The Force That Holds Every Great Band Together

Sep 12, 2024

Image created with assistance from Midjourney

Most people think bands revolve around the lead singer or guitarist. But Nick Mason, Pink Floyd’s drummer, put it best: “A band is made up of a Drummer and a Bassist with additional novelty acts.” Bold statement, but he’s got a point.

Mason performing in 2018 (Image: Wikipedia)

Drums & Bass: The Backbone

Drummers and bassists are the foundation of any band. Without them, it’s like building a house with no frame—everything falls apart. The drums set the beat, the bass carries the groove. If the drummer stops, the whole thing turns to mush. Without the bass? It’s like someone pulled the rug out from under the song.

The “Extras”

Now, onto the “novelty acts.” Lead singers? Sure, they’re important, but half their job is looking cool while the drummer sweats in the back, keeping everything in line. Guitarists? Flashy, yes. Lots of solos and posing. But in reality, they’re the icing on the cake. It’s the bass and drums doing the heavy lifting.

Famous Rhythm Heroes

Al Jackson Jr. (Stax) – As a co-founder of Booker T. & the MGs, Jackson shaped the rhythms of funk and hip-hop. “He’s in a class with Ray Charles and Billy Preston,” said Sam Moore of Sam & Dave. “He could make shit smell good.”
James Jamerson (Motown) – The man behind Motown’s groove. His bass work on hits like I Heard It Through the Grapevine, Bernadette, For Once in My Life, and so many others.
Benny Benjamin (Motown) - Berry Gordy insisted on having Benny Benjamin in the studio for Motown sessions. Known as “Papa Zita,” Benjamin played on classics like Barrett Strong’s Money (That’s What I Want) and The Temptations’
My Girl, anchoring hits with the band he dubbed the Funk Brothers.
Carol Kaye (The Wrecking Crew) – The unsung hero of countless hits, from Good Vibrations, Feelin’ Alright, The Beat Goes On, and countless others.
Ringo Starr (The Beatles) – Paul McCartney (a pretty good bass player himself) recalled the Beatles’ first time playing with Ringo Starr: “We looked at each other like, ‘What is this?’ And that was the moment—the real beginning of the Beatles.”

The Real MVPs

So, the next time you’re at a concert, don’t just focus on the lead singer or guitarist. Give some love to the drummer and bassist. They’re the reason the whole thing works. The others? Just fun extras.

Let’s take a quiz

Below, I’ve posted some mp3s of cuts you’ve heard a thousand times. Except this time, I’ve stripped away everything except the drums and bass. See how many you can identify. Post your answers in the comments. For an extra challenge, identify the song, the drummer, AND the bass player. Winners will get my undying gratitude. Answers will be posted on Sunday in a fresh post.

Here we go:

Cut #01:

1×

0:00

-3:16