When fans talk about the greatest bass players in rock history, Geddy Lee of Rush almost always enters the conversation. Known for his busy, intricate, and highly melodic bass lines, Lee fused elements of funk, jazz, and hard rock into a style that was uniquely his own. Since Rush’s breakthrough in the early 1970s, his technical mastery and inventive playing have set him apart as one of the most innovative and influential bassists of all time.
Lee’s impact has stretched across generations, inspiring iconic musicians such as Les Claypool (Primus) and Cliff Burton (Metallica). But where did his inspiration come from? In 2019, Lee sat down with Amazon Music and shared a special playlist of 22 songs that shaped his bass playing, offering fans a rare insight into the influences behind his sound.
Geddy Lee on Why Bass Matters
Speaking about the playlist, Lee explained his lifelong fascination with the instrument:
“I chose these songs because I’m such a ‘bass-centric dude,’ and that’s all I’ve been thinking about for the last few years. With my book (The Beautiful Book of Bass), what I tried to do was provide an alternate history of popular music through the point of view of the bass player—from the murky bottom end to the twangy top end.”
Lee credited early bass icons like John Entwistle (The Who) and Chris Squire (Yes) as direct inspirations:
“They were playing the kind of music I wanted to play, so they were a direct influence on the kind of player I wanted to become. But there are others that were subconscious influences, and I think we all have those when we listen to various music.”
Interestingly, Lee also pointed out the often-overlooked role of Paul McCartney in shaping rock bass playing. He highlighted The Beatles’ “Come Together” as a bold example of a melodic bassline driving a track, and “Taxman” as something “close to heavy metal before there was heavy metal.”
A Playlist That Spans Generations
Lee’s curated list spans multiple decades, from the classic rock of the 1960s to modern alternative and funk. It reflects not just his influences, but his willingness to keep learning and adapting as a musician.
From early game-changers like The Who’s “My Generation” and Cream’s “Crossroads,” to the funk-rock grooves of Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Give It Away” and the complex soundscapes of Radiohead’s “Paranoid Android,” Lee’s choices reveal a restless creativity.
While contemporary tracks show that Lee remains open to new sounds, it is the early songs that truly defined him as a bassist. Classics like The Beatles’ “Taxman,” The Rolling Stones’ “2120 South Michigan Avenue,” and Marvin Gaye’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” galvanized Lee’s approach, shaping the technical and melodic flair that became his signature.
The Full List: The Songs That Shaped Geddy Lee
- The Rolling Stones – “2120 South Michigan Avenue (Long Version)”
- The Who – “My Generation”
- Marvin Gaye – “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”
- The Beatles – “Taxman”
- Cream – “Crossroads”
- Led Zeppelin – “What Is and What Should Never Be”
- Jefferson Airplane – “The Other Side of This Life”
- Yes – “No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed”
- Bill Bruford – “Joe Frazier”
- Weather Report – “Teen Town”
- Primus – “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver”
- The Spencer Davis Group – “Gimme Some Lovin’”
- Radiohead – “Paranoid Android”
- The Who – “The Real Me”
- Yes – “Heart Of The Sunrise”
- Jethro Tull – “Bourée”
- Lou Reed – “Walk On The Wild Side”
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Give It Away”
- The Beatles – “Come Together”
- Led Zeppelin – “The Lemon Song”
- Pink Floyd – “Money”
- Rush – “Headlong Flight”
Legacy of a Bass Icon
What makes this playlist so remarkable is how it captures Geddy Lee’s eclectic influences. His bass playing was never confined to one genre—it drew from soul, blues, progressive rock, funk, and even jazz fusion. That versatility explains why he remains one of the most studied bassists in rock history.
From Paul McCartney’s bold experimentation to John Entwistle’s explosive power, from funk pioneers to progressive rock innovators, Lee absorbed it all and transformed it into something uniquely his. For aspiring bassists, this list is not just a playlist—it’s a roadmap to understanding how greatness is built.
