In the immense the world of rock music, the debate over the finest bassist is rarely in the foreground. This mistake fails to acknowledge the critical role that bassists play in defining a band’s distinct sound. Geddy Lee, the famed bass player for Rush, offers light on the matter. He discusses the bassists he admires and emphasizes their often underappreciated contributions to their bands.
Insights from Geddy Lee
During a heart-to-heart, Lee pointed to Led Zeppelin to illustrate his point. He praised John Paul Jones, saying, “The thing that held the whole thing down was John Paul Jones’ bass playing.” He took the song ‘How Many More Times’ as an example, highlighting how, “no matter how wild that song gets at times, there’s John Paul Jones just holding it all down in such a fluid way.” This observation speaks volumes about the bass player’s role: offering a structure and a steady rhythm around which the rest of the band can weave their magic. Despite their critical role, bassists often remain in the shadows, with little opportunity to take center stage.
Geddy Lee stands out as an exception. When the topic of who the best bassist is comes up, it’s almost a given that Lee’s name will be mentioned. His work with Rush broke new ground. The band experimented with various styles, sounds, and time signatures, producing music that was ahead of its time. Lee, with his bass playing, managed to unify potentially disjointed sounds into something extraordinary. It’s almost unbelievable that such multifaceted music was anchored so competently by his bass guitar.
Considering the complexity of Rush’s music, it might be surprising to learn that Lee’s musical journey was sparked by a relatively straightforward song. When asked about the song that inspired him to pursue music, Lee didn’t hesitate. He recalled, “The first song that made me interested in music was ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’ by Roy Orbison. It was the guitar intro, that riff, that I really liked and made me listen in a different way.” This choice might raise eyebrows, given its stark contrast to the sophisticated rock Lee is renowned for.
Geddy Lee’s Formative Musical Influences
As Lee began exploring music, the songs he learned reflected the budding artist he was to become. “The first song I learned to play on guitar was ‘For Your Love’ by the Yardbirds. That kind of was the beginning for me. I thought it was a great song, and I loved the open chord progression at the beginning of that song.” These early influences mark the stepping stones of Lee’s iconic career.
The crucial takeaway from Geddy Lee’s story is the underrated importance of bass players in bands. His admiration for fellow bassists, especially John Paul Jones, highlights the blend of humility and respect he has for his craft. Lee’s ability to anchor Rush’s complex sound further cements this point. It’s a reminder that bass players, often unnoticed, are indispensable to the sound that so many fans cherish.
From Simple Riffs to Legendary Basslines
Lee’s musical journey underscores an essential truth about music: inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. A simple song like ‘Oh, Pretty Woman,’ far removed from the progressive rock Rush is known for, lit the spark for Lee. This speaks to the universal power of music, transcending genres and eras, to inspire. Lee’s evolution from enjoying the simple riffs of Roy Orbison to mastering complex bass lines encapsulates the journey of a musician always in pursuit of growth and exploration.
In a world quick to spotlight lead vocalists and guitarists, Geddy Lee’s story is a refreshing reminder of the depth and richness bassists bring to rock music. His reflections, both on his inspirations and the role of bassists, add a valuable dimension to the conversation about music and creativity. Lee’s experience, from being mesmerized by a guitar riff in ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’ to learning ‘For Your Love’ on guitar, traces the path of a musician shaped by diverse musical influences.
Lee’s narrative is not just about the bass guitar but about the broader tapestry of music and its impact. It’s about how a single song can trigger a lifelong passion, ignite creativity, and set an individual on the path to becoming a legend in their right. Geddle Lee, inspired by the straightforward but compelling riff of ‘Oh, Pretty Woman,’ has himself inspired countless others.