P. S. Mt intention is not to offend anyone.....I'm just sayin' ...I'm not overweight but I'm bald, do not have pretty teeth, don't dress as stylishly as some...none of which affect my playing skills!
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Why so many fat bass players?
- Thread starter Joe Nerve
- Start date
Hmmm... I'm a crappy bass player. And I'm skinny. Well, that solves that. This thread has enlightened me personally.
No one reads this crap except bass players,
no need to be so serious.
Some stupid humor is what is needed from time to time.
I fit the description and I'm not offended.
Well...this thread has stayed true to its over-generalized roots.
The OP stated his case a bit coarsely -- possibly intentionally to elicit exactly the kinds of responses that this thread has had.
But let's take a moment to examine the idea seriously:
IF there's a stereotype that the heaviest member of the band is more likely to be the bassist...
WHY are there so many examples where that stereotype holds up?
I'll freely admit that I'm the heaviest person in my band (see my avatar pic) and there are plenty of famous, heavy bassists:
Is it possible that people who gravitate to the bass have personality traits that lend themselves to obesity?
I think ALL musicians have triggers about reward-based behaviors; we love the feedback of playing music, interacting with other musicians, the approval of the crowd, the thrill of a new gear purchase.
Then combine that with traits that define why we play BASS and not something else:
Maybe we're a population that is more supporting, less narcissistic -- not as fixated on grabbing the spotlight, so we let ourselves slip a bit, then that bit becomes a LOT...
The thing about my list above is that all of them are (to a degree) SUPPORTING bassists -- it was harder for me to think of an obese bassist whose PLAYING is very up-front; Flea, John Entwistle, Steve Harris, Justin Chancellor...
I'm trying to avoid those who sing, because that would skew the results.
So seriously, is there anything to this?
The OP stated his case a bit coarsely -- possibly intentionally to elicit exactly the kinds of responses that this thread has had.
But let's take a moment to examine the idea seriously:
IF there's a stereotype that the heaviest member of the band is more likely to be the bassist...
WHY are there so many examples where that stereotype holds up?
I'll freely admit that I'm the heaviest person in my band (see my avatar pic) and there are plenty of famous, heavy bassists:
- Bill "Buddah" Dickens (before he lost a bunch of weight)
- Keith "the Matterhorn" Horne (before he lost a bunch of weight)
- Tobin Esperance (Papa Roach - again, before he lost a bunch of weight)
- Juan Nelson
- Randy Jackson
- etc.
Is it possible that people who gravitate to the bass have personality traits that lend themselves to obesity?
I think ALL musicians have triggers about reward-based behaviors; we love the feedback of playing music, interacting with other musicians, the approval of the crowd, the thrill of a new gear purchase.
Then combine that with traits that define why we play BASS and not something else:
Maybe we're a population that is more supporting, less narcissistic -- not as fixated on grabbing the spotlight, so we let ourselves slip a bit, then that bit becomes a LOT...
The thing about my list above is that all of them are (to a degree) SUPPORTING bassists -- it was harder for me to think of an obese bassist whose PLAYING is very up-front; Flea, John Entwistle, Steve Harris, Justin Chancellor...
I'm trying to avoid those who sing, because that would skew the results.
So seriously, is there anything to this?
Perhaps bass players are 'heavier' because many of us don't move around as much as the guitards and singers....and therefore don't burn as many calories....or maybe we drink more beer....hmmm but that would make for a lot of really large drummers....who are just sitting on their asks !
I've gone through all phases in my life. I'm 6'1 and now 290 lbs which is obese. 4 years ago I was 190 lbs and then a love of food happened. I don't care about my weight as much as I care about my health. One of my biggest fears is having diabetes take away my ability to play. It turns out I'm right on the edge of pre-diabetes, which is scaring the living hell out of me.
Fatness is annoying in and of itself. I like the freedom of movement that comes with being in shape. However, what really closes the case for me is the complications from being heavy long term. I love bass more than I love even the tastiest pizza.
