The Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal.
My 12 year old said to me, “Iron Maiden has the #2 bassist in heavy metal!” (Iron Maiden is his current favorite band.)
I said, “Who told you that?”
He said, “This book! The Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal!”
I have it on my bookshelf (of course). It was written by a guy who posts on a music forum I frequent, which is how I knew of it, and why I bought it. (And since I ordered it just before Christmas, when I got home and saw Daniel had already opened it, I said, “Merry Christmas!”)
It’s pretty awesome. My 12 year old has been reading it a lot lately. Mostly the entry on Iron Maiden, his latest favorite.
Got any favorite books about music? You can pick this one up here. Did I mention it’s only $14 or so?
Any guesses as to who the #1 bassist is in heavy metal? I’ll give you a clue. The band also has the #1 drummer in heavy metal. And no, the Who are not classified as heavy metal. (I was actually kind of surprised this band was, though.)
My first response was Geddy Lee, however, while they are rock, I’m not sure Rush would be classified as heavy metal. So I guess I’d have to go with Steve Harris or Geezer Butler. Either would fall into the heavy metal category, but I am not sure their drummers are classified as top notch. So possibly back to Rush?
Comment by chronicler — June 25, 2006 @ 6:22 pm
my guess is for cliff burton and lars ulrich.
Comment by mike d — June 25, 2006 @ 6:53 pm
I’m gonna have to guess Lars Ulrich too. But they are obviously heavy metal though (minus the symphony thing- that was interesting…) so maybe I’m worng there.
Comment by Tracy M — June 25, 2006 @ 10:51 pm
As I was thinking about it on the way to church, I had Lars in my mind. He could be a contender for certain.
Comment by chronicler — June 25, 2006 @ 11:37 pm
I can’t believe any of you think Lars is a contender.
Comment by Susan M — June 25, 2006 @ 11:38 pm
I also would guess Rush. Plus, that explains your surprise, since Rush is prog rock, not metal. (Their first few albums sort of have a metal-ish feel to them, though.)
Comment by BTD Greg — June 26, 2006 @ 1:20 pm
Also, my favorite rock book is the Trouser Press Record Guide, but I’m not sure if it’s out of print or not. (I think it’s mostly available online.)
Comment by BTD Greg — June 26, 2006 @ 1:21 pm
I think Steve Harris of Iron Maiden should be number one. I don’t know if you can put “Run to the Hills” in the Radio section of your blog, but there’s a bass segment right after the solo where it builds that is just incredible. Once he props his foot up on the amp, it’s all business. The guitarists are good, but they can’t keep up. As for the actual number one, who is it? Tom Araya? Lemmy?
Comment by Thurbs — June 26, 2006 @ 2:31 pm
Probably the only reason Lars is a contender is his notariety. Alot of people would vote because of this and not because his actual talent. So Susan, who praytell are we all dancing around?
It was interesting to read the reviews of the book. Many people are appalled at the list of ‘heavy’ bands, the obvious ones left out and the bad classification of others.
Comment by chronicler — June 26, 2006 @ 2:35 pm
Chronicler and BTD_Greg nailed it–Rush.
I’ll see if I can post Run to the Hills later today.
Comment by Susan M — June 26, 2006 @ 3:09 pm
RUSH?? Heavey metal? Egad! Never been a rush fan, though, so what can I say. Geddy’s voice just grates on my nerves. I can appreciate the music, but the voice, oh, the voice!
Comment by Tracy M — June 26, 2006 @ 10:10 pm
Claypool and ‘Herb’ Alexander. ?
Comment by Louis — September 16, 2006 @ 8:58 pm