In Little League baseball, coaches often stick the less talented players in right field. And when it comes to rock bands, the group often sticks the less charismatic players with bass guitars. Or at least, that’s how it seems from afar. But that’s not always the case. Sometimes the bass player is the most charismatic on the roster, the most important amongst the bunch.
That’s what we wanted to explore below. We wanted to dive into three iconic classic rock bands that were bolstered by their bass players. Three groups that were somehow even more memorable because of their bass players. Remarkable but true! Indeed, these are three classic rock bands known for their bass players.
Videos by American Songwriter
The Beatles
Growing up in the 1950s, everyone wanted to be a guitar player. But when the Liverpool youngsters first formed their band, there were too many guitar players. So, Paul McCartney left the six-string behind for George Harrison and John Lennon, and he picked up the four-string bass. McCartney played the instrument melodically and even wrote songs on it, as you can see above. Given who he is, McCartney has done more for the bass than just about anyone.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Where would the Red Hot Chili Peppers be without their bass player, Flea? In many ways, he is the heart and soul of the legendary band—its driving force, its mysticism amongst its rock DNA. Flea is so charismatic and personable that he’s even acted in some major movies. And he brings that same magnetism to the stage and other RHCP outlets. He is nimble in the songs, dancing on the melodies. And very recognizable all the while. Indeed, Flea is essential.
Primus
Les Claypool, who founded the experimental rock band Primus, is your favorite bass player’s favorite bass player. The artist is dynamic and wild with his instrument. And he’s used it to become one of the most notable musicians of the past five decades. For those who play bass, he is an undeniable hero. Talented on the four-string but also supremely imaginative with his riffs, Claypool is someone many who pick up the instrument aspire to be like. Just listen to a few minutes of the Primus song above—it’s like a fever dream in the best of ways!
Photo by Adam Bettcher Photography/Shutterstock
More The List
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CIRCA 1977: Dennis DeYoung, Chuck Panozzo, James Young Tommy Shaw, John Panozzo of the rock quintet "Styx" pose for a portrait in circa 1977. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
Photo by Doug Griffin/Toronto Star via Getty Images -
(Original Caption) A singer called Joni. Joni Mitchell, Canadian singer-songwriter, United Kingdom, 1968. The guitar-pickin' gal is Joni Mitchell, a long blonde haired Canadian folk singer. Pictured last night outside the Revolution club, Joni is here (until 1st October) for radio, television and concert appearances. Apart from concert appearances, 25 year old Joni will be heard on "Top Gear" on Radio One and "The Monday Show" on BBC 1. (Photo by © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images) -
English rock band the Beatles arrive at London Airport from the USA, with their manager Brian Epstein (1934 – 1967, in coach doorway), 2nd September 1965. From left to right, John Lennon (1940 – 1980), George Harrison (1943 – 2001), Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. (Photo by George Stroud/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) -
George Jones, who released several country songs about whiskey -
Elvis Presley and Scotty Moore (left) performing on The Milton Berle Show at NBC's Hollywood studio, Los Angeles, California, 5th June 1956. Presley performed 'I Want You, I Need You, I Love You' and 'Hound Dog'. Press reaction to his performance was largely negative with his gyrating movements during 'Hound Dog' proving particularly controversial. (Photo by Bettmann Archive/Getty Images) -
Singer and musician Merle Haggard performs at the Poplar Creek Music Theater, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, August 16, 1983. (Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images) -
John Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls at event, New York, 1990s. (Photo by Steve Eichner/Getty Images)