9 Underappreciated Bassists in Classic Rock
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When we think about classic rock, our minds often jump to iconic guitar riffs or powerful vocal performances. However, the bassists in these bands also play crucial roles, providing the foundation that holds everything together. Here are nine bass players from classic rock bands who often don’t get the recognition they deserve.
1. Mel Schacher (Grand Funk Railroad)
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Mel Schacher’s driving bass lines were essential to the power trio’s massive sound. Tracks like “I’m Your Captain” and “Some Kind of Wonderful” showcase his solid and groovy playing. Despite contributing significantly to the band’s success, Schacher is often overlooked when discussing influential bassists.
2. Berry Oakley (The Allman Brothers Band)
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Berry Oakley’s melodic bass playing helped define the sound of The Allman Brothers Band. His bass lines in songs like “Whipping Post” and “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” are complex and compelling. Even though he was a foundational member of the band, his contributions are frequently underappreciated.
3. Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Trapeze)
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Glenn Hughes, known for his work in Deep Purple and Trapeze, is an extraordinary bassist and vocalist. His bass playing on songs like “Burn” and “You Are the Music… We’re Just the Band” is both intricate and soulful. Despite his talent and versatility, Hughes is often overshadowed by other members of these bands.
4. Tom Hamilton (Aerosmith)
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Tom Hamilton has been with Aerosmith since the beginning and crafted some of the most memorable bass lines in rock history, like the intro to “Sweet Emotion.” Despite his significant role in the band’s success, Hamilton doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves.
5. Trevor Bolder (Uriah Heep, David Bowie’s Spiders from Mars)
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Trevor Bolder’s bass lines were crucial to the sound of both Uriah Heep and David Bowie’s Spiders from Mars. His playing on tracks like Bowie’s “The Jean Genie” and Uriah Heep’s “Stealin’” is solid and melodic. Still, Bolder remains a relatively unsung hero in classic rock.
6. Kenny Passarelli (Joe Walsh, Barnstorm)
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Kenny Passarelli’s work with Joe Walsh and Barnstorm is often overlooked. His bass lines on songs like “Rocky Mountain Way” provide a strong backbone and added a distinct flair to the music. Despite his contributions, Passarelli is rarely mentioned among top classic rock bassists.
7. Michael Anthony (Van Halen)
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Michael Anthony’s harmonizing vocals and steady bass playing have been crucial to Van Halen’s sound. Tracks like “Running with the Devil” highlight his ability to lock in with the rhythm section. However, Anthony often doesn’t get the credit he deserves, overshadowed by his bandmates’ larger-than-life personas.
8. Greg Ridley (Humble Pie, Spooky Tooth)
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Greg Ridley’s bass playing was key to the heavy, blues-inflected rock of Humble Pie. His work on tracks like “30 Days in the Hole” demonstrated his deep, groovy style. Despite this, Ridley’s contributions are frequently overlooked in the history of classic rock.
9. Chris Dreja (The Yardbirds)
While Chris Dreja is more often remembered as a rhythm guitarist, he switched to bass after the departure of Paul Samwell-Smith. His bass work on songs like “Happenings Ten Years Time Ago” is inventive and solid. Despite being part of such an influential band, Dreja’s role as a bassist often goes unnoticed.
