Paul Simonon Recalls A Great Moment in P Bass History

Clash bassist Paul Simonon talks about learning to play bass, his technique, how he got turned on to the Precision Bass, and the iconic "London Calling" album cover and what led to that historic moment when he "sort of smashed up" his beloved Precision Bass.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Fender
• Precision Bass
• the Clash
• London Calling cover
• Paul Simonon interview
• P Bass

[iwantcompletecontrol]

@coolconfuzer Well, yeah, they were a punk band. Punk wasn't about your ability to play mind-blowing guitar solos and dazzle the masses with your musical ability. It was about showing people that anyone with something to say can start a band and spread their message. A lot of these guys came from shitty backgrounds and didn't see any representation of themselves in the music of that time, so they decided to stand up and do it themselves. Criticizing their technical skills is missing the point.

[effortequalsresults]

does anyone else think he looks like gregory house here?

[Fredrockroll]

@iwantcompletecontrol Well, yeah, that's true. But still, the loudest bass ever.

[iwantcompletecontrol]

@Fredrockroll He just meant that Entwistle didn't move around much, which is true.

[AtStreetLevel]

I love how he doesn't even know what frets are, but that makes the clash what they are

[atheistasylum]

The more ugly or plain a P bass is the more beautiful it is.

[Fredrockroll]

John Entwistle stood in the back? Ok, it's official, Paul has lost his mental health. John must be the loudest bass player ever!

Thumb down if you want, but have in mind i DO LIKE Paul Simonon and The Clash

[jam1ga]

learned on the fly.Thats amazing.Mick taught him.Started with guitar and he was having trouble.Mick told him to try the bass.Only 3 strings instead of 5.Six months later hes on stage at the 1st Clash gig.The rest is just becoming the greatest band ever.Always changing.Great arrangements and great lyrics.Dont forget great style.Think paul can take credit for most of that.Cant write something about the Clash and not say "I love you Joe" R.I P. Punk Rock Warlord.

[jam1ga]

Coolest dude ever

[AscarinVin]

@effortequalsresults no, House looks like him :P

[zaksnaporaz]

Hi Paul, if you're reading this forst of all you are one of my bass heroes. Such amazing bass lines like white riot, london calling, rock the casbah ...fantastic !

Perhaps you don't know it but the Rickenbacker 4001 bass has a high-pass filter on the bridge pickup, making tor a trebly sound - often sought after by soloist bassists. But for what you were looking for this tone was certainly too thin. One easy trick is to just remove it (or short, or put it through a switch). Cheerz !

[idancetothevu]

The Clash were definitely great musicians, even if punk had nothing to do with. I understand when people say punk had nothing to do with being a musician but more than getting their message across, but the clash were def musicians that is why they were so good. They are musicians with punk attitude