Latest Updates

Beach Boys hire new bass player from social media – after he made a video on how to sound like the Beach Boys
By Phil Weller published
Chris Cron's unassuming clip went viral

A storm is coming as Gibson unveils modernized Thunderbird bass
By Phil Weller published
New take on the bass combines heritage with modern performance

Greg Chaisson on his gruelling Ozzy Osbourne audition
By Phil Weller published
Chaisson didn’t get the gig, but he did strike up a friendship with Jake E. Lee – which would be rekindled a few years later with Badlands

Why bassist Paul Samwell-Smith chose a short-scale Epiphone for his “rave-ups” with the Yardbirds
By Stevie Glasgow published
The blues-rock opener from the band’s 1966 debut album showcases a standout example of Samwell-Smith’s fluid, freewheeling bass work

When a teenage Suzi Quatro laid down a marker by jamming with Jeff Beck and Cozy Powell
By Phil Weller published
The bassist was determined to prove her worth, and the impromptu jam was the perfect platform to do it

How bassist Eva Gardner landed the gig with Pink
By Nick Wells published
The daughter of Creation bassist Kim Gardner, Eva Gardner was also a member of The Mars Volta

Les Claypool looks back on his disastrous Metallica audition
By Janelle Borg published
Following the death of the sorely missed Cliff Burton, James Hetfield and co. auditioned the bassist of the then-emerging band Primus

Paul McCartney, Fleetwood Mac and ZZ Top basses top the biggest four-string sales at historic Jim Irsay auction
By Phil Weller published
The late billionaire’s sensational instrument collection has gone under the hammer, including some very notable basses

Chicago bassist Peter Cetera reflects on opening for Jimi Hendrix and why Paul McCartney changed everything
By Chris Jisi published
The newly named Chicago were invited to open for The Experience on several dates during their 1969 US tour

Steve Di Giorgio sets the record straight on what it was like to sideman for Dave Mustaine and Megadeth
By Janelle Borg published
The Testament bassist has looked back on his experience recording on Megadeth's 2022 release, The Sick, the Dying... and the Dead!

The Specials’ Ghost Town bass fetches thousands at auction – having been bought for just £200
By Phil Weller published
Horace Panter used the Fender Precision to record The Specials’ timeless two-tone hit, and also featured in his supergroup, General Public

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

Melissa Auf der Maur reveals the biggest lesson she learned from Billy Corgan and The Smashing Pumpkins
By Janelle Borg published
Auf der Maur joined the Pumpkins in October 1999 following a five-year stint with Hole

How Gail Ann Dorsey honed her bass craft with David Bowie and Lenny Kravitz
By Chris Jisi, Nick Wells published
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
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
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
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

The origins of Ernie Ball Music Man – and how it all started with a bass
By Phil Weller published
The StingRay was worked on by Sterling Ball, Leo Fender and others, initially under the Music Man brand name

