Let's show John some love

[Montclare]

Of course John is most famous for the bass line in The Chain, but what are your favorite parts of his? For me, my favorite is actually not an FM song, but Lindsey's Gift of Screws. With FM, I love hearing him on Oh Well on the 1980 Live album. On both of those, he really stands out and it really works with the whole song.

How about you?

[welcomechris]

Of course John is most famous for the bass line in The Chain, but what are your favorite parts of his? For me, my favorite is actually not an FM song, but Lindsey's Gift of Screws. With FM, I love hearing him on Oh Well on the 1980 Live album. On both of those, he really stands out and it really works with the whole song.

How about you?

I love his work on the Tusk album.

Go Your Own Way Bass Only is Amazing!!!

[michelej1]

The Rhiannon work would look good on his resume, if he ever has to apply for a job.

Michele

[HomerMcvie]

Go Your Own Way Bass Only is Amazing!!!

I would say that it's one of the most amazing bass parts in rock music.

He sounds like an orchestra, with all the lines he's playing.

I would love to know if he came up with all those lines, or if Lindsey already had them.

[Wdm6789]

The bass line in Sara is amazing also the bass in Hold Me is amazing too. Gold Dust Woman and That's Alright are two more of my favorites from John.

[Macfan4life]

All of his bass lines are wonderful. As already mentioned Go Your Own Way is a full orchestra of bass.

I would LOVE to do a deep interview with John. Can you imagine the secrets he could tell. He has seen it all but says the least.

[GypsySorcerer]

Most of the ones already mentioned, plus Blue Letter!

[SisterNightroad]

Bak when I was just starting to like Fleetwood Mac I read this article on the Top 10 John McVie Fleetwood Mac song and I was kind of proud since there are few bass players in music that can claim to be as recognize as John. Usually bassists are the forgotten ones:

Top 10 Fleetwood Mac John McVie Songs

For just a moment, let’s put all of Fleetwood Mac‘s soap opera drama behind us: the mounds of cocaine, the millions of records sold and even our beloved Stevie Nicks. Instead, how about we shift our focus to the anchor of the band and one half of the dynamic duo who keep things rolling, bassist John McVie. Along with drummer Mick Fleetwood, he comprises one of the most solid rhythm sections in the history of rock music. The heart of this legendary band beats steady because of John McVie, so we have chosen ten songs where his presence is front and center.

10
'World Turning'

Co-written by Christin McVie and Lindsey Buckingham, 'World Turning' is one of the many highlights on Fleetwood Mac's self-titled 1975 LP. The song adopts a somewhat country blues type riff and feel as Buckingham and McVie switch off on lead vocals. McVie is up to his usual role as the ultimate anchor of things on the song, especially on live versions where he and Mick Fleetwood get a real train-like rhythm going on.


9
'Brown Eyes'

Somewhat hidden on the 'Tusk' album, 'Brown Eyes' is easily one of Christine McVie's most beautiful songs. A simple and sweet melody sits atop the electric piano and bass that really are the key to the song. A simple but effective drum part and some atmospheric guitar lines really add to the color as well. Though not credited on the album, the guitar is playing is actually done by original band leader, Peter Green. The hypnotic groove of the song could have gone on forever.


8
'Rattlesnake Shake'

Another killer form the pen of Peter Green, 'Rattlesnake Shake' is first class blues raunch that the early Fleetwood Mac excelled at, and one of many highlights on the band's 1969 LP 'Then Play On.' Kicking off with the rousing line "Baby if you've got to rock, I've got to be your rocking horse," 'Rattlesnake Shake' cooks a smoking, growling blues groove. McVie's bass slithers through as Green's biting guitar cuts through the haze. In concert, the three minute song would often become a lengthy jam as the band would stretch the number out and really let loose.


7
'Bare Trees'

The forgotten era of Fleetwood Mac -- those years between the departure of Peter Green and the arrival of Buckingham & Nicks -- are full of plenty of great music. The 1972 LP 'Bare Trees' is a great example of what you could call a 'lost classic.' The second LP to feature Bob Welch, 'Bare Trees' contains many wonderful Mac moments, especially the title cut. 'Written by Danny Kirwin, the song has a very 'folk rock' feel to it while underneath, as McVie provides a very driving bass line.


6
'Sisters Of The Moon'

'Sisters Of The Moon' is Stevie Nicks' shining moment on the 'Tusk' LP. It's a dark and brooding song that captures the essence of Nicks style perfectly. Both lyrically and musically, it easily ranks up there with her best songs. The interplay between Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood and our man of the hour here John McVie is as good as it gets.


