The Top 7 Bassists That Geddy Lee Listed As Some Of His Favorites

Geddy Lee names some of his favorite bassists of all time. Rush‘s bassist and frontman Geddy Lee is a well-known bassist who also adds different bass parts to his bass melodies for Rush’s band. In this article, we will detail the bassists that Geddy Lee picked as his favorite of all time.

Geddy Lee, the legendary frontman, and bassist of the progressive rock band Rush, is also regarded as one of the most influential musicians of his period. Geddy Lee, who found the band Rush’s name and gave them their famous vocal range and outstanding bass playing, was born Gary Lee Weinrib on July 29, 1953, in Toronto, Canada.

Geddy Lee, along with Alex Lifeson on guitar and Neil Peart on drums, was the driving force behind Rush’s music from the band’s inception in 1968 to their final tour in 2015. Rush’s music included aspects of hard rock, progressive rock, and science fiction themes, pushing the rock genre’s norms and garnering a loyal fanbase.

Geddy Lee’s bass playing technique is distinguished by his melodic approach and complex basslines, which often functioned as lead guitar parts. His skills and precision on the bass guitar gained him fame worldwide as one of rock’s best bassists.

Geddy Lee‘s compositional talents, along with those of his comrades, defined Rush‘s discography throughout their musical career, with famous albums like “2112,” “Moving Pictures,” and “Permanent Waves” recognized as progressive rock masterpieces.

Geddy Lee’s solo effort, “Geddy Lee’s Big Beautiful Book of Bass,” a detailed investigation of his bass guitar collection and the instrument’s history, was released in 2017.

Though Rush officially retired following Neil Peart’s death in 2020, Geddy Lee’s contributions to rock music and legacy as a member of the iconic power three remain unchanged.

However, let’s learn about the bassists that Geddy Lee named his favorites.

Geddy Lee’s Favorite Bassists of All Time

Rush frontman and bassist Geddy Lee has shared his respect for other bass players. Lee picks his favorite albums of all time. However, many genres from blues, classical rock, jazz, pop-rock, and metal inspired him, but he also likes to listen to various music genres.

Which bassists influenced Rush’s frontman and bassist Geddy Lee?

• James Jamerson
• John Entwistle
• Jack Bruce
• John Paul Jones
• Jaco Pastorius
• Paul McCartney
• Flea

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Rush‘s frontman and bassist Geddy Lee shared the Top 7 Bassists of All Time. Check out Geddy Lee‘s favorite bass players below!

1. James Jamerson

James Jamerson, a bassist and session musician, shaped the classic Motown sound and became one of the most influential bass musicians ever. Jamerson, born on January 29, 1936, in South Carolina, laid the foundation for soul, R&B, and pop singles throughout the 1960s and beyond.

Jamerson’s career began in Detroit, where he was a member of the famous Motown Records studio band “The Funk Brothers.” As a part of this exclusive group of musicians, Jamerson was instrumental in establishing the recognizable Motown sound that dominated the charts in the 1960s and 1970s.

His creative bass lines offered the backbone of many Motown singles, and he became noted for his nuanced, melodic playing style. Jamerson’s work may be heard on classic songs such as “My Girl” by The Temptations, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, and “For Once in My Life” by Stevie Wonder, among many more.

What distinguished James Jamerson was his ability to put passion into every note he played and his skill as a musician. His lines were more than just a rhythmic base; they were melodic, giving the music depth and character. His use of chromatic notes, syncopation, and ghost notes transformed bass playing, earning him the title of “The Master.”

Due to Motown’s studio policies at the time, despite his enormous talent and contribution to Motown’s success, Jamerson’s name was frequently omitted from the credits. On the other hand, his contemporaries and fellow musicians were aware of and recognized his exceptional skills, with some even referring to him as the “greatest bass player in the world.”

James Jamerson’s life was tragically blighted by personal challenges and health issues, contributing to his premature death on August 2, 1983. Despite his difficulties, his musical legacy is a tribute to his talent and influence on popular music.

Geddy Lee shared why he likes “James Jamerson” as one of his favorite bass players of all time:

“I was exposed to a lot of Motown music. And that really dominated the airwaves in those days. And there were all these great songs that were subconsciously influencing me in a strange way. If you listen to the music of Rush, where do you come to James Jamerson and Motown music?

