Control Your Life Through Insanity

Control your life through insanity ~Cliff Burton

Bass players. The ones always left in the dust.  I happen to love the bass and the fine folks who play it. Without the bass, the song is not complete. So here in NO ORDER are some of my favorites - the underdog of the music world - here is to the bass player.

Bobby Dall - Poison

Okay, so sort of no order. Bobby is where my bass crush started.  It was Bobby's neon green BC Rich bass, the constant cigarette in his mouth, and THAT melody. Call it the pre-Justice Metallica syndrome, a lot of bass is turned way down and you can't appreciate what it really gives to the songs. And that hair.



Berry Oakley - Allman Brothers


The signature of Whipping Post is Berry's opening bass line. In his 24 short years on this planet, he created some of the most memorable bass riffs of the jam scene. As a founding member of the Allman Brothers, he laid the foundation of a band that will see its touring end this year.

Tal Wilkenfeld

I've seen the Aussie play with the Allman's and Jeff Beck. You will lose your soul to her bass lines. She is smooth jazz and soul.  She's played with the who's who of rock: Jimmy Page, Sting, Prince, and Eric Clapton to name a few.

Carol Kaye

You don't realize you've heard this woman dozens of times. Have you heard LaBamba? Sloop John B? River Deep Montain High? Or watch shows like Kojak, Hogan's Heroes, or the Cosby Show? That is the infamous Carol Kaye.

Charles Mingus

One of the most prolific bass players of the 20th century, he personified  racial tensions into melodic, haunting, jazz songs. He was not only a bass player, but a composer, creating dozens of well known jazz recordings.

Gail Ann Dorsey
You like David Bowie? Then you know Gail. She performed bass and sang with David Bowie for many years. She's also played with the following artists: Boy George,  Gwen Stefani, , Seal, , ani difranco and Dar Williams.

Ryan Stasik

The bassist extraordinaire band co-founder from Umphrey's McGee, he oozes cool, plays hot, and fashions a stache that Magnum PI would pay for. Did I mention he ALSO loves Pittsburgh sports as much as yours truly. He' given UM some of their tightest, funkiest bass lines to songs like 1348, In the Kitchen, and Mantis. You like Metallica, the Grateful Dead, and Hall and Oates ... check out Mr. Stasik and Umphrey's McGee.

Lemmy
Ian Fraser "Lemmy" Kilmister, bassist and coun-founder of Motörhead is a no-nonsense, slightly unintelligible rock god. You can thanks the Beatles for Lemmy, as they were his first inspiration. While writing some of rocks most well known songs, including some for Ozzy Osbourne, it would be Motörhead's cover of Metallica's Whiplash that would win them their first Grammy and Whiplash was inspired by Motorhead!!!  How fucking cool is that Cliff Burton?? Mind blown. \m/ \m/

John Taylor - Duran Duran
John is more than just a pretty (really really pretty) face, he is co-founder and creator of some of the most famous 80's songs. Rio, Hungry Like the Wolf, Union of the Snake ...take a close listen at that bass riff. He can also be found writing and acting while he isn't catching up with Duran on tour.

Rachel Bolan - Skid Row
One of my first crushes, Rachel, sweet Rachel, you brought us Youth Gone Wild, Piece of Me, nose chains, and a thankful look back that we didn't get on that motorcycle as tempting as you were (one motorcycle doesn't work with two friends who understand not leaving your wingman).

  

Nikki Sixx - Motely Crue, Sixx A.M.

Nikki Sixx has become somewhat of a hero to me. He admits his mistakes, is a gifted photographer, writer, musician, and family man. He's open about his past and is ready for his post-Motley Crue future. He is the writer behind most of Motley's hits. 

Cliff Burton - Metallica

One of my favorite bassists of all time. Cliff brought the bass to the forefront of the band. He made the bass sound like it was the lead guitar. After his brother's death, he promised he would practice and become the best bassist player for him. I think he fulfilled that promise. What would have become of Cliff if we had not lost him in 1986 at the age of 24?

