Bassists from all over Europe are setting the world stage on fire with their infectious rhythms, unrivaled skills, and low-end vibes.
So here are some of them who have really left an indelible mark on the world of bass.
1. John Paul Jones (England)
Let’s kick things off with a legend. You might know him as one-fourth of the rock gods, Led Zeppelin. John Paul Jones wasn’t just the backbone of Zeppelin’s sound; he was its soul. With tracks like “Ramble On” and “The Lemon Song,” JPJ showcased the perfect balance of technique and feel.
Apart from being in one of the biggest rock bands ever, Jones has an expansive solo career and a penchant for avant-garde collaborations, from bluegrass to opera.
2. Jack Bruce (Scotland)
As one-third of the iconic power trio Cream, Jack Bruce put the bass guitar on the map as a lead instrument. His work on tracks like “Sunshine of Your Love” and “White Room” truly redefined what it meant to play the bass.
Beyond Cream, Bruce has had an impressive solo run and played with many great musicians. His forays into jazz fusion and collaborations with artists like Frank Zappa have demonstrated his versatility.
3. Peter Hook (England)
The throbbing bass lines of Joy Division and New Order; that’s Mr. Peter Hook. Instead of the traditional bass grooves, Hook’s melodies often carried the main theme of the songs, like in “Love Will Tear Us Apart” and “Blue Monday.”
Hook’s high-register bass riffs, combined with his chorus-heavy tone, made him stand out. It’s a sound many have tried to emulate, but there’s only one Peter Hook.
4. Geezer Butler (England)
Black Sabbath’s sound was as heavy as a freight train, and a lot of that heft came from Geezer Butler’s monstrous bass lines. Tracks like “N.I.B.” and “War Pigs” exemplify his hard-hitting style that laid the foundation for heavy metal bass playing.
Often overlooked is the fact that Butler was also the main lyricist for Black Sabbath. He penned many of the band’s iconic songs, diving into topics ranging from social issues to the occult.
5. Jean-Jacques Burnel (France)
The punk era had its fair share of bass maestros, and Jean-Jacques Burnel of The Stranglers was definitely among the elite. His gritty and aggressive bass lines on tracks like “Peaches” added a unique flavor to the punk rock.
Fun fact: Burnel is a black belt in karate! Maybe that’s where he gets his power-packed playing style from?
6. Martin Kemp (England)
Let’s step into the world of 80s pop with Martin Kemp. As the bass player for Spandau Ballet, Kemp gave us some of the most memorable bass grooves in pop history. Just listen to “Gold” or “True,” and you’ll know what we’re talking about.
Apart his bass playing, Kemp ventured into acting and has quite the portfolio, both on TV and the big screen.
7. Jeroen Paul Thesseling (Netherlands)
Thesseling has redefined technicality in the world of extreme metal with his seven-string fretless bass. His work with bands like Obscura and Pestilence has shown his incredible skill.
Thesseling’s explorations are not limited to metal. He has delved deeply into world music, combining complex rhythms from different cultures with his bass playing experience.
8. Chris Wolstenholme (England)
Wolstenholme is the bassist for rock titans Muse. Wolstenholme’s bass lines on tracks like “Hysteria” and the cosmic grooves of “Starlight” are epic.
In addition to bass, Wolstenholme contributes vocals, guitars, keyboards and even harmonica to Muse.
9. Holger Czukay (Germany)
If we’re talking European bassists, it would be remiss not to mention Holger Czukay from the pioneering band Can. Holger wasn’t just about laying down grooves; he was about pushing boundaries. His work on tracks like “Halleluhwah” introduced a fusion of rock with world music elements, jazz, and more.
Before sampling became a mainstream thing in music, Czukay was experimenting with it. His innovative use of shortwave radios, dictaphones, and other devices gave Can’s music a unique sound.
10. Marco Mendoza (Spain)
Having played with bands like Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake, and Ted Nugent, Marco Mendoza has solid bass skills. His smooth style and captivating stage presence have made him a favorite among rock fans.
Aside from rocking arenas, Mendoza has a softer side. He’s quite the jazz musician, often weaving complex jazz lines into his hard rock performances.
11. Pino Palladino (Wales)
Pino is one of those bassists who’s played with, well, everyone! From The Who to Jeff Beck and even pop icons like Adele, Pino’s fretless bass sound has graced countless albums.
What makes Pino stand out is his versatility. Be it soul, pop, rock, or R&B, he brings a distinct touch to every track he plays on, making him one of the most sought-after session bassists in the world.
12. Jo Bench (England)
As one of the few female bassists in the death metal scene, Jo Bench, of Bolt Thrower fame, has held her own and then some! Her relentless bass lines on tracks like “Those Once Loyal” prove that metal knows no gender.
13. Jonas Hellborg (Sweden)
Jonas Hellborg stands in a league of his own. His bass playing is a blend of jazz, fusion, world music, and more. With collaborations with the likes of Shawn Lane and Michael Shrieve, Hellborg has been a vital force in pushing the bass guitar into uncharted territories.
Hellborg’s use of unique instruments, including his custom-built Warwick basses, and his exploration of Indian and other world music rhythms make his sound unforgettable.