But nonetheless, all the early bands I played in, we played all these great Motown songs, because that’s what was going on.”

2. John Entwistle

John Entwistle, the famous rock band The Who‘s bass player and one of their founding members, had an everlasting influence on the world of rock music with his expanding and creative bass playing. Entwistle, born on October 9, 1944, in London, England, quickly established himself as one of the best bassists in rock history.

Entwistle’s bass lines were the driving force behind The Who’s trademark sound, and he was affectionately nicknamed “The Ox” on stage for his powerful and unrelenting presence. His precise and sophisticated bass riffs contributed a new style to the band’s music, supporting Pete Townshend’s guitar playing and Roger Daltrey’s strong vocals.

Hits such as “My Generation,” “Baba O’Riley,” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again” attest to Entwistle’s unparalleled ability to create sophisticated bass arrangements that merged effortlessly with the band’s thunderous rock anthems.

On June 27, 2002, the music world mourned the death of John Entwistle, who died at 57. His untimely passing created a vacuum in the rock scene, prompting an outpouring of condolences from musicians and fans worldwide.

Geddy Lee mentioned why he likes “John Entwistle” as one of his favorite bass players of all time:

 “Seriously? A Pop song with bass solos? John ‘The Ox’ Entwistle was arguably the greatest rock bassist of them all, daring to take the role and sound of the bass guitar and push it out of the murky depths while strutting those amazing chops with his own kind of ‘Twang!’”

3. Jack Bruce

As the bassist and vocalist of the famous rock band Cream, Jack Bruce is a famous British musician and singer-songwriter who left a memorable image in the music world. Bruce, born on May 14, 1943, in Scotland, rose to legendary status due to his enormous talent and inventive approach to the bass guitar.

Jack Bruce, a founding member of Cream, along with guitarist Eric Clapton and drummer Ginger Baker, was instrumental in establishing the sound of 1960s rock. Cream’s classics, including “Sunshine of Your Love,” “White Room,” and “Crossroads,” featured Bruce’s unusual bass lines, which were distinguished by their melodic complexity.

He collaborated with artists like John Mayall, Leslie West, and Robin Trower. His ability to adapt to varied musical environments and his talent as a session musician established his status as a sought-after collaborator and respected figure in the music industry.

However, we are sad because, on October 25, 2014, Jack Bruce died at 71.

Geddy Lee shared why he likes “Jack Bruce” as one of his favorite bass players of all time:

“[Alan Rogan] is a super interesting guy. A real character and he’s worked for The Who since the 70s. He helped John build his collection and John had a very extensive and famous collection – was sold at an auction shortly after he passed away. One of those instruments I was fortunate enough to acquire through Alan.

That’s a 61 precision bass, which I never change the strings off. As a rule I don’t look (for my collection), for bases by famous players. But the opportunity to have something that one of my heroes played was too great to resist.”

4. John Paul Jones

John Paul Jones was the iconic band Led Zeppelin‘s bassist, keyboardist, and arranger. Jones was born in England on January 3, 1946, and his virtuosity, adaptability, and creativity. 

John Paul Jones, a founding member of Led Zeppelin, along with Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Bonham, was instrumental in developing the band’s specific sound. His bass playing was the foundation for Led Zeppelin’s explosive rhythm section, anchoring its heavy blues-rock and hard-hitting soundscapes. Tracks like “Dazed and Confused” and “Ramble On” showcase his sophisticated bass lines, smoothly combining skill and musicality.

John Paul Jones’ skill as a musician went beyond his role as a bassist. He was a talented keyboardist, providing rich textures and compelling melodies to the repertory of Led Zeppelin. His piano expertise added dimension to songs like “Stairway to Heaven” and “No Quarter,” making them rock canon classics.

John Paul Jones’ musical brilliance elevated the band’s live performances and studio recordings throughout Led Zeppelin’s legendary career. 

After Led Zeppelin separated in 1980, John Paul Jones continued to make substantial contributions to the music industry. He went on a diversified solo career and cooperated with various performers, demonstrating adaptability in many musical situations.

Jones’ post-Led Zeppelin career included collaborations with Diamanda Galas, R.E.M., and numerous others, gaining him a reputation as a sought-after performer across genres.

