Who started it all for you?

[trayner1]

I'm sure there are a few threads like this out there, but I couldn't find any, so I'm starting a new one.

Which bassist started it all for you? Who made you say, "I wanna be a bassist" after hearing them?
For me, it was Glenn Cornick of Jethro Tull. I remember being about eight years old and finding a mix CD my dad made for me. That night, in bed, I listened to the disc. But when I got to Bouree, my life was transformed. Cornick's smooth walk accompanying Ian Anderson's impressive flute, followed by a chordy solo simply was a revelation. At that point, I picked up my bass with a whole new attitude. But I wasn't pleased with what I heard, so I taught myself the guitar for a few years and got good, all the while practicing bass every now and then. However, I had established myself as a wannabe shred guitarist (which I thought was cool back then), influenced by Satriani, Malmsteen, and others. While being musically immature, it did help me develop muscle memory and fretboard versatility. Going back to bass, I started out slapping, then worked my way back to pizzicato. And here I am.
So, Mr. Cornick, I salute you.


How about you?

[Goatee220]

Flea. I heard the Chili Peppers' cover of Higher Ground and that was it for me.

[jnuts1]

the doors really started it off for me & i borrowed a guitar & thought it was horrible. then a few years later i heard Phish's Junta & i was hooked on guitar again. but still the guitar was horrible in my hands. then i went with a buddy to get an amp & for some reason i picked up a bass & i knew instantly this is what i was supposed to play.

[DRafalske]

For me it was a friend of the family. Most of my uncles and cousins are musicians, and whenever there's a family gathering there's always live music. It seemed like everyone played guitar but this guy was the only bass player. Anyway, every time they'd play "Rikki Don't Lose That Number" I though it was just the coolest thing ever.
D

[stiles72]

When I saw Gene Simmons as a kid, I said "That's who I want to be!"

When I heard Motown (Jamerson), I thought "That's what I want to sound like"

[LSquared]

Peter Tork....



OK, whoever played bass on Monkees' Headquarters album (Chip Douglas??). Of course, I was 7 at the time.....

[scottbass]

Paul McCartney - Nowhere Man. I was 12 years old.

The first time I heard that bass line on a good stereo capable of reproducing bass frequencies I forgot about progressing any further on the six-string, saved up my lawn-mowing money and bought a cheap bass. I've been playing primarily bass since then.

[Humblerumble]

Steve Harris, Iron Maiden Killers album followed by The Number Of The Beast album and I was a bass lover.

[3toes]

George Porter Jr.

[N8-N]

Probably Justin Chancillor
I thought his bass playing was really interesting, and it made me really start to listen to bass in other bands.

[Disco Batman]

When I was 13 I went to my Dad and said I wanted to play guitar. He sat me down, put 2112 on (Vinyl). 21 minutes later I wanted to play bass.

[Ray34]

[I<34080]

I saw a video of Tina Weymouth jumping around on stage like a frog and thought it was so awesome, so I asked for a bass so I could do cool stuff like that too.

[retardedpossum]

Wyzard from Mother's Finest

[foq1978]

For me, it was Paul McCartney in Abbey Road.

Originally Posted by Ray34

Wow. Which songs feature Ringo on the bass?

I am kidding, by the way!

[kenfxj]

Dennis Dunaway of the Alice Cooper band. Blue Turk off of School's Out. There was no turning back.

[pit7]

Clive Willams.

I was a drummer for twenty years...so what?

[Fergie Fulton]

Bill Black in "65", after hearing Heartbreak Hotel that was it for me.

[Gav4003]

Lemmy when Motorhead played Ace of Spades on the young ones, caught a re-run when I was about 10 years old.

[SactoBass]

The music switch in my brain got flicked on when I saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show on February 9, 1964 (I was seven years old). Prior to that, I had no interest in music. After that day, music has been an integral part of my life.

Thank you, Sir Paul!!!