Fatness is annoying in and of itself. I like the freedom of movement that comes with being in shape. However, what really closes the case for me is the complications from being heavy long term. I love bass more than I love even the tastiest pizza.
I'm insulted with all this fat talk. Why don't we turn it around and say skinny people are all guitards that play too loud, do drugs and get in fights.
I take a ton of medication daily, but it's related to heart disease and leukemia not diabetes or high cholesterol. I was in Vietnam for two tours during the Agent Orange stuff and the VA says that is why I have the bum heart and cancer. I'm well compensated for it.
I take a ton of medication daily, but it's related to heart disease and leukemia not diabetes or high cholesterol. I was in Vietnam for two tours during the Agent Orange stuff and the VA says that is why I have the bum heart and cancer. I'm well compensated for it.
- Oct 7, 2000
- 18,619
- 38,939
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
This might sound insensitive, but I'm really asking to learn something I must be missing. How, or why are people who know they are overweight offended by people saying anything about people being fat? The word exists. We all know there are people who are overweight. "Fat". I'm not the tallest guy out there. While I never really considered myself short, I've been called that a few times in my life. It means less than nothing to me. When I was a kid I was ridiculously skinny, no matter how many peanut butter sandwiches I washed down with extra thick thick shake floats. People made mention of it all the time, it didn't phase me at all... unless I was being bullied, which I was at times. While I'm at a normal, healthy weight now, I still have skinny calves and ankles. Went to a doctor once because of ankle pain I was having, and no lie, the doctor asked me to take of my sock and said, "OMG. Was your ankle always like this!!!"
. She wanted to see the other for proof when I told her yes. I don't feel insulted. I thought it was funny. Using that now most popular phrase, "It is what it is".I don't understand the sensitivity people have towards this kind of thing. And I'd like to as it might make me a more thoughtful person.
Man you need to lighten up and realize when someone says something "tongue in cheek". It's OK if you want to criticize your own appearance, but leave others out of your critical analysis. I have no problem with folks being 150 lbs or 350 lbs as long as they can play. You really sound like you are pretty full of yourself and the way to make you feel better is to criticize others. Don't get your panties in a wad. That is just my opinion and I'm entitled to it just like you are entitled to yours.
When did people become so overly sensitive? I was skinny, then fat, now skinny. When I was fat, I was called fat. I didn't cry about it, I did something about it. If you are contempt being fat, fine, but don't cry about it. You made lifestyle choices that put you there. I won't coddle fat people, skinny people, or people period. Planet is turning into a bunch of Nancy's. /flamesuit on
- Oct 7, 2000
- 18,619
- 38,939
- Disclosures
- Endorsing artist: Musicman basses
I'm not one for fat shaming, and this isn't the place for the topic. We do have a health crisis however and I wish well for those who are at risk of it are suffering health issues.
Travel outside the U.S. for a reasonable amount of time and the challenges we face are apparent.
My vote for cause - portion size at restaurants. We have access to highly convenient low nutrition food at low prices. The quantity served at a typical US restaurant is ludicrous compared to what the body needs. Combine that with a previous depression era generation who are now our parents and grandparents who habitually required us to eat everything on our plates, and you have a formula for problems.
My two cents - start a habit of leaving a little bit on the plate. People should not leave the decision of how much to eat up to someone else.
Travel outside the U.S. for a reasonable amount of time and the challenges we face are apparent.
My vote for cause - portion size at restaurants. We have access to highly convenient low nutrition food at low prices. The quantity served at a typical US restaurant is ludicrous compared to what the body needs. Combine that with a previous depression era generation who are now our parents and grandparents who habitually required us to eat everything on our plates, and you have a formula for problems.
My two cents - start a habit of leaving a little bit on the plate. People should not leave the decision of how much to eat up to someone else.
Why are there no chubby zombies? Beats me.
They're probably out there. I need to get out more, I suppose.
They're probably out there. I need to get out more, I suppose.
Damn! I should have had that. I just watched it 2 nights ago, too. Hilarious. Totally forgot about them...
