Greatest Rock Bass Players of all Time

[honorentheos]

One of my personal favs is Muzz Skilling's. He was the original bassist for the band Living Colour whose music was the perfect mix of pre-grunge funk and hard rock.

Most folks around at the time probably recognize this song:
https://youtu.be/7xxgRUyzgs0

The way the bassline drives that song forward while slipping in variations and picking up melody as well as expanding the rhythm with the drums but not just following them is the sort of bass playing that stands out.

[Some Schmo]

I'm surprised nobody's mentioned Geddy Lee.



I know this is about rock bassists, but as a nod to honor's innovation criterium, I've got to mention Mark King. He's probably the most unique bassist I've ever heard.

[honorentheos]

I'm surprised nobody's mentioned Geddy Lee.



I know this is about rock bassists, but as a nod to honor's innovation criterium, I've got to mention Mark King. He's probably the most unique bassist I've ever heard.

It was only a matter of time until Geddy Lee showed up on the thread, and no one deserves a mention more for sure.

I have not thought about Level 42 in a day. Catchy as all get out. Cool mention.

[Dr Exiled]

I was a big Led Zeppelin fan back in the day and so my vote goes to John Paul Jones.

[MeDotOrg]

Jack Bruce was my first thought. I'm probably going to get shot for this, but I think Paul McCartney did some really inventive bass lines (Rain, for example).

[Morley]

I was a big Led Zeppelin fan back in the day and so my vote goes to John Paul Jones.

Good choice. If only for sentimental reasons, one of my many votes goes here, too.

[Morley]

In thirty years, my vote may go to Corey McCormick.

[honorentheos]

Nice.

A thread about bassists with an ear towards where the current generation may land should also include Mike Kerr. A two piece that is bass and drums? He relies on a lot of pedal work but damn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0AlyFVnde4

[Morley]

Wow. I'l give them a try. Added to my playlist.

[Everybody Wang Chung]

I don’t think you can watch this video and not come away with great respect for Jimmy Osmond’s bass playing. Jimmy was truly one of the greatest bass players to come out of Spanish Fork, Utah during the late 1970’s:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iXcj8dFOd1E