40 Of The Greatest Bassists Of All Time – Picked By NME Readers

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Jenny Lee Lindberg

Bassists never get the credit they deserve, so this week we asked NME.com users for their favourites. Here’s 40 fantastic four-stringers, as picked by YOU, the reader. Kicking us off is Warpaint’s Jenny Lee Lindberg, whose spidery fret work is “totally what makes that band” says Reuben Chiles. Couldn’t agree more, Reuben.

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Nicky Wire

You said: “Scissor kicks, milkman caps, glitter AND a degree in politics!” – Catherine via Twitter

We say: An enthralling performer and fierce political motormouth, the Manics man not only delivers the band their driving low end and onstage theatrics, but encapsulates the spirit of the Welsh group, too.

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Kim Deal

Kim Deal

Kim Deal

You said: “A total hero. Pixies are nothing without her massive contributions and huge spirit.” – Claire Tufford

We say: We’re not sure her former band should be written off just yet, but it’s true Pixies’ aura seems dimmer since parting with the Breeders star. Simple, snaking, perfectly executed bass lines.

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Jaco Pastorius

You said: “Jaco Pastorius hands down! Nobody has anything on Jaco!” – Eddy Bowes

We say: Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo’s personal hero, this jazz innovator, who worked with the Weather Report and Joni Mitchell, was a four string demon before his death in 1989, aged 35.

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Carol Kaye

You said: “If Carol Kaye doesn’t make it onto the @NME #BestBassist list then, well, that would a poor list of best bassists.” – Parri

We say: You might not know Kaye but you’ll know her elegant bass lines like the back of your hand. Simon and Garfunkel’s ‘Scarborough Fair,’ The Monkees’ ‘I’m A Believer’ – session star Kaye played on all of them.

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John Deacon

You said: “Even for a bass player he’s cruelly underrated. He truly was Queen’s secret weapon.” – David Grant

We say: The solid foundation to Brian May’s more attention-grabbing guitar histrionics, Deacon’s reputation as one of rock’s good guys has only been enhanced by his refusal to take part in any Queen reformation without Freddie Mercury.

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Bruce Foxton

You said: “Weller was The Jam’s superstar but credit’s got to go to the mighty Foxton too.” – Daniel Paulson

We say: True that. Foxton’s vibrant, inventive bass fret work gave the Jam the zest that made the mod champions.

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Mani Mounfield

Mani Mounfield

Mani Mounfield

You said: “His speed and precision is unparalleled.” – Adam Galbraith

We say: As if his groundbreaking sonics with the Roses didn’t give this effable Manc enough of a claim to legend status, he later became a member of Bobby Gillespie’s hellraising Primal Scream. A monstrously assured technique and endearing demeanour make him an indie hero.

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Krist Novoselic

Krist Novoselic

You said: “Nirvana were the best band of all time so Krist is the best bassist ever. Simple.” – James Terriers

We say: Kurt became an icon. Grohl became an arena-filling mega star. But Krist was just as important to Nirvana, his dirty, sliding bass lines anchoring the grunge chaos around him. You’ve got to love his cheery smile too.

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Gary Jarman

Gary Jarman

Gary Jarman

You said: “As passionate as bassists and frontmen come.” – Jill Swinder

We say: Can’t argue there. A true punk, Jarman’s bass playing is often violent and thrashy but he never misses a note or a beat.

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Eric Avery

You said: “No conversation about the best bassists ever is complete without Eric Avery.” – Jonny Tarner

We say: Avery began his career trying to emulate Joy Division’s Peter Hook, resulting in a musician with a creative and propulsive style which led him through Jane’s Addiction and tours with NIN and Garbage.

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Mark Hoppus

You said: “The man, the legend, Mark Hoppus.” – Sarah Smyth

We say: Maybe not the most technical or revered of bass players, but there’s no denying the slinking pop-punk pull of bass lines like the one on ‘What’s My Age Again’. The Blink man’s a likeable bass legend.

