100 Greatest Bass Players in Rock/Pop

boo boo · 07-03-2009, 12:44 PM

Examples?

I mean look at how low Roger Waters is, and below a lot of lesser known musicians from less popular bands. And everyone knows I'm a huge Floyd fanboy.

That's not the agenda of the list at all. Thing is a lot of these popular bands had great and influencial musicians behind them.

If it was all about popularity, Michael Anthony, Cliff Williams, Gene Simmons, Jason Newsted and Nikki Sixx would all be up there. Tom Hamilton, Fieldy and Krist Novoselic wouldn't have just been filler to take out of the list once I found players more worthy of adding.

What makes those bass players different from Paul McCartney, John Entwistle, John Paul Jones and John Deacan is that while they were in insanely popular bands, they were also highly respected bassists.

jackhammer · 07-03-2009, 01:15 PM

I know it's the same old same old when someone is missed out but no Robbie Shakespeare? Reggaes finest bassist and defining sounds of many bands.

Sly and Robbie - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Alfred · 07-03-2009, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boo boo

Examples?

I mean look at how low Roger Waters is, and below a lot of lesser known musicians from less popular bands. And everyone knows I'm a huge Floyd fanboy.

That's not the agenda of the list at all. Thing is a lot of these popular bands had great and influencial musicians behind them.

If it was all about popularity, Michael Anthony, Cliff Williams, Gene Simmons, Jason Newsted and Nikki Sixx would all be up there. Tom Hamilton, Fieldy and Krist Novoselic wouldn't have just been filler to take out of the list once I found players more worthy of adding.

What makes those bass players different from Paul McCartney, John Entwistle, John Paul Jones and John Deacan is that while they were in insanely popular bands, they were also highly respected bassists.

Yeah no worries. It's just me. :P

Double X · 07-03-2009, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boo boo

42. Peter Hook (Joy Division, New Order, session work) - Essential record: Closer (Joy Division) (1980)

I'm surprised he was on the list.

sweet

boo boo · 07-03-2009, 02:57 PM

I knew that one would be a pleaser.

Yet another update: I moved Gallup up and Mani down.

So guys, who are your favorite bassists?

SATCHMO · 07-03-2009, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackhammer

I know it's the same old same old when someone is missed out but no Robbie Shakespeare? Reggaes finest bassist and defining sounds of many bands.

Sly and Robbie - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I think a solid argument could be made that Robbie, or any reggae bass player, wouldn't be who is is today without the influence of "The Family Man".

Quote:

Originally Posted by boo boo

I knew that one would be a pleaser.

Yet another update: I moved Gallup up and Mani down.

So guys, who are your favorite bassists?

Stanley Clarke
Stuart Zender (Jamiroquai)
Mike Watt (Minutemen, Firehose)
Steve Harris (Iron Maiden)
Verdine White (Earth Wind & Fire)
Flea (even though I hate RHCP)

jackhammer · 07-03-2009, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SATCHMO

I think a solid argument could be made that Robbie, or any reggae bass player, wouldn't be who is is today without the influence of "The Family Man".

For sheer longevity and inimitable sound I still go for Robbie myself. You just know it's Robbie somehow when you hear a track:

Some of mine:

Les Claypool
Steve Harris
Stanley Clarke
Jean Jacques Burnel (another omission)
Peter Hook
Geezer Butler
Jaco Pastorious

Seltzer · 07-04-2009, 03:00 AM

Nice list.

I'm happy to see Colin Moulding and Andy Rourke up there. Fanboyism aside, Rourke is a bass idol of mine and one of the most melodic rock bassists around. I would probably have Scott Reeder from Kyuss / The Obsessed / Orange Goblin up there too.

If you need another metal bassist for the list, Alex Webster is a good/influential one even though I really don't care for Cannibal Corpse.

boo boo · 07-04-2009, 11:44 PM

Update: Stefan Lessard added.

Took out Trey Gunn since warr guitar isn't technically a bass.

Mirrorball95 · 07-05-2009, 05:26 AM

A certain individual called Victor Wooten is hands down the best bassist I have ever heard.

Also Jack Bruce is fucking ace. I saw part of the Cream Renunion concert where everything Clapton was playing he played it on the bass. He plays the bass like a fucking lead guitar. Also a great vocalist.

Here he is with the excellent but short lived BBM (Bruce Baker Moore)

07-03-2009, 01:15 PM	#72 (permalink)
jackhammer Ba and Be. Join Date: May 2007 Location: This Is England Posts: 17,331	I know it's the same old same old when someone is missed out but no Robbie Shakespeare? Reggaes finest bassist and defining sounds of many bands. Sly and Robbie - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia __________________ It be my music and film collection. “A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.”

07-04-2009, 03:00 AM	#78 (permalink)
Seltzer Fish in the percolator! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Hobbit Land NZ Posts: 2,870	Nice list. I'm happy to see Colin Moulding and Andy Rourke up there. Fanboyism aside, Rourke is a bass idol of mine and one of the most melodic rock bassists around. I would probably have Scott Reeder from Kyuss / The Obsessed / Orange Goblin up there too. If you need another metal bassist for the list, Alex Webster is a good/influential one even though I really don't care for Cannibal Corpse. __________________ In the Court of King Crimson \| Last.fm \| RYM