In praise of John Deacon

[D.J]

John is a wonderful bassist and my biggest idol both as musician and person.
I miss him terribly...he had tons of great performances with Queen, I'd like to remember Father To Son, Ogre Battle, Son and Daughter, The Fairy Fellers Master Stroke, The March of the Black Queen.

 

[deacyjon]

Deacy is the whole reason I got into playing the bass, and now I'm very pleased to say I now make a reasonable living playing his basslines in a Queen Tribute Band.

Its no mean feat, I have played many styles in many bands - but to get his touch and versatility, fluid quick runs, punchy bottom end p-bass - I only hope I do him justice...

For me, my highlights are Millionaires Waltz, Best Friend and I also love the opening bass hook from Ogres Battle on Queen II. I also like Days of Our Lives for a more chilled out feel to his playing.

 

[geddeeee]

Deacy is a VERY underrated bassist. Geddy is my god, but John is what I grew up listening to
'Fairy Fellers Masterstroke' - WOW.
Also 'Mustapha' from Jazz - Phew.

He's what a 'real' bass player should play like. Fat bass tone and really inventive, melodic lines. Also knows when 'less is more', a bit like Colin Moulding from XTC.

Up the Deac!!!!!

 

[73jbass]

I would recommend everyone getting"The making of Night at the Opera" DVD.I've always appreciated the body of work they put out over the years,but after seeing the video,I know why Night at the Opera is considered by many musicians as a true rock masterpiece.

 

[matrok]

$10.27 on Overstock.com, just might pick it up.

 

[Lady Kayri]

I've been a fan of Queen and Deacy since about 1974...Love Killer Queen! Also Under Pressure and Another One Bites the Dust, but I love his work in all the albums, and watching the recorded concerts - wow. And he knows when to pull back and NOT play for a few beats, too, which sometimes is the hardest thing to know when to do! I'll join the chorus of those who wish he'd someday come out of retirement...

 

[Funk 'N' Stein]

You'll get no argument from me...great great player.

I rate him right up there with Dee Murray....perfect tone...perfect attitude...perfect lines...Classic old school R&B approach in a rock setting.

Dee had better hair though...Deacs had that Brian Connelly thing going on in the early 70's (as did Dee) but then he switched to that permed, afro look which wasnt quite happening IMO

 

[joeman583]

My #1 bass influence! I love Deacy! Songs that are just breathtaking (All of Queens songs are!) Some of my favorites are "Liar" "Killer Queen" "Flick of the wrist" "Misfire" "Bring Back that Leroy Brown" "Your my best friend" "The Prophet Song" He has a Heavenly bass line on "Love of My Life"! Absolutely beautiful with Freddies piano playing and very understated! As is Brian May's playing... I mean literally Brian May was his own orchestra!!!! Obviously "Bohemian Rhapsody". Off of A Day at the Races, "Long Away", the Heavenly "Millionaire Waltz" "You and I" "Somebody to Love" "Good Ol' fashion kover boy" "Teo Terroriate" (Brian later mimicks some of Johns parts in that song as others). News of the World, "We are the Champions" "All Dead" "Spread your Wings" "Sleepin on the sidewalk" "It's late" and "My melancholy Blues". Jazz is so underatted as far as a Queen album goes!!!! It is a truly another Gem of theirs. His bass work on "Jealousy" (Which he recorded in one take to me is breathtaking" "In Only Seven Days"... Beautiful bass work with Freddies understated piano playing as was the case with "Jealousy" The Game, "Play the Game", "Dragon Attack", "CLTCL", "Sail Away Sweet Sister" "Save Me" and of course "Another One Bites the Dust" Hot Space, "Under Pressure" "Back Chat".... En=ven though most of the bass was recorded eith synthesizers on this album (As was with drums as well) the parts on those songs still stand out, especially live! "Los Parablos D' Amour" and "Life Is Real (Song for Lennon)" I could go on and on about my love for John Deacon but it would take to much longer!