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Carlos D

You said:“You’ve gotta love Carlos D, he’s gotta be up there with the greats.” – Jenny Sadler

We say: Event though Interpol revealed that he actually disliked playing bass guitar a few months after he left the band in 2010, Dengler’s winning style – best evidenced on ‘Evil’ – was always cool and calm.

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Paul McCartney

You said: “for bringing lyricism and melody to rock bass.” – Mike Foley

We say: We’ll hand over to John Lennon (Playboy, 1980) for this: “Paul is one of the most innovative bass players … half the stuff that’s going on now is directly ripped off from his Beatles period.”

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Chris Wolstenhole

You said: “A dynamic bass player who can play dirty gritty fast basslines or a more traditional style!” – Ronan Sterry

We say: From album to album, Chris has switched up his instruments and his style, using all manner of distortions. He’s to thank for bringing a heavier rock sound to the band pinned down by his muscular bass-playing.

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Este Haim

You said: “Este Haim not neccessarily for skill but for style !” – Beth Willows

We say: Haim’s eldest sister is perhaps the most exciting new bassist of the decade – and not just because of her awesome gurning bass-face. Energetic and dynamic on stage, her lines are a integral part of the Cali sound.

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Colin Greenwood

You said: “Take your pick of amazing Radiohead bass lines – there’s all the proof you need that he’s the best.” – Seb Bryant

We say: Listen to the opening to ‘National Anthem’. Got the chills yet? Colin is to thank for some of the most glorious moments in the band’s lengthy career. He also plays other instruments. What a guy.

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Phil Lynott

You said: “No debate – Lynott all the way.” – David Feathney

We say: A popular suggestion among readers and rightly so. After stints singing for various bands, Lynott formed Thin Lizzy in 1969, becoming known for songs such as ‘The Boys Are Back In Town and ‘Jailbreak’ to which he brought a melodic, passionate style.

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Alex James

You said: “Yes he’s a Tory and a bit annoying, but I still rate him above everyone else.” – Prakash Jay

We say: The Blur bassist is perhaps the most iconic of British music in the 1990s. He had so many good lines: from the legendary ‘Girls & Boys’ ‘I Know’. Despite spending more time with cheese these days, he’s still one of our favourites.

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John Entwistle

You said: “The Ox! Who else?!” – Sharon Cockburn

We say: Entwistle’s shuddering bass line in The Who’s ‘My Generation’ is perhaps the most genius moment of the band’s whole catalogue, giving it a dynamism and energy that brought it alive. A definite frontrunner for best of all time.

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Murdoc Niccals

You said:“Not sure about best bassist ever, but Gorillaz have all the best bass lines. ‘Feel Good Inc’ is massive” – Peter Klohnnson.

We say: It’s true – there’s a groove to those Gorillaz records, largely down to Murdoc, that’s key to their winning charm. We’re with you, Pete.

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Flea

You said: “An innovator. It’s easy to take the piss out of RHCP, but Flea’s insane.”

We say: Though the Chilis may not have the critical acclaim they once had, Flea’s talents at this point should be beyond debate. If his slap technique on songs like ‘Give It Away’ is too overbearing for you, try his amazing, more subdued Atoms For Peace contributions.

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Peter Hook

You said: “He’s integral to his bands’ sounds.” – Matt Deverall

We say: A huge character with even bigger bass lines, former Joy Division and New Order man Hooky is outspoken but on stage lets his fret work do the talking in the most staggering way.

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Andy Rourke

You said: “It’d have to Andy Rourke for me, so many cracking bass lines i.e. ‘Headmaster Ritual’ or ‘Barbarism Begins At Home'” – Sean Doyle

We say: It’s the weaving bass work on ‘There Is A Light’ that does it for us Sean but point taken – Andy’s a stunning talent whose brilliance was a key part of the Smiths’ restless, kinetic energy.

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James Jamerson

You said: “James Jammerson created some of the best motown bass lines that have ever existed.” – Ryan Thornton

We say:‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’, ‘What’s Going On’, ‘I Heard It Through The Grapevine’ – all Jammerson classics. An astonishing bass talent.