Phil Lynott - Thin Lizzy

Yet another co-founding band bassist. Phil was also lead singer and songwriter for the band known for their songs such as Whiskey in the Jar, Boys are Back in Town, and Jailbreak. This Irish band was diverse not only in culture but in religion as well - making them a ground breaking no-borders type of rock band.

  TRIVIA ... 
Did you know that Aerosmith's bassist Tom Hamilton ALSO played bass with Thin Lizz?
Tom, known for that sexy opening to Sweet Emotion, also is an excellent skit actor if you happened to see him on the Saturday Night Live with Tom Hanks. 



Les Claypool -
Primus, Frog Brigade, Oysterhead
THE man ... what a funky, slappin' bass this man plays. We all met him in Primus, the unforgettable sound of that funky bass revved up like Jerry's race car. And yeah, don't forget - it's good ole Les singing the South Park intro.  He can also he heard with Stewart Copeland and Trey Anastasio under the guise of Oysterhead (pig mask and all).

Flea - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Michael Peter Balzary ... who??
FLEA! He is perhaps one of the most influential bass players...in the world. His style of bass slapping and funk jamming has been copied and imitated across all spectrums of music. Not only is he the co-founder of RHCP, but he has played in numerous other bands lending his talent, he acts, he runs a music conservatory for underprivileged kids ... AND - he runs marathons! What is not to love about the man?

Rhonda Smith
Her style definitely has Flea and Les Claypool inspiration as well as her own jazzy touch. She's played with Jeff Beck and Prince and can hold her own as you will see with this clip. She's a singer and songwriter who has not only played with George Clinton and Chaka Khan, her own band Karma Deuce has toured worldwide.  

John Paul Jones- Led Zeppelin

No, you never think of John Paul Jones when you think of Led Zeppelin. He's the Ringo Starr of Zep. But behind all of Jimmy's riffs, Bonzo's beats, and Roberts shrills, you'll here this -- pure rhythm bass tying together all of the hedgerows of Mordor.

Sting - The Police

It's no secret I love Sting. Love his attitude, his perfectionist ways, his philanthropy, and I love his bass. He is true Brit, an artist, and can actually write a good biography. What I also like about the man is that he takes chances both musically and in life. Carry on Sting.

Krist Novoselic - Nirvana

Sounding like a broken record, Krist is a the bass player and co-founder of Nirvana. See - bass players will get you places. His life post-Nirvana has included becoming involved in politics and simple farm living. He does occasionally play with former Nirvana member, Dave Grohl and Foo Fighters.

Tommy Shannon - Double Trouble
While Stevie Ray did (rightfully) take all the limelight, it was Tommy keeping up diligently with Stevie.

Jeff Ament -
Green River, Mother Love Bone, Temple of the Dog, Pearl Jam

This basketball-loving bass player from Montana was a key player in the two bands that would help grunge evolve into what eventually became Pearl Jam. How?

Green River - Seattle band. Jeff was joined by Stone Gossard. Band breaks up and Jeff and Stone meet the most phantasmorasmic frontman, Andrew Wood ❤️, and form Mother Love Bone. Andrew goes to Olympus and Jeff and Stone meet up with Mike McCready and are asked by Andrew's roommate, Chris Cornell,  to sing some of Andrew's unfinished songs with him in a band named Temple of the Dog. At the same time Jeff and Stone were auditioning singers for their next band and they liked this guy Eddie Vedder - who sang Hungerstrike with TotD, everyone loved it and {mindblown} Pearl Jam was born.
 


Andy Fletcher - Depeche Mode

Another co-founder and bassist, Andy Fletcher's role within the band is always touted and speculated ... In a key scene in D.A. Pennebaker's 1989 documentary 101, Fletcher clarifies these roles: "Martin's the songwriter, Alan's the good musician, Dave's the vocalist, and I bum around."
He has essentially done everything (even produce and manage) but sing.

Oh yeah, and don't forget this chap!
Paul McCartney - The Beatles, Wings

Take a listen to McCartney's incredible, seamless bass line on Rain.

