Does anyone like Cliff Williams?

[Dincrest]

Cliff Williams is a bassist's bassist. He plays what's needed in service of the song.

Being able to do advanced techniques like double-thumbing or open-hammer plucks like Victor Wooten is great, but Vic even says that you're not getting paid to double-thumb. You're getting paid to hold down a groove like the Cliff Williams or Michael Anthony type bassists.

 

[Medicine Man]

My life's history has left me with a bad taste in my mouth for playing ACDC covers, but it ain't Cliff's fault.

 

[Curtbass]

I find myself respecting him more every year that passes and I always loved his playing and tone. His lines get it done, support the song and don’t distract from it.

 

[Slade N]

Don't know, never met him but as stated he plays what the song needs. That is respect worthy

 

[Deleted member 394181]

Everyone is forgetting, those bass lines are FUN!

 

[matt holt]

A thought that I try and play by is that if someone hears me play in a band and thinks "wow that bass player was great" it's cool, but I'm not really doing my job. If someone hears me play in a band and thinks "wow, that band was great" then I'm doing my job. I imagine Cliff as someone who adheres to this philosophy as well.

Obviously there are some people who can do both. JPJ, I'm looking at you

 

[BaltBass5]

KILLER underrated bassist.

 

[Rojd]

I like Cliff.

 

[FunkHead]

Cliff is great. I think he played exactly what AC/DC needed to sound the way they did. I would have played things differently but I probably would’ve gotten fired.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I've never really been a fan of AC/DC, so he doesn't get high marks with me. Nothing negative to say, but I liked his signature Stingray. Not the price.

 

[Ulf Buck]

Cliff serves the songs like a boss. No one could ever equal him in the context AC/DC. Listen to some isolated tracks and I believe you may change you mind.

 

[Geogio]

...Cliff has to be one of my least favourite bassists ever!

What do you think?

I think their oldest brother George sort of ran the band with Malcom having a lot of input, Angus was just the lead.
They did bounce drummers around though. AC/DC was one the most successful garage bands ever. What's not to like? Besides Cliff doesn't only play the root in the 5th much he likes hanging around the third which is very rockish and I'm sure Malcolm and him worked a lot of stuff out. Angus was again just the lead player he was good at it but that's really his contribution.

 

[Fonkamex]

Learning AC/DC tracks and for the first time listening to the bass: Cliff Williams. Dear god his tone is dull like old roaps and his playing is repetitive!

He clearly does his job well because AC/DC have solve more albums than almost anyone. Maybe the bass needs to be dull to compliment Angus’s electric playing. However, Cliff has to be one of my least favourite bassists ever!

What do you think?

I like him and respect him. He plays bass old school fundamentals, the definition of electric bass. I few month ago I was touring with an AC/DC tribute band playing only Bon Scott years. Playing Cliff Williams lines is not as easy as it look, he seems simple but is not.

 

[pbass2]

Cliff is a Badass. Love him.

 

[DrBnz]

Aw come on.... that's just party music. The crowd loves it. Plus you can learn 10 new AC/DC songs a nite. And if you forget your part, don't freak out, ya already know its one of 4 notes.... Keep going.... louder..... louder.....more overdrive..... there ya go... fun right.

 

[drumvsbass]

Cliff Williams' 8th note pocket is perfection.
Is yours?

 

[MT Hope]

I like him and respect him. He plays bass old school fundamentals, the definition of electric bass. I few month ago I was touring with an AC/DC tribute band playing only Bon Scott years. Playing Cliff Williams lines is not as easy as it look, he seems simple but is not.

I played for a while in a tribute band that started with all Bon Scott songs and added Brian Johnson tunes. It's easy to assume playing Cliff's role will be easy, but it is a lot of work and some songs are a lot more dynamic than they appear. Plus, if you're playing Kicked in the Teeth, Whole Lotta Rosie, and Riff Raff... did I mention it's a lot of work?

 

[StayLow]

He’s an icon of great taste and style as a bassist and a rock star. Can’t recall any gossip tabloid news about his behavior or personal life.

Are you really sure you’re learning his lines correctly? Post clips?

Rock ‘n’ roll, indeed Westetn Civilization, owes AC/DC a very deep debt of gratitude.

 

[Bar Band Bassman]

A couple of thoughts: 3 or 4 minutes of rock solid, repetitive playing is really challenging, IME. Harder than just playing a bunch of notes that fit the chord progression in no particular order. I would take Cliff's gig in a heartbeat! And I could get a cuppa at any coffee shop without getting mauled by a bunch of fans! Yeah, that works! Oh, and he's quite well off, too!

The Bar Band Bassman

 

[REMBO]

Cliff Is Incredible! Definitely A Favorite Of Mine!