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Walter Becker

You said: “Walter Becker of Steely Dan fame. Never seemed to play the same note twice and myriads of chord and key changes to contend with, too.” – Jon Dunn

We say:A technical virtuoso, Becker’s bass lines were complex but never for the sake of it or at the expense of melody. No wonder plenty of you suggested him.

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Chris Squire

You said: “Chris Squire of Yes. His bass playing helped to define the sonic possibilities of both the band and progressive rock in general.” – Alison Henderson

We say: A brilliant craftsman when it came to writing teasing bass lines. AND, as you can see from this photo, a snazzy dresser to boot.

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Pino Palladino

You said: “Session player Pino Palladino has played for Nine inch Nails, The Who, Paul Young, Paul Simon, Joe Walsh to name a few! Diverse!” – Gareth Owen

We say: His CV says it all.

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Les Claypool

You said: “Les Claypool of Primus. You don’t get many bands where the bassist is more important than the guitarist.” – Joe Young

We say: Tapping, flamenco-like strumming, whammy bar bends, and slapping – nothing’s out of reach for the gifted Claypool, who’s bass lines stood at the centre of Primus’ idiosyncratic sound.

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Tina Weymouth

You said:“Weymouth’s gotta be in the list. Her bass lines for Talking Heads were the driving force of David Byrne’s band” – Brian Thompson

We say: Spot on, Brian – but don’t forget Tom Tom Club. Her bass line in ‘Genius Of Love’, with all its seductive slips and slides, made that a party anthem to be reckoned with.

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John Paul Jones

You said:“In the shadows of Page, Plant and even Bonham but a huge part of Zeppelin – played keys as well” – Motion Device

We say: A bassist who needs little introduction. Jones’ bass riffs sparked off Page’s guitar with excellent, inimitable chemistry.

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Cliff Burton

You said:“A metal icon like no other. RIP” – Shanti McCloughlin

We say:You only need to look to ‘For Whom The Bell Tolls’ for proof of Cliff’s tidal, muscular brilliance on the bass. Sorely missed since his 1986 death.

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Lemmy

You said:“If you don’t include Lemmy I’m disowning you, NME. He’s the most unique bassist ever” – Charlie Hampton

We say: Lemmy sounds like he’s swallowed razor blades, hammers his bass like there’s no tomorrow and keeps his riffs straight and powerful. What more do you want from a true rock star?

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Lou Barlow

You said: “It’s Lou Barlow all the way. I can always rely on him to make my body shake with his riffs at Dinosaur Jr gigs.” – Ryan Clement

We say: A star with both Dinosaur Jr and Sebadoh, Barlow’s reputation as an indie-rock hero is well deserved.

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Squarepusher

You said:“No other bassist is pushing boundaries like him” – Kyle Weller

We say:Fusing live bass with throbbing electronica and jazz, in years to come this cult figure will be remembered as a ground breaker.

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Leland Sklar

You said: “Sklar has done it all and is due way more recognition than he gets” – Eve Teller

We say: The missing link between Michael Jackson and Dolly Parton – Leland has played with them all. A master of his instrument.

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Mike Watt

You said: “Nobody shreds like Mike Watt!” – Billy Charlebois

We say: The Minutemen man’s a more cult figure than many on this list but his bass powers are just as persuasive.

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Charles Mingus

You said: “No one’s done more for jazz bass than Charles.” – Ella Willerstone

We say: True Ella, but Mingus’ influence goes beyond jazz – everyone from Amy Winehouse to Flying Lotus credit him as an inspiration and understandably so. A soulful titan of his craft.

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Aston Barrett

You said: “With the Wailers he played a massive part in music history. Respect.” – Jenny Blazckowski

We say: The man who gave groove to Bob Marley – what else can we say? His delicious dub bass work for the Wailers are so crucial to their brilliant reggae warmth.

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Gene Simmons

You said:“KISSSSSSS! GENE SIMONSSSSSSS!” – Greg Ellison

We say: The bass-wielding frontman of rock titans Kiss, Simmons is not just one of the genre’s biggest personalities, but one of it’s finest four-stringers.

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