Won't You Kick With Me?

Today, another talented, young musician lost his battle with heroin: Mike Starr of Alice In Chains. It shocked me I think, not just his death, but that heroin is still so prevalent. I have been touched numerous times by losses because of this drug - and to defend them - they simply cannot stop. They know it is wrong - but the need and the euphoria overcomes reality and hurt.

 

When the whole Seattle scene first hit - a little earlier for me, pre-PJ and Nirvana. It was Mother Love Bone. It was Andrew Wood - the combination of Marc Bolan, Freddy Mercury and, well, himself. Flamboyant, talented, loving - an addict. In the end, it wasn't the really the bad batch of heroin that took him away from this world - it was an allergic reaction to a medication he received after he OD'd - BUT that addiction, something he knew was killing him, overpowered him and won. He is not alone. Layne Staley of Alice in Chains, Shannon Hoon of Blind Melon, Jimmy -  my friend and someone I spent years laughing with, singing with, swooning over and respecting when I recognized his gift as an artist. I cannot hear Stairway or see an And Justice for All T shirt without thinking of him.

 

It hurts because you want to say, it's so sad that they all died so young - it's not like they had cancer or were in a car accident - but, they were sick. Have you ever seen someone withdraw? The movie Trainspotting gives people a good look at what heroin can do - it brings the best down.

 

BUT - there are positive stories. Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode, who used to talk to stuffed Wizard of Oz dolls like they were real, or Nikki Sixx who had his heart shocked twice when he OD'd - overcoming heroin addiction can happen. Overcoming drug addiction can happen - Robert Downey, Jr or Stevie Ray Vaughan are perfect examples.

 

Is this an anti-drug rant - hardly. This is just a plea to help those who are addicted - they are beyond recreational - their lives hang in the balance. When you stop to think of the talent lost - the loves left alone to wonder if they could have saved them. Lynyrd Skynryd's song  That Smell  is actually a good example of friends trying to help. About their guitarist Gary Rossington and an infamous car crash, Ronnie Van Zant must have thought telling Gary via song for the whole world to hear was a good way to get his point across:

Angel of darkness is upon you.

Stuck a needle in your arm (you, fool, you)
So take another toke, have a blow for your nose,

one more drink, fool, would drown you. (hell, yeah)

 

I think a lot of people are hurt right now - Mike had people rooting for him on Celebrity Rehab - and we'll never know what happened inside of his mind. All I can say is, be there for them - if they know they can turn to you, maybe they will. They'll reach out to you and ask you to kick with them.
 

 



FANatic

You know, people can't fall in love with me just because I'm good at what I do ~ Robert Plant

We have all been there - admit it. You have had the crush. I have had several - ok, still have several. Robert Plant, Bono, Eric Clapton,James Hetfield, and Nikki Sixx.

I don't know what it is about rock stars. Ok, I lied, I do. They are sexy hot. I also admit, that my version of sexy hot rock stars does not fit everyone else's. We each have our own check list, I am sure.

• You either are or are destined to become a rock icon
• You have been through hell and back and possibly made a return trip a couple of times
• You can have strong political convictions
• Accents are best
• Tattoos are welcomed
• Hair - long locks are good but not required
• You continue to put out music because you enjoy it

I guess the crush starts when you first hear the voice. Listen to a good live Since I've Been Lovin' You and you get all sides of Robert Plant. You get the blues, you get the golden god's vocal crescendos and, if you're watching, you see him feel the song. I should add that to the list - crushes must feel the song they are singing.

 (note, this video contains a number of items from the above checklist: icon, hair, accent). 

