Ten Bass Players That Made the Rest of the Band Sound Better

I don’t play bass guitar, or any type of guitar for that matter. So, who am I to proclaim the greatest bass players of all time? That’s why I decided to make this more of a “my favorites” list. As a non-player, I tend to miss some of the subtle background technique while recognizing the flashy solos and thundering style that elevates the bass to a lead instrument. My top two, which were never in doubt, are clearly of this bent. I focused on bass players from bands that I have listened to throughout my life. Bonus points for memorable concert performances. My #1 clinched the top spot with a captivating and unforgettable live display.

10. Robbie Shakespeare: I had to include one reggae artist and it came down to Shakespeare or Ashton “Family Man” Barrett. Both are reggae legends with an endless list of credits. It came down to the fact that I was lucky to see Shakespeare in 2019 shortly before he died (along with his long-time rhythm section partner Sly Dunbar on drums) at a nearby small club. Sly and Robbie are ubiquitous in roots reggae. Culture’s Two Sevens Clash and Peter Tosh’s Equal Rights are two of their many classics. They weren’t entirely one-dimensional having also worked with Dylan, Jagger, and Talking Heads.

9. Sting: I remember putting on Outlandos d’ Amour for the first time. The reggae-influenced new wave of “Roxanne,” “So Lonely,” and “Can’t Stand Losing You” was new and exciting. Although I would continue listening to Sting and see him a couple times, it’s the early Police that stands out for me. The power trio headlined a 1982 festival in Fresno (with The Fixx, Oingo Boingo, and the Thompson Twins). The front man was impressive on lead vocals and bass. Sting shines on this song, too:

8. Kim Gordon/Tina Weymouth: Let’s hear for the women! Neither one of these ladies had ever picked up a bass until they joined their transformative bands, Sonic Youth and Talking Heads, respectively. Gordon’s primitive strumming complemented Thurston Moore’s fuzzy guitar. Weymouth (along with husband and drummer, Chris Frantz) were a fundamental underappreciated component of Talking Heads. And the beginning of “Psycho Killer?” Classic!

7. Geezer Butler: One of the bands I really regret never seeing is Black Sabbath. I have their first six albums which still resonate as the essence of heavy metal. Butler also wrote most of the lyrics during those early days, so it was his dark visions of horror and fantasy that gave the band its indelible image. Butler started on rhythm guitar and upon switching to bass learned from Jack Bruce how to fill in the gaps left by the lead guitarist. Tony Iommi and Butler on “Paranoid” say it all.

6. Jack Bruce: Bruce is the other artist on my list that I never saw live. I was a little young during Cream’s heyday. Disraeli Gears with “Sunshine of Your Love” made a lasting impression on my teenage mind. Another power trio with the bass player as lead singer. Bruce’s foundational lines unite the blues from Eric Clapton and jazz of Ginger Baker.

5. John Paul Jones: Jones was the backbone of Led Zeppelin but wasn’t afraid to branch off and go his own way. His background as a Motown-influenced session musician encouraged the freedom to improvise. He mastered the acoustic bass, electric bass, keyboards, and other instruments. Plant, Page, Bonham, and Jones were heavyweights right out of the gate with their first album.

4. Geddy Lee: I grew to appreciate Rush more in later years culminating with finally seeing them in 2012 on the Clockwork Angels tour. Again, the bassist as the lead singer, although with Geddy Lee you can add synths and keyboards, sometimes with his feet. A nimble bass player and singer who made the complex sound catchy.

3. Peter Hook: To me, the bass is the signature element of New Order. I’ve always loved it. The distinct sound is from playing high on the neck (I learned some things from putting this article together) and in effect leaving the true bass line to the keyboards. There you have it…New Order (for more New Order and Peter Hook see recent post New Order & Pet Shop Boys: A Hollywood Bowl Synthsation). “Age of Consent” brings it home:

2. John Entwistle: “The Ox,” “Thunderfingers,” “The Quiet One.” No matter what you called him, John Entwistle took his bass and turned it into a lead instrument. Maybe trying to keep up with Keith Moon had something to do with it? I’ve seen The Who more than any other band but only twice before Entwistle’s death in 2002. That’s why his special appearance at Cabo Wabo in 2000 with Sammy Hagar was a special treat. To hear his name announced and then come out and play three songs (“Summertime Blues” among them) in the sweaty, packed, and tequila-fueled Baja nightclub is one of my all-time concert moments.

1. Chris Squire: Co-founder and the only constant member of Yes until his death in 2015. It was another heartbreaking moment at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame when the band got inducted shortly after his death. Along with Entwistle, the showcase artist for the bass as a lead instrument. Intricate yet heavy. I saw Yes in 1975 and two times much later in their career. I had the VIP package at the Saratoga Mountain Winery in 2010: up-front seat, lots of merch, and a meet and greet after the show. Watching him shred alongside Rick Wakeman’s son on keyboards and then signing my Going for the One album is one of my favorite concert experiences.