Greatest Rock Bass Performances

[masterx1918]

I didn't say they weren't good. But in the top 10 no way. The top 20 yes. I'm mean you are now saying YYZ is the best bass performance and I totally agree. The off beat sections are great and really hard to do. I like your list but 'Money' as one of the best bass songs. Come on. Just because a song has a catchy bass line that people know and remember doesn't make it technically great. I like the song, but it's not hard to play. I think most of the people are confusing catchy and being great. I thought this was about being a great player not having catchy bass lines.

this thread is about best bass performances not greatest bass players. Just because Money is easy play doesn't mean it's not an amazing bass performance. A bass performance is one in which the bassist is center stage, money is a prime example.

[PDMChubby]

this thread is about best bass performances not greatest bass players. Just because Money is easy play doesn't mean it's not an amazing bass performance. A bass performance is one in which the bassist is center stage, money is a prime example.

Haha, I was just watching Roger Waters play bass on Money on Live Earth and I was thinking about this thread.

[Shneybz]

Les Claypool and Geddy Lee are both gods. Along with Flea. And Money by Pink Floyd is a cool bass line, but its easy. As far as catchy bass lines it would be in the top 10 def, but not on this list.

[fueelin]

Sticking within the category of best bass performances the songs listed in here are a pretty good run down... Obviously there are a lot more examples of amazing bass performances by these same players (Citing just one Entwistle, JPJ, Geddy, and Claypool song for example leaves out plenty of top-notch performances).

I pretty much agree with the original poster's picks for the best though, except that I would go for 50-50 over Apostrophe in terms of bass lines from Frank Zappa... Love 50-50, love Frank Zappa. The 'bassist' I've been getting into the most lately is Fred Frith, from Naked City. He plays some very interesting innovative stuff that fits right in with the whole avant-garde thing the entire band does. I guess you would expect that from someone who is mostly known for his incredibly innovative guitar technique and customized guitars. Not exactly rock bass but still quite good

[Elnino]

I really like the bass in Sweet Child O' Mine by GNR. Bass played by Duff Mckagan.

[ThunderFingers]

I really like the bass in Sweet Child O' Mine by GNR. Bass played by Duff Mckagan.

Agree.And I think john entwistle is really a great bassist!
just like what he said"Don't call me bassist,call me bass guitarist"

[whofan]

I didn't say they weren't good. But in the top 10 no way. The top 20 yes. I'm mean you are now saying YYZ is the best bass performance and I totally agree. The off beat sections are great and really hard to do. I like your list but 'Money' as one of the best bass songs. Come on. Just because a song has a catchy bass line that people know and remember doesn't make it technically great. I like the song, but it's not hard to play. I think most of the people are confusing catchy and being great. I thought this was about being a great player not having catchy bass lines.

Boy oh boy have you opened a can of worms here....

John Entwistle not top 10 material? What are you smoking man? You're attempting to tell me that the "Bassist of the Millenium" (I believe Rolling Stone named him as such) is not worthy of being in the top 10?

You're talking about the man who turned bass lines from buh-buh-buh into wild runs that are exciting to listen to. Don't believe me? go to youtube and find John Entwistle's Bass Solo from 5:15 at the Royal Albert Hall in 2000.

In regards to your comments about "the band" making John Entwistle. That is complete and utter Bull. The man was an amazing Bass player who made The Who sound what it was, not the other way around. Further, listen to his solo albums (Specifially, "Music From Van-Pires", "Whistle Rhymes", and "Smash Your Head Against The Wall") to hear what the man was capable of.

Your statement that the band made John Entwistle only goes to show your complete musical ignorance. This isn't a matter of opinion, this is a matter of fact. Due to his innovation and trailblazing techniques and influence John Entwistle deserves to be #1 on the top 10. No doubt he was the influence behind many bassists who you would consider "great". And that includes "flea".

Before you make another statement along those lines may I suggest you research what it is you're saying.

[cmg4894]

To Whofan:

First, everything in this thread is a matter of opinion. Second, 'Rolling Stone' doesn't mean anything anymore. It never really did. I said Entwistle was good but not great. Yes I have listened to his solo stuff. It is great but not the best I have ever heard. Third, people get way to emotional and think with their heart and not head. I'm a huge Nirvana fan but, I don't think Cobain was a great singer or a guitarist. I don't even think the band was the best of the 90's. BUT....I love them. It is hard to put that aside and use my head was debating music of the 90's or hell music in general. I like the Who, I like Entwistle as a bassist. I think he ranks around 13th or so of 'all time', just because he influenced a lot of players doesn't make him #1 by default. I'm not making a list, I don't make them. There are a lot of factors to consider when making such lists. It was just my opinion, you have your's I see. Does that make you wrong or right? It doesn't matter, you enjoy the music and that is what matters most.

[franknfurter1000]

Les Claypool. That guy has some of the best basslines ever to his name.

[Blue88]

I take it no one likes Bootsy Collins?