Geddy Lee mentioned why he likes “John Paul Jones” as one of his favorite bass players of all time:

“There are so many songs I could choose from Led Zeppelin that feature profound. But understated bass playing. This one is my fave.”

5. Jaco Pastorius

With his outstanding ability and creative approach, Jaco Pastorius, a real musical visionary, changed the world of jazz and bass guitar performance. Pastorius, born on December 1, 1951, in Pennsylvania, swiftly rose to prominence as one of history’s most essential and acclaimed bassists, making an unmistakable influence on the jazz and fusion genres.

Jaco Pastorius became popular in the 1970s after joining Weather Report, a pioneering jazz fusion band. Also, songs like “Birdland” and “Teen Town” showcased his jaw-dropping bass solos and his ability to merge virtuosity with heartfelt passion. Pastorius was a sought-after session musician, working with musicians like Joni Mitchell, Pat Metheny, and Herbie Hancock, among others, in addition to his jazz and fusion projects.

Jaco Pastorius died at age 35 on September 21, 1987, leaving the music industry and fans in mourning for this talented bassist of all time.

Geddy Lee mentioned why he likes “Jaco Pastorius” as one of his favorite bass players of all time:

“I had the pleasure of seeing him in Weather Report in the late-’70s/early ’80s somewhere in Milwaukee. A friend of mine from the band touring with us went to watch the soundcheck and came back with this story…

There’s a famous song Jaco wrote called Teen Town, one of the most quintessential bass songs that’s ever been written, and Jaco was playing drums while the keyboard player covered his bass parts. We were blown away to hear that. And then later that night, we watched the show.

I would never seen a bassist like that, making the sounds he got out of his fretless. It was unbelievable; he was the combination of a technician and a sound stylist, very adventurous and experimental with tones. He set the bar that so many others are compared to.”

6. Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney is a member of The Beatles and appeared throughout the album. Paul McCartney launched a solo career after The Beatles split in 1970. As a teenager, he taught himself to play guitar and piano because rock and roll performers like Buddy Holly and Little Richard influenced him.

So it’s no surprise that he debuted in 1970, shortly after the group’s disbandment. In 1971, Paul and his wife Linda McCartney created the band Wings, in which he also performed until 1981, and they recorded seven studio albums together.

As a lead guitarist, backing vocalist, and lead vocalist on occasion, McCartney III, the brilliant musician’s latest album, was published on December 18, 2020. Paul McCartney released 18 solo studio albums during his long and successful career.

Geddy Lee shared why he likes “Paul McCartney” as one of his favorite bass players of all time:

“So I have always gravitated towards bass players that not only locked in with the rhythm section and helped moved the song.

But also added some other level of musical interest that may not be as obvious. Usually, that comes out on secondary, tertiary and repeated listenings.”

7. Flea

Michael Peter Balzary, as we know him as Flea, has been the bassist of Red Hot Chili Peppers from the band’s inception and is also one of the band’s founders. Balzary also appeared on the band’s albums, earning acclaim for his funk, punk, hard rock, and psychedelic playing style.

Besides his work with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Balzary has been in many films and television shows, including his bandmate, Kiedis. Flea’s bass lines were instrumental in the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ chart-topping tunes such as “Give It Away,” “Under the Bridge,” and “Californication.”

Flea explored various musical collaborations and solo projects outside his work with the Chili Peppers, demonstrating his artistic interest and adaptability. He worked with musicians like Thom Yorke, Damon Albarn, and Johnny Cash to broaden his catalog and explore new sonic areas.

Also, Flea’s aesthetic growth and commitment to his profession have gained him global acclaim and countless honors. As a Red Hot Chili Peppers member, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, cementing his legacy as an absolute rock legend.

Geddy Lee shared why he likes “Flea” as one of his favorite bass players of all time:

“His solos are insane from a technical point of view. Like Les, he has this rhythmic thing that is from a different generation to mine, but he combines it with all these other things.

You can see how much he loves to play – he’s having the best time, and I love to see that in a bass player. He never takes for granted the opportunity to get out there and wind it up. Any bass player that’s allowed to play too much has the best gig in the world.”

What are your thoughts on Rush‘s frontman and bassists Geddy Lee‘s favorite bass players of all time? Let us know in the comment section!