5
'The Green Manalishi'

It's probably safe to say that many, if not most, American listeners first heard this song via the Judas Priest version from their 1978 LP 'Hell Bent For Leather,' but despite the metal gods great version, they got nothing on the original. This eerie and haunting blues is drenched in an acidic haze fueled by Peter Green's LSD indulgences at the time. The band plays a gritty groove while Green howls at the moon. This was to be his last stand with the Mac, and what a way to go out! Once again, Mick Fleetwood and John McVie lock arms and hold down the fort. A stunningly brilliant record from start to finish.


4
'I'm So Afraid'

One of Lindsey Buckingham's most hauntingly aching songs, 'I'm So Afraid' remains of of his most visceral guitar moments. The slow groove of the rhythm section provides the essential framework for the howling guitar and desperate vocals that sell the song, but the kindred spirit pumping bass and drums of McVie and Fleetwood are what drives this baby home. A live staple of Fleetwood Mac shows since its introduction in 1975, 'I'm So Afraid' is still always a highlight of any Mac (or Buckingham solo) concert.


3
'Oh Well'

You want a first class bass riff? You got it! Written by original band leader Green, 'Oh Well' has one of the most dynamic guitar riffs ever, while John McVie takes the song all the way home with his anchoring bass. The song was originally divided into Pt.1 and Pt. 2, with the second half being a more mellow affair. The song has stayed with the band for decades and the intense, stripped down live version from the 1980 'Live' album is probably the more known version to most at this point.


2
'Tusk'

After the gargantuan success of 'Rumours,' what were the Mac to do? Simple, put Buckingham firmly in the driver's seat and let him draw up the maps. Though nowhere near as relentlessly polished as it's predecessor, 'Tusk' was an artistic triumph that still shines brighter than it's own mother's sun. Nowhere is the startling aspect of the new material more evident than on the title track. Released as a single preceding the LP, its jarring and unconventional style led to a lot of puzzled looks and confused ears. The tribal beat sets the mood as Buckingham's haunting vocals and guitar, along with McVie's slithering bass moves this beast along. Throw in the USC Marching Band and you've got a surprise hit.


1
'The Chain'

From the locked groove McVie and Mick Fleetwod land in to commandeer this Mac classic, to the signature bass riff that propels the ending of the track, McVie outdoes himself on 'The Chain.' The song that kicked off side two of that little LP called 'Rumours,' was a very collaborative effort, co-written by the entire band, and has remained a radio staple since its release.It's one of the few songs not to be release as a single from that multi-platinum LP. The ending bass riff section of the song was used as the theme for the BBC show 'Grand Prix' for nearly twenty years.

[Mr Scarrott]

John's melodic explorations on Say you love me are one of the great pleasures of the White Album, at least to me. They give that song a foundation that the rest of it hangs on with a great big hug.

Thinking further back, Mick and John are are great on Miles Away and there's a beautiful underlying meander from him on Future Games that I didn't really appreciate until I finally grew to love that song.

[sanders8323]

I think his bass work is truly exceptional on the whole Say You Will album. It seems that the bass just really is brought more to the forefront, but that may be because there was more wiggle room without Christine's presence.

[vivfox]

Brown Eyes is my favorite Bass parts of John's.

[jbrownsjr]

Let's not forget his walking bass line in Crystal.

The McVie's made that song come to life!

[Ulpian]

Let's not forget his walking bass line in Crystal.

The McVie's made that song come to life!

Absolutely.

For me, it's GYOW. It's the bass line I find myself humming when I listen to the track!

[pattyfan]

Though not credited on the album, the guitar is playing is actually done by original band leader, Peter Green

Did Peter Green really play on Brown Eyes? I never knew that.

Kevin

[aleuzzi]

Mr. Scarrott beat me to the punch re: "Miles Away." Terrific bass line. Other pre-BN post-Green great bass parts include ""Bright Fire," "Remember Me," "Night Watch," "Child of Mine," "Bare Trees," and "Keep on Going."

In fact, most of those early 70s albums are loaded with great bass parts. The White album is loaded with great bass parts, too.

Lindsey is a great producer, but his decision to simplify bass lines to commercialize the music in songs like "Second Hand News" was simply wrong. Compare the final version's flat bass line (performed by Lindsey) with the gorgeous, climbing bass line in the earlier version on the Deluxe Rumours. It's one of the rare miscalculations on that album. There is little-to-nothing Lindsey could tell John about how to play his instrument.

[Mr Scarrott]

Mr. Scarrott beat me