Mr. Big Bassist Billy Sheehan Says Paul McCartney Is “Probably the Greatest” Bass Player

Billy Sheehan is widely regarded as one of rock’s top bassists, with an impressive career that includes being an original member of Mr. Big, The Winery Dogs, and playing with David Lee Roth. Despite his own immense talent, Sheehan has a deep respect for Paul McCartney, whom he considers unrivaled in the rock world.

In a recent interview on The Mistress Carrie Podcast, Sheehan was asked to name a song with what he thought was the best bass line. He initially mentioned “Lost Woman,” a 1966 track by The Yardbirds, featuring Paul Samwell-Smith on bass. But then, Sheehan quickly turned his attention to McCartney’s legendary bass playing.

“Almost anything McCartney did is just brilliant,” Sheehan said. “Some people don’t get it. I think if [you] give me enough time, I’ll get them to get it.” He added, “I would be happy to explain to anyone why Paul McCartney is probably the greatest … really, just a really great, great player.”

Sheehan also compared McCartney’s playing to that of Motown legend James Jamerson, known for his innovative bass lines. “James Jamerson, of course, anything by The Temptations or any Motown that he played on, very similar [to McCartney,]” he explained. “The bass was all over the place. McCartney’s bass is all over the place, but it’s so musical and woven in so well with what’s going on with every other component of the song and the music. It’s quite amazing.”

Sheehan’s admiration for McCartney showcases just how influential the Beatles’ bassist remains in the world of rock.

The Beatles-Inspired Gift Sheehan Got from Another Rock Legend

Billy Sheehan shared a heartwarming story with Mistress Carrie about a special Beatles-related gift he received from another rock legend, AC/DC’s bassist, Cliff Williams.

Sheehan explained that a friend of his had gone to meet Williams to sell some gear. Sheehan, who’s a huge AC/DC fan, was shocked when his friend returned with a gift from Williams. “I go, ‘What’s that?’ … I go, ‘Open it up!’” Sheehan recalled. The gift was a 1973 Hofner Beatle bass. His friend told him, “Cliff wanted you to have it,” leaving Sheehan speechless. “I had tears in my eyes. Just amazing,” he said. Williams knew about Sheehan’s love for The Beatles. “I didn’t even know he knew who I was,” Sheehan added.

Sheehan went on to express how much the gift meant to him. “It’s one of my most valued treasures ever,” he said. “To get a gift from that man. … And he, as a bass player too, man, what a great, great player.” Sheehan couldn’t contain his emotions, saying, “You could have knocked me over with a feather.”

The bass itself holds a special place in Sheehan’s heart. “The thing is just perfect, so playing McCartney on that is just so enriching and so cool,” he shared. Billy also has big plans for the bass on his next birthday: “I will sit down with that bass, I think … and have a bottle of wine and put Sgt. Pepper’s on and play the whole thing on that bass. It’ll be so great.”

Sheehan’s Next Moves

Billy Sheehan concluded Mr. Big’s farewell tour this past summer on August 23 with a last performance in Romania. In July, the band released Ten, their final studio album. In September, they released The BIG Finish Live, a live album and concert film.

Sheehan’s upcoming musical plans are yet to be known.