A great example of the emotion being worn on one's sleeve is definitely Bono.Bono, from inception, I think has been overtly

emotionally tied to his songs. U2 songs are not just poppy love ballads and kitschy tunes, they (most of the time) have some deep political, social, and/or religious meaning. (Dr. Wrabley at Pitt Johnstown knows that I know this - he received too many papers from me on them). In Rattle and Hum, U2 performed Sunday, Bloody Sunday. But this performance came on the heels of a bombing (that could have been stopped by the British Army) that killed numbers of veterans in a war memorial ceremony. Bono's emotion is raw.  Whether singing about the United States occupation in Central America, the plight of millions in Africa, or lamenting civil rights activists - he was genuine. And U2 still continues to put on tours and make albums and stay true to their original concept - making music that educates as well as entertains. Bono - well, maybe it was the hair, it was definitely the accent, but what girl can resist a guy who wears his heart on his sleeve? (Back to checklist - rock icon, strong political conviction, accent, had long hair at one time, still enjoys making music).

You're probably asking yourself - Eric Clapton? Yes, Eric Clapton. Read his biography - you'll love him even more - you'll want to give him a great big hug. This man has
been through hell - and won. His love life should make anyone thankful for their own. I don't know how he can still sing Layla, I couldn't fathom knowing Sweet Home Chicago was the last song he ever played with Stevie Ray, and am thankful that he doesn't have to sing Tears in Heaven anymore. His relationship with George Harrison still fascinates me. Look at the bands he has been in: Yardbirds, Cream, Blindfaith, Derek and the Dominos.I finally saw him play in June of 2009. It was amazing. I couldn't believe I was finally seeing Eric Clapton. (back to the tally board: Icon, been through hell a couple of times, he has an accent and toured not that long ago with Jeff Beck).

Moving right along - I know, don't give me that, what? Why? Really? Hey, this is my list and I can put anyone on it that I want. And I happen to want to put James Hetfield on this list.Hmmm, let's see, heavy metal god, puts some politics into their songs (One, For Whom the Bell Tolls, The God that Failed), went through hell (third degree pyrotechnic burns, kicked drugs and alcohol), he's got tattoos and last time I checked 'Tallica has been on the road for the last two years AND they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! HA! HA! HA!

I was at this show in Manchester TN and Metallica kicked it big time. The proof was that the non-Metallica fans were enjoying themselves. The truth is - when at Bonnaroo, we're all MUSIC fans. It still sends chills through me to hear the music stop and James address the audience: Bonnaroo, Are you alive? Tell me, how does it feel to be alive? 

Lastly, Nikki Sixx, the man whose poster used to hang inside of my closet - because he scared my mother. Talk about a rough paper route in life, family issues, he died a few times, shot up some JD -- need I go on about this guy. He can write (wrote most of the Crue's songs) published the diaries of his heroin days, an amazingly terrifying read if you want a glimpse into the not so sexy world of 1980's heavy metal touring. He is a photographer looking at the world through his eyes and putting it out there for us to question our perceptions of reality.

There, that is my list. I think I have remained true to my rock and roll (okay, rock, rock, blues and heavy metal) crushes. Each of these guys I truly respect. Yes, I am getting serious. Each of these men have some pretty heavy weight on them. Legend, sober, humanitarian, believer, fighter, lover can be used to describe anyone of these men. Crushes just aren't about looks - believe it or not.

So there are folks who failed to make THE list, but made the list of those I had obsessive, binge crushes on: 
Michael Hutchence: I did trek to his memorial in Sydney and even left flowers.

Donnie Wahlberg: I pray every time we go to Dorcester that I accidentally run into him and not shriek like a child - although I almost ruined an entire scene with him in it while running over the Brooklyn Bridge one morning (yes, Donnie, that was me and you are so welcome).

George Michael was a crush for so long - who wouldn't want that angelic voice singing to them?  

Mike Patton of Faith No More: I contained all urges to jump onto the stage very well I think.

Dave Matthews: it's that hippy thing I think, and I like it when he does his South African accent. I have seen you over 30 times, is that obsessive?

Boy George (there Angie, I admit it) I told everyone in kindergarten I was going to marry Boy George.

Bobby Dall, the other bassist in my life. Rachel Bolan from Skid Row: Jan, what memories!!

For some of my girl crushes, check out http://paulasmusicjourney.blogspot.com/2014/09/woman-crush-wednesday-musical-edition.html