Words from Adam Clayton….

[ArteK]

I dunno, I’ve always admired how his bass lines fit and propelled their songs. He makes great choices in how to add movement to their music (which I think is a huge part of our job as bassists).

When you’ve got a guitarist whose entire style is based around a ton of delay and echo effects, busy and/or flashy bass lines would totally get in the way of his guitar sound.

I’ve always liked both Clayton’s and Mullen’s playing. Like any super successful bands, people take shots at them, but all they’ve done was creating some of the most successful popular music in the 80’s and 90’s.

 

[FRoss6788]

Like any super successful bands, people take shots at them, but all they’ve done was creating some of the most successful popular music in the 80’s and 90’s.

Jealous folks who've done nothing noteworthy themselves.

Most musicians with class don't try and tear down other musicians to pump themselves up.

 

[friskinator]

Jealous folks who've done nothing noteworthy themselves.

Most musicians with class don't try and tear down other musicians to pump themselves up.

I learned a long time ago that there are generally only a handful of bands and/or bassists that are approved here. Outside of that, there’s a strong chance they’ll get some criticism.

 

[pcake]

What keeps you awake at night?
A.C. - The fact that I might wake up early.

OMG, me too LOL

 

[Thom Fioriglio]

Ah yes!! Exactly!

Everyone is going to notice if you make a mistake, there's no place to hide.

I heard an interview, I think it was with Guy Pratt, who was playing bass with The Who and he said that exact thing. When playing Baba O'Reilly, you better hit those power notes just right or everyone will notice.

 

[Michedelic]

What keeps you awake at night?
A.C. - The fact that I might wake up early.

OMG, me too LOL

I’m more concerned about not waking up all, if you know what I mean. But then, it really wouldn’t matter, would it?

 

[Spidey2112]

SIMPLE will kill you fast. Everytime.

Can you explain that?

Yes... it's an acronym, used in the old country, from a well known philosopher, Confunkalicious.

Slow
Implementation
Means
Possible
Loss of
Entertainment

 

[MonetBass]

I used to poke fun at Ross Vallory, for his simplistic bass lines for Journey.

Then, I saw a live version on YouTube of Ross doing a bass solo.

I no longer poke fun at Ross Vallory.

See "Stone In Love". Wow - that bass line is so inventive and interesting.

But yes, Adam seems to never take himself too seriously. And as a bass player, he plays parts that serve the song, which is exactly what he needs to do.

 

[Kaa]

Well, if simple is bad, Duck Dunn was a bad player.

 

[Nuisance]

Love AC. So down to earth.......and has a great sense of humor (and sense for knowing what a song needs).

 

[Spidey2112]

ee "Stone In Love". Wow - that bass line is so inventive and interesting.

Agreed! We play it live, and it's really fun to add ghost notes to what you hear mainly from the studio version. Our drummer does the same, making it downright funky.

 

[Kubicki Fan]

Wow, A.C. is an interesting and lovable guy. I knew that about his work for a long time.