Bassists

Melissa Auf der Maur on joining Hole amidst tragedy and her “Master’s in Music” with the Smashing Pumpkins

By Janelle Borg published 17 March 26

In her love letter to the ’90s – the last analog decade – the Hole and Smashing Pumpkins bassist shares how she fell in love with the low-end and became an integral part of the noise-making generation

Chicago bassist Peter Cetera reflects on opening for Jimi Hendrix and why Paul McCartney changed everything

By Chris Jisi published 16 March 26

The newly named Chicago were invited to open for The Experience on several dates during their 1969 US tour

How new Nine Inch Nails bassist Stu Brooks went from pop royalty to one of rock’s most sonically adventurous gigs

By Nick Wells published 13 March 26

Brooks had previously collaborated with musical giants like Lady Gaga, 50 Cent, Danny Elfman and Iggy Pop

How Gail Ann Dorsey honed her bass craft with David Bowie and Lenny Kravitz

By Chris Jisi, Nick Wells published 8 March 26

Bowie’s long-time bassist salutes her mentor and unpacks her approach to the bass chair with Lenny Kravitz

Meshell Ndegeocello favors restraint over fretboard theatrics; but Marcus Miller (and Jaco) get a pass

By Bill Leigh published 8 March 26

Meshell Ndegeocello discusses what set Jaco Pastorius apart from the pack, what she looks for in a bassist, and the crucial lesson her jazz musician father taught her

“I’m a better bass player when I use my fingers”: Nikki Sixx names his biggest weakness as a rock bassist

By Bill Leigh published 1 March 26

The lifeblood of infamous hair-metal band Mötely Crüe, Nikki Sixx has been polarizing bassists since he first took to the stage nearly 50 years ago

“I deserved a songwriting credit. They sold millions and I only got $200!” Flea’s bittersweet hip-hop recording experience

By Nick Wells published 28 February 26

In 1989, as the Red Hot Chili Peppers enjoyed their first big hit, Flea was hopping around MTV in the video for Young MC’s Bust A Move