8761794]OUCH!

He is definately the coolest looking bass player, but he is absolutely shocking technichally!

Don't you say that about my husband haha :P
Hes not the BEST technically but hes not bad either, watch the video of them on the GGG tour where hes gurning his chops off rolling around on the floor and still manages to make it sound proper good.

aaaaand.... hes the most beautiful man in the world ever and i love him haaa

Speaking as someone who played bass guitar and studied the instrument for nearly 2 decades, as well as a serious beatles music fan who often picks apart their music using both music manuscript and close study of the CDs and enjoys their clever musical tricks and chord progressions.
Paul McCartney, while a distinguished musician and half of one of the most important music writing partnerships of the late 20th century. I can confirm that he plays bass like a failed guitar player who's concentrating on his singing.

Ok silly love songs and day tripper were good bass riffs, but out of Beatles/wings/Mccartney back catalogue I struggle to think of anything else which is worth a mention on bass.

Do you have any examples?

At a similar time, motown had the Legendary James jamerson who played in the Motown studios, and his bass lines were groundbreaking because he was one of the first people to convert to bass guitar from upright bass. He came up with many brilliant and extraordinary bass lines including I was made to love her by Stevie Wonder, I want you back by the Jackson 5, and many others. You can regularly hear his riffs reused in modern records all the time, and is frequently remembered as a genius.

He played on nealy 30 uk no1 singles and over 70 number 1s in the american R&Bcharts.

great points.
whats your thoughts on Norman Watt Roy as a bass player? he's fantastic live with wilko johnson.

Ohhh I forgot JPJ from Led Zeppelin

[QUOTE=PaliRichard;8761794]OUCH!

He is definately the coolest looking bass player, but he is absolutely shocking technichally!

Don't you say that about my husband haha :P
Hes not the BEST technically but hes not bad either, watch the video of them on the GGG tour where hes gurning his chops off rolling around on the floor and still manages to make it sound proper good.

aaaaand.... hes the most beautiful man in the world ever and i love him haaa

Yes he is, he's terrible.

I absolutely love Motley Crue so I'm not slagging the band off, or Nikki Sixx, because he is one of the best pop/punk song writers ever.

But he sure as hell can't play bass.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks8xhbNQw4g

Just listen to that, it's awful.

In my playing days I could jump over barriers three feet away from the stage while playing jazz, believe me, rolling on the floor and playing Motley Crue songs is easy :P

Plus, as you say, you love him, so you may be an incy wincy tiny bit biased :love:

[QUOTE=ediesedgwick;8761821]

Yes he is, he's terrible.

I absolutely love Motley Crue so I'm not slagging the band off, or Nikki Sixx, because he is one of the best pop/punk song writers ever.

But he sure as hell can't play bass.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks8xhbNQw4g

Just listen to that, it's awful.

In my playing days I could jump over barriers three feet away from the stage while playing jazz, believe me, rolling on the floor and playing Motley Crue songs is easy :P

Plus, as you say, you love him, so you may be an incy wincy tiny bit biased :love:

hahahaha yeah i spose so :rolleyes::D n bloody ell, that sounds mental! i defo couldnt roll around doin a bass solo whilst smacked off mi tits on heroin tho.. skillzz