Famous British Bassists

John Deacon is an English retired musician renowned for his role as the bass guitarist for the iconic rock band Queen. He made significant contributions to the band's music, writing hit songs such as "You're My Best Friend" and "Another One Bites the Dust." Deacon's musical and electronic skills, including the creation of the Deacy Amp, played a crucial role in Queen's sound. Following Freddie Mercury's passing, Deacon retired from the music industry in 1997, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music and achievements.

Lemmy Kilmister, also known simply as Lemmy, was a British musician who achieved legendary status as the founder, lead singer, bassist, and primary songwriter of the rock band Motörhead. He was a foundational force in the new wave of British heavy metal, known for his distinctive appearance, gravelly voice, and unique bass playing style. Lemmy's career spanned decades, from his early influences in rock and roll to his time with bands like Hawkwind before forming Motörhead, a band that reached great success with iconic hits like "Ace of Spades." Lemmy's hard-living lifestyle, both on and off stage, solidified his reputation as a true rock and roll icon.

John Paul Jones is a versatile English musician, songwriter, and record producer known for his role as the bassist and keyboardist of the iconic rock band Led Zeppelin. Before co-founding Led Zeppelin, he honed his skills as a session musician and arranger. Following the band's disbandment, Jones pursued a successful solo career and collaborated with artists from various genres. Noteworthy among his projects is the supergroup Them Crooked Vultures. His influential contributions earned him a well-deserved induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.

Sid Vicious was an English musician who gained fame as the bassist for the punk rock band Sex Pistols. Despite his untimely death at age 21, he continues to be an iconic figure in the punk subculture. Known for embodying the dark, decadent, and nihilistic aspects of punk, Vicious left a lasting impact on the music industry. His rebellious spirit and influential contributions to punk rock have solidified his place as a legendary figure in the history of music.

Christopher Squire was a prominent English musician, singer, and songwriter known for his role as the bassist and backing vocalist in the progressive rock band Yes. He was the longest-serving original member of the band, contributing to every studio album released over four decades. Squire's distinctive bass playing style, characterized by melodic intricacy and a unique sound, made him a revered figure in the world of progressive rock. His influence extended to both contemporaries and future generations of bassists, solidifying his legacy in the music industry.

Adam Clayton is a prominent British-Irish musician known as the bass guitarist of the rock band U2. His bass playing style is characterized by harmonic syncopation, contributing to the band's distinctive sound. Clayton has played a significant role in the creation of U2's music, having recorded numerous studio albums and worked on solo projects. He has received multiple Grammy Awards and was honored with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005 for his contributions to the music industry.

Michael Kiwanuka is a British singer-songwriter and record producer signed with Polydor Records. His debut album, Home Again, achieved gold status in the UK, while his second album, Love & Hate, debuted at number one in 2016. Kiwanuka has garnered multiple award nominations, including the Brit Awards, MTV Europe Music Awards, and The Grammy Awards. He won the BBC's Sound of 2012 and the Mercury Prize in September 2020, solidifying his reputation as a talented and acclaimed artist in the music industry.

Noel Redding was an English rock musician known for his roles as the bass player for the Jimi Hendrix Experience and guitarist/singer for Fat Mattress. After leaving the Experience and Fat Mattress, he formed the group Road in the US and later the Noel Redding Band in Ireland. Despite distancing himself from the music industry in the 1980s, he continued to perform locally with his wife. Redding was honored with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 for his work with the Jimi Hendrix Experience.

Eddy Grant is a Guyanese-British singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist known for his genre-blending sound and socially-conscious lyrics. His music incorporates elements of pop, British rock, soul, funk, reggae, electronic, African polyrhythms, and Latin music genres. Grant also helped pioneer the genre of "Ringbang" and was a founding member of the racially mixed pop group, the Equals. His solo career includes hits like "I Don't Wanna Dance" and "Electric Avenue," the latter being his biggest international success. He received a Grammy Award nomination for his work and is recognized for the anti-apartheid song "Gimme Hope Jo'anna."

Lewis Collins was an English actor known for portraying 'Bodie' in the British TV series The Professionals in the late 1970s and early 1980s. His performance in this role defined his career, earning him widespread recognition and acclaim. Collins' professional life was marked by his dedication to his craft and his ability to captivate audiences with his on-screen presence. His work in The Professionals solidified his reputation as a talented actor and established him as a prominent figure in British television during that era.

John Illsley is an accomplished English musician best known as the bassist of the rock band Dire Straits. He played a significant role in shaping the band's sound and was one of the founding members alongside Mark Knopfler, David Knopfler, and Pick Withers. Throughout Dire Straits' history, Illsley and Mark Knopfler were the only consistent members. In addition to his contributions to Dire Straits, Illsley has released solo albums and collaborated with Mark Knopfler on various projects and charitable endeavors.

