There were 3 bass players that were a huge influence on me all around the same time which led to me wanting (and getting) a bass guitar as a Christmas present in 1982.
Derek Forbes (Simple Minds), John Taylor (Duran Duran) and Mick Karn (Japan).
All with their own style but a common theme, for me at least, was that they all brought the bass to the fore within their bands' songs. Creative bass lines being an integral part of the song, as well as a functioning rhythmic instrument.
I have seen the former two live several times, but I only saw Mick Karn live on the Sons of Pioneers (Tin Drum) tour. I was in awe watching him play. His style, in every sense of the word, including his unique "stage shuffle" whilst delighting us with those sounds from his Wal, is something I won't forget.
Saw him a few times in the late 70's when playing bass for Leamington punk band, The Shapes...They were great live and he was a really good player and still is..(still got the Batman in the Launderette single, thank goodness).....now based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
I don't want to be argumentative, but all the bass players posted are all great, and renown in their own rights. Talented all. But who is overlooked / invisible? Try to find Misa in a Band Maid video. I'll wait.
Oh, that's her standing to one side just shredding.
Let's get funky with Bootsy Collins.
There were 3 bass players that were a huge influence on me all around the same time which led to me wanting (and getting) a bass guitar as a Christmas present in 1982.
Derek Forbes (Simple Minds), John Taylor (Duran Duran) and Mick Karn (Japan).
All with their own style but a common theme, for me at least, was that they all brought the bass to the fore within their bands' songs. Creative bass lines being an integral part of the song, as well as a functioning rhythmic instrument.
I have seen the former two live several times, but I only saw Mick Karn live on the Sons of Pioneers (Tin Drum) tour. I was in awe watching him play. His style, in every sense of the word, including his unique "stage shuffle" whilst delighting us with those sounds from his Wal, is something I won't forget.
Check out Mariusz Duda from the band Riverside. I had the opportunity to see them live earlier this year. Great show!
Beatle Paul
Mark E King
The Queen of bass, Carol Kaye.
I'll add John Deacon later. The bass of Queen.😎
Paul Gardiner from Tubeway Army is my 'overlooked' entry.
I gotta give props to Flea from RHCP and Geddy Lee from Rush. They're legends! As for overlooked bassists, I'd say Pino Palladino.
The Ox
Also Eberhard Weber - a double bassist.
I'd add Tony Levin and Steve Mostyn
Tim Lefebvre -
Tedeschi Trucks Band, Elvis Costello and bassist on David Bowie's final album 'Blackstar'
Brian Helicopter (Gareth Holder)
Saw him a few times in the late 70's when playing bass for Leamington punk band, The Shapes...They were great live and he was a really good player and still is..(still got the Batman in the Launderette single, thank goodness).....now based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
I don't imagine anyone has a clue
Oteil Burbridge
Tony Levin
.
Jean Jacque Burnell? Everyone wanted to play bass - very loud! - when he appeared on the scene.
Same goes for Lemmy.
Sting, very memorable basslines in all the hits.
Charlie Tumahai - never a bum note, much like his guitar playing bandmate!
TC
Squarepusher ( aka Tom Jenkinson)
Stop me if you hear this before: Band-Maid.
I don't want to be argumentative, but all the bass players posted are all great, and renown in their own rights. Talented all. But who is overlooked / invisible? Try to find Misa in a Band Maid video. I'll wait.
Oh, that's her standing to one side just shredding.