Bass in your face: The coolest rock bassists

I know this is RockGuitarLife but I want to take some time to give a shout out to the baddest bassists in rock music. So many times the bass player is a guy standing in the back thumping out a bass line. Hardly anyone notices him. The guys I’m talking about today are the most in your face, I’m gonna give the lead singer a run for his money bassists.

Nikki Sixx

Sixx is a force of nature on the Crue stage. Not only does he keep the low end pounding but also keeps the audience in the palm of his hands. He knows just how to get peoples attention and keep it.

Steve Harris

Steve Harris is a machine. This guy pulses out some of the heaviest galloping bass lines in the world. With all that going on you couldn’t fault him if he laid back by the drum riser. Well he has a different idea about where the bass should be. Front and center with no apologies.

Cliff Burton

it’s been 26 years since Burton’s death but his legend lives on. The man responsible for the monstrous bass lines in “For whom the bell tolls” was also responsible for some of the most intense head banging on stage.

Duff McKagen

With his bass slung low, McKagen emits confidence and cool on stage yet he is no poser. His up front presence is never overstated or arrogant. His bass playing backs up all the attitude. From the melodic opening lines in “Sweet child of mine” to the bone crushing line in “Slither”, McKagen brings plenty to the show.

Gene Simmons

The God of Thunder himself. I don’t think I even need to explain why this man is here. He is the driving force behind Kiss both instrumentally and otherwise. From the fire breathing to the blood spitting this man generated enough shock and awe to last a life time. Add to that the fact that the bass lines he plays are both musical and heavy and you have one hell of a showman.