5 Bass Players Who Were Also Singers!

I enjoy making these lists for you - mainly because I get to use my degree from the college of rock n roll knowledge to dig deep into what brain cells I have left and come up some fun little lists. This one features bass players who also sang lead vocals. This is a difficult thing to do, I can say that because I played bass in area bands for about 14 years. I could sing only one song, "Purple Haze" from Jimi Hendrix. I guess because the bass line has an easy groove and Jimi's vocals aren't too demanding. It's also difficult because the bass player is playing the 'bass' line, while singing the 'melody' line. These guys below are some of the ones who the best at doing both at the same time.

Geddy Lee

Perhaps the best know signing bass player is Geddy Lee of Rush.  His bass lines are intricate as are some of his vocal arrangements.  That's why Geddy is awesome.

Phil Lynott

Thin Lizzy is one band I got turned onto early. In fact I have a tattoo of late bassist/vocalist Phil Lynott on my forearm.  Phil's bass playing is fairly workmanlike, but his vocals are what is a big part of the Thin Lizzy signature sound.

Tom Araya

I'd say a guy who plays bass and does lead vocals for a 'thrash' band gets a good workout with each performance, and Tom Araya of Slayer has been doing that gig for a long time.

Ben Orr

At the other end of the spectrum from metal is a band like The Cars.  The late Ben Orr had a killer voice and let you know the bass player is 'in the house' with a few tasty riffs now and then.

Gene Simmons

It's hard to leave Gene Simmons off the list.  While his basslines are very basic, listening to KISS records taught me how to play bass.  And Gene's vocals?  Well, he does sing...sort of.  Here he is to round out our list of 5 Bass Players Who Were Also Singers!  Feel free to comment at the section at the bottom of the page.