Why does the bass player still stand in back?

[Jeff Scott]

Why does the bass player still stand in back?

Because, we have tact?

 

[Plain Old Barry]

Sometimes we're in a hole in front of the stage. But it's dark down there...

 

[Mediocrity Man]

Because my band never leaves enough room for me.

 

[swarfrat]

Someone has to keep the clowns up front in line.

 

[micguy]

I play in churches. Most of the time, I'm somewhere in back, dimly lit. But there have been times when I was out front - when the worship leader is tied to his mic, the guitarists are tied to their pedalboards, and the drummer and keys players aren't going anywhere, sometimes the most mobile person on stage is the bass player, so they put me out front for visual interest or something. Doesn't happen often, but it has a few times.

 

[rickwebb]

i stand in the back to goof on the proceedings with our drummer. Plus i'm quite a bit taller than the singer, guitarist and KB player

 

[dreamadream99]

It is often true, given our lackluster personalities, inability to passably dance, and homely appearances (compared to lead singers, and lead guitarists).

Despite my personality and appearance I was able to break free from the backline because I contribute substantially to harmonies and background vocals

 

[Mr Cheese]

The singer is out front, the lead guitar will step forward during a solo, the bass player gets a little attention if there is a bass solo. Drums will always be in the back since they block views if they aren't. The bass and drums form the rhythm section and will almost always be tighter if they're in close proximity and communicating.

THIS

 

[Hypercaffium]

There is no "bass in the back" rule. I don't even think about these things, honestly.

 

[Frunobulax]

Depends on the band I guess.
I was forced out of the shadows because of backing vocal duties, plus the fact that our guitarist, who is only 18 and shy. He plays a mean guitar but is still working on his stage presence. Hence, someone had to step up and fill the void.
Every cloud has a silver lining. This cloud has given me so much more confidence on stage, improved my vocals and also helps with connecting with the audience..

 

[Astronaut]

Because you want so.

 

[J-Bassomatic]

I hit a Google photos search on the word "stage" today for an unrelated reason - lots of gig pictures came up that I haven't looked at in a long time.

Like a lot of bass players, I'm standing in the back in most of them.

If you're the kind of player who wants to stand in back, chill, and play - sure. No need to rationalize or justify. But maybe some of you, like me, have decided that the fact you play bass should not, on its own, banish you to the back wall.

In fact, in my groups, keyboardists go in the back (they can't move) along with any player who needs to use his or her iPad or sheet music at the gig.

Me, I want to be up front interacting with the crowd - like I sometimes get to on this stage, where I guess I'm in the front and the back at the same time:



Anyone else abandoning the "bass in the back" rule?

For me, no. But what *** do I know. Play your bass!!

 

[Frank Tuesday]

In one band, everyone is up front, bass in the middle, keys on the left and drums on the right.

My other band has the "lead" instruments (vocals and flute) up front, and everyone else in the back.

 

[Lagado]

Well, it's like a cake isn't it. You could say the vocalist is the cherry on top as far as the crowd goes, the guitarist is the marzipan icing, and the bassist is the sponge. Soaking it all in.

 

[fdeck]

Another reason for standing in the back is so we don't get driven deaf by the horns. Also, if we want to be reasonably close to our amp, then it makes sense for the amp to be in back so everybody can hear it, and so we end up in the back too.

 

[barbarbass]

The bass player is analogous to the catcher in baseball. He is the player who sees the entire field, and actually controls the defense. It is the "quietest" position -- he has to hear/see what everyone else is doing (i.e., is the runner trying to steal? is this batter going to bunt or hit into a broken defensive formation?) . . .

Or another analogy if you prefer: why does the Wizard of Oz stand behind a curtain? Because he's running the whole show.

 

[dave64o]

I always said I'm like an umpire. If I do my job well, the song moves along well and I'm not really noticed. But if I make a mistake and screw up the groove, then everyone notices.

 

[Michedelic]

Because we are the hidden hand.

 

[Michedelic]

are there rules?
stand where you want
since upside down is not an option
I kinda like standing sideways

Like this?

 

[Michedelic]

If you're not singing or soloing, there is no reason to be up front.

That sounds like battered bass player syndrome; while I think this is a bit much...

I’ll still stalk around my territory of the stage in this manner somewhat...

...because I don’t want to be...