The best of the best when it comes to classic rock bands are often the sum of their parts. However, more often than not, at least one or two members from the greatest classic rock bands get overlooked. And a lot of the time, that’s totally unfair.
Let’s take a look at a few famous members (or former members) of classic rock bands that deserve way more respect than they’ve gotten through the years. (Spoiler alert: They’re all bassists, which will surprise exactly zero bassists reading this.)
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Krist Novoselic of Nirvana
Nirvana was the premier grunge trio of the 1990s. In fact, when most people think of that era of music, they think of songs like “Smells Like Teen Spirit”. It was the golden age of the genre. Kurt Cobain was by far the most well-known individual in the outfit, considering he was the band’s vocalist and guitarist. Likewise, drummer Dave Grohl is remembered not only as Nirvana’s drummer but as the frontman of the still-going-strong Foo Fighters.
Krist Novoselic, Nirvana’s bassist, does not get enough love for his contributions to the band. I’ll blame that on the fact that he more or less stepped away from the public eye after the death of Cobain and the end of Nirvana. Still, he’s a powerhouse bassist and should be acknowledged as such.
Cliff Williams of AC/DC
Angus Young and Brian Johnson are by far the most well-known members of the classic rock band AC/DC. Though, the attention is well-deserved. Young is a killer guitarist, and Brian Johnson’s vocals are legendary.
However, I think the band’s bassist, Cliff Williams, deserves more credit for how much of a foundation he maintains in the band’s songs. He’s not an in-your-face bassist, either. His grooves and basslines are crisp, clean, and perfect for the kind of music AC/DC makes. His skill is sorely underrated.
Kim Deal of Pixies
When one thinks of the 90s alt-rock band Pixies, one often thinks of Kim Deal. This talented bassist from our list of underrated members of classic rock bands was occasionally overshadowed by frontman Black Francis, but that never dimmed Deal’s light. Her basslines are influential, and songs like “Where Is My Mind” wouldn’t be as loved as they are without her bass and vocal contributions. Her absence has been felt ever since she left Pixies in 2013.
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