R.I.P. Phil Chen

[Kaa]

That's sad news. But, it's not a shock, these guys are getting up there in age.

I always loved hearing a Jamaican accent from him, it always made me chuckle to hear an Asian guy that sounded like Bob Marley.

 

[TonyP-]

@TonyP-
Hey Tony, I wanted to see the pic but it wouldn’t load.
Maybe another format?

It’s loaded now...I asked the mods to fix it...

 

[Doublesixes]

When Jaco fell back in 87, I knew that soon after his passing many more of my heroes would follow. Sad reality of life. Nothing's forever. Let's enjoy the now. RIP Phil Chen.

 

[CharleyJackson]

Condolences to Phil Chen’s family and friends. It hurts to lose loved ones.
The life he lived, his accomplishments and experiences. Magnificent person.
Tremendous loss for the human community and as a person of Asian heritage I feel this deeply. RIP Mr. Phil Chen, master musician.

 

[Low Down Brown]

What a bummer! The man was a beast, especially on Jeff Beck's 'Blow by Blow' album.

R.I.P. Mr. Chen.

 

[DrayMiles]

I met Phil through Richard Bailey.. I thought I was hallucinating because he had a Caribbean accent?!? He was a funny, humble dude and I’m shocked to learn of his passing. RIP Phil…

You were a kind, thoughtful bloke…

 

[eff-clef]

View attachment 4505271
I Just heard Phil Chen passed.
He was a great, great lesser known (but no less a giant) bassist with an amazing resume’
Heard about it from Neil Murray on Facebook

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phil_Chen

R.I.P. PH

 

[fourstringburn]

I saw it this morning, many online sources now reporting it so sadly it's official.

Today would be good for everyone to play their favorite Phil Chen recordings.

Jeff Becks Blow by Blow album wirks for me!

 

[thmsjordan]

I have a friend in L.A. who recently worked with him on a Robby Krieger gig and mentioned what a kind soul he was to her. R.I.P. Mr Chen.

 

[Chrisk-K]

As for me, Chen’s bass line on “Da ya think I’m sexy?” is one of the sexiest bass lines ever. RIP, master.

 

[LeFunk Machine]

His P Bass sounds sooo goood. Rest in Peace Mr. Chen.

 

[Ewo]

An exceptionally tasty player. RIP.

 

[jerry]

I met Phil through Richard Bailey.. I thought I was hallucinating because he had a Caribbean accent?!? He was a funny, humble dude and I’m shocked to learn of his passing. RIP Phil…

You were a kind, thoughtful bloke…

Bailey"s drumming on Blow By Blow is excellent, such a great rhythm section.

 

[LordRyan]

I got to hang out with Phil in September 2016 when I filled in on keys with The Robby Krieger Band for a rehearsal, sports celebrity party, and two shows in New York. Phil was always friendly and a fun guy to be around. I found out one thing you shouldn't do is ask him about the famous people he played with. When I asked him about Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart, and Carmine Appice the first thing out of his mouth was invariably "He owes me money!" and then he would go into a long rant about how he played on some of the biggest selling albums of all time and only got twelve dollars. After asking about Carmine Appice I got an e-mail from him the following day and he was still ranting about Carmine owing him money apparently from not being paid royalties or getting credit for co-writing "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy".
Robby has a long history with Phil going back to 1973 before he had played with Jeff Beck or Rod Stewart. It was Jeff who recommended Phil to Rod when he was looking for a Bassist. In Robby's band Phil had a way of not exactly copying the original Bass lines but still maintaining a great groove.
Btw, Robby doesn't mention me by name but makes reference to me in his book "Set the Night on Fire".
The photo below is from a show in Riverhead, NY.

In this performance of "Soul Kitchen" Phil elaborates on the original Bass part which Robby himself played on The Doors first album.


Here we are at the same show playing one of my favorite Doors songs "Waiting for the Sun".

 

[JRT64]

Very sad news indeed. I first remember hearing his playing with Rod Stewart. To say he was a monster player would be an understatement. Sounds like he was just as good a person as he was a player. You don't run across folks like that very often. May he rest in peace.

 

[Ralph Manak]

Phil was a major influence in learning how to play the rests. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

 

[bobyoung53]

Phil Chen- bass:

Carmine Appice- drums, great combination

Great video, I cannot shut this song off. Boogie music we used to call it.

 

[Tony In Philly]

He was a great player. The only time I ever saw him live was with Robbie Krieger's Doors tribute band a few years ago. He was very inspiring to watch in a small club venue.

 

[bottomzone]

Phil was a great bassist who was very passionate about his craft. Yeah, I need to listen to Blow By Blow again, too!!! Here's a nice article about Phil:

Phil Chen dies at 80 - For Bass Players Only

R.I.P.

 

[bobyoung53]

He was a great player. The only time I ever saw him live was with Robbie Krieger's Doors tribute band a few years ago. He was very inspiring to watch in a small club venue.

I just read Robby's book, great book, he seems like a very nice guy, down to earth.