Pete Farndon was a talented English bassist and founding member of the rock band the Pretenders. He played bass, sang backup vocals, and co-wrote two songs for the group. Unfortunately, his struggle with drug addiction led to his dismissal from the band in 1982. Despite this setback, Farndon's contributions to the Pretenders' music left a lasting impact on the rock music scene. His professional career was marked by his musical talents and creative collaborations within the band.

Ian Hill is a renowned English musician recognized for his role as the bassist and the only consistent member of the iconic heavy metal group Judas Priest. Throughout his career, he has been an integral part of the band's success, contributing to their distinctive sound and musical evolution. Alongside lead guitarist Glenn Tipton, Hill holds the distinction of appearing on every studio album released by Judas Priest, showcasing his enduring commitment and talent within the realm of heavy metal music.

Colin Greenwood is an accomplished English bassist known for his contributions to the acclaimed rock band Radiohead. In addition to playing bass guitar, he is skilled in upright bass and electronic instruments. Greenwood and his brother, guitarist Jonny Greenwood, co-founded Radiohead during their time at Abingdon School. The band has sold over 30 million albums and received widespread recognition. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019, Greenwood has also collaborated with various musicians on solo projects, showcasing his versatility and talent in the music industry.

Andy Fraser was a British musician and songwriter known for his role as the bassist and co-composer of the rock band Free, which he co-founded at the age of 15. After leaving Free in 1972, he founded the rock band Sharks. Fraser's professional life was marked by his contributions to the music industry through his bass playing and songwriting skills. He left a lasting legacy with his work in these bands and his influence on the rock music scene during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Dougie Payne is a talented bassist and backing vocalist known for his work with the Scottish band Travis. With a career spanning several decades, he has played a key role in the band's success, contributing to their distinctive sound and popular hits. Payne's musical abilities and dedication to his craft have earned him recognition as an accomplished musician in the industry. His passion for music and commitment to Travis have solidified his reputation as an integral member of the band.

Tony Kanal is a British-American musician, songwriter, and record producer recognized for his contributions as the bassist and co-writer for the bands No Doubt and Dreamcar. In addition to his performances, he has made a significant impact in the music industry through production and songwriting collaborations with various artists, including Pink, Weezer, Elan Atias, and Gwen Stefani's solo projects. Kanal's versatile talents have solidified his reputation as a skilled musician and creative force behind numerous successful music endeavors.

Martin Kemp is an accomplished English musician and actor, renowned for his role as the bassist in the iconic new wave band Spandau Ballet. His talent extends to acting, where he gained recognition for portraying Steve Owen in the popular television series EastEnders. Kemp's diverse career also includes notable appearances on reality TV, finishing third in Celebrity Big Brother and serving as a judge on the BBC show Let It Shine. His multifaceted contributions to the entertainment industry showcase his versatility and enduring appeal.

Glenn Hughes is an accomplished English musician known for his roles in influential rock bands such as Trapeze, Deep Purple, and Black Sabbath. With a strong presence as a bassist and vocalist, Hughes has also pursued a successful solo career and collaborated with various groups like Black Country Communion, California Breed, and The Dead Daisies. His talent and contributions were recognized with an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Deep Purple in 2016.

Guy Berryman is a versatile Scottish musician, songwriter, producer, businessman, and designer known for his role as the bassist in Coldplay and supergroup Apparatjik. Inspired by legendary artists like James Brown and Kool & the Gang, he began playing bass at a young age. Apart from music, he has ventured into projects such as The Road Rat magazine and the fashion brand Applied Art Forms. Berryman, a mechanical engineering student at University College London, achieved global fame with Coldplay, winning numerous Grammy and Brit Awards.

Charlie Jones is an accomplished English session bass player known for his contributions to the music industry. With a successful career spanning decades, he has established himself as a versatile and talented musician. Jones is also recognized for his songwriting skills, having penned numerous hits over the years. As a record producer, he has worked with various artists and contributed to the creation of acclaimed albums. His talent and dedication have earned him a prestigious Grammy Award, solidifying his reputation as a respected figure in the music world.

Bill Nelson is a multi-talented English artist known for his work in various creative fields. He gained recognition as the chief songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist of the rock band Be-Bop Deluxe in the 1970s. Nelson's diverse professional endeavors include being a singer, guitarist, songwriter, producer, painter, video artist, writer, and experimental musician. His contributions to the art rock movement have earned him praise, with critics hailing him as one of the most underrated guitarists of his time. In 2015, Nelson was honored with the Visionary award at the Progressive Music Awards.

David "Shuffle" Steele is an accomplished English musician known for his contributions to bands like the Beat and Fine Young Cannibals. He has showcased his talent as a skilled bassist and songwriter, playing a key role in the success of these iconic bands. Steele's innovative musical style and creative collaborations have earned him recognition in the music industry. With his unique sound and impressive body of work, he continues to inspire and influence aspiring musicians around the world.

Denny Laine was an English musician known for co-founding the Moody Blues and Wings. He played guitar with the Moody Blues and sang their hit cover "Go Now". Laine joined Wings at the request of Paul McCartney, contributing vocals, guitar, bass, and keyboards. He co-wrote songs with McCartney, including the hit "Mull of Kintyre". Over his six-decade career, Laine collaborated with various artists, released solo albums, and participated in tribute performances. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Moody Blues.

Mike Rutherford is an accomplished English guitarist, bassist, and songwriter, best known for co-founding the iconic rock band Genesis. He played a pivotal role in the band's evolution, initially as bassist and backing vocalist before taking on lead guitarist duties after Steve Hackett's departure. Rutherford's songwriting prowess contributed to Genesis's success, penning lyrics for hits like "Follow You Follow Me" and "Land of Confusion." Beyond Genesis, he achieved further acclaim with his solo work and the chart-topping band Mike + the Mechanics, earning prestigious awards for his contributions to music.

Heinz Burt, known professionally as Heinz, was a German-born British rock and roll bassist and singer. He gained prominence as a member of the instrumental group the Tornados. He was recognized for his skills as a musician, contributing to the band's success during the 1960s. Heinz's energetic performances and distinctive style as a bassist and vocalist endeared him to fans and solidified his place in the British rock and roll scene. His contributions to the music industry continue to be remembered and celebrated.

Max George began his professional career as a footballer before transitioning to music. He started as a singer in the band Avenue, later joining The Wanted as their lead vocalist. He achieved success with The Wanted, leading to opportunities in acting, including a role on the TV series Glee. George also starred in the reality show The Wanted Life on E! channel. His versatile talents have allowed him to excel in both the music and entertainment industries.

Glen Matlock is an English musician renowned for his role as the bass guitarist in the original line-up of the punk rock band the Sex Pistols. He is credited as a songwriter on a majority of the tracks on the band's only official studio album. Matlock has also played with other bands, such as Rich Kids, achieving chart success. Following the death of his replacement in the Sex Pistols, he has rejoined the band for various reunions and tours, showcasing his enduring impact on the punk rock scene.

Alan Charles Lancaster was an English musician best known as a founding member and bassist of the rock band Status Quo. He played with the band from 1967 to 1985, with brief reunions in 2013 and 2014. Lancaster contributed to songwriting and was a lead vocalist on albums and live concerts. He performed at iconic events such as Live Aid at Wembley Stadium in 1985 and collaborated with his old bandmates for "Frantic Four" concerts in the UK in 2013.

Stephen Street is an accomplished English record producer renowned for his collaborations with iconic bands such as the Smiths, the Cranberries, and Blur. He gained recognition for his work on Morrissey's debut album after the Smiths disbanded. Street has also worked with contemporary bands like Kaiser Chiefs, Babyshambles, and the Courteeners. Throughout his career, his talent and dedication have been acknowledged, culminating in receiving the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to UK Music award at the Music Producer's Guild Awards in February 2020.

Lyn-Z, also known as Lindsey Ann Way, is a Scottish musician revered for her role as the bass player in the punk-techno-rock band Mindless Self Indulgence. Despite limited bass guitar skills, she secured her position through auditions. Her signature performances include energetic onstage displays, crowd surfing, and impressive backbends while playing. Lyn-Z is recognized for her artistic talents, having showcased her work in various exhibits. She aims to inspire young girls to pursue musical instruments and challenges the notion of being merely decorative in the industry.

Gavin Bryars is an acclaimed English composer and double bassist known for his diverse contributions to music. His versatile career spans across genres such as jazz, free improvisation, minimalism, historicism, avant-garde, and experimental music. With a profound impact on the contemporary music scene, Bryars has garnered recognition for his innovative compositions and performances. His work showcases a unique artistic vision that has captivated audiences worldwide, solidifying his reputation as a pioneering figure in the realm of modern music.

John Wetton was an English musician, singer, and songwriter known for his dexterity as a right-handed bass player despite being left-handed. He was a member of bands such as Family, King Crimson, Roxy Music, Uriah Heep, U.K., and Wishbone Ash before co-founding the supergroup Asia in 1981. With Asia, he achieved massive success with their debut album selling 10 million copies worldwide. Wetton also had a successful solo career and formed the duo "Icon" with his Asia bandmate Geoff Downes.