Best Bass Players

Gene Simmons.

 

Jaco Pastorius

 

Glad to see the love for John Paul Jones. For bass players who not only were great on the bass, but also great assets in the studio, arranging and playing multiple instruments live, he is unsurpassed. And based on his versatility, the dude I would want in my band if I had one.

For metal, Cliff Burton really put the bass out there as an independent instrument; unfortunately it doesn't always come through on album. Each of the three Metallica records he played on had one song where he was doing something crazy; Anesthesia, Call of Ktulu and Damage, Inc. all had him turning the bass into something new. Jason was OK, and live he certainyl had presence. But his songwriting contributed little, and I guess I look for someone's overall contribution.

Also for metal, if you admire speed Tom Araya of Slayer. All four of those guys are pretty virtuosic to play that fast and stay on time.

Not completely surprised Geddy Lee hasn't been mentioned. But for a dude who is a songwriter, plays multiple instruments, has seen his style change over the years, and who puts the bass out there as a lead instrument on many songs, he is great. Not a great singer, but as a member of a band, he's excellent.

 

Allow me to nominate Steve Harris of Iron Maiden. I always thought he and Nicko McBrain made an excellent rhythm section.

 

Seriously, Steve Harris was the primary songwriter for Iron Maiden as well.

A good addition to the list.

 

Stanley Clarke.

For metal bassists, Fieldy from Korn.

 

I believe Sir Entwistle wins the award.

 

Cliff Burton
John Entwistle
Flea

BTW, SportsChick, love GNR, but I think even Duff would tell you he's not that good.

 

Chris Squire of Yes. Always a great counter-melody / rythm thing going. Just listen to Roundabout.

And McCartney was a fantastic bass player.

 

But could he play the tuba like bassist Gary Talent did for Bruce Springsteen in the early 70s? ;D

 

What he said.....

My Generation
Boris the Spider
....

soooo many active bass lines on those Who songs.

 

Petty wrote the following in an article for Rolling Stone in response to Howie's death: "…there’s a great sadness, because Howie was never not a Heartbreaker. He just got to where he couldn’t do it anymore. …It’s like you got a tree dying in the backyard. And you’re kind of used to the idea that it’s dying. But you look out there one day and they cut it down. And you just can’t imagine that beautiful tree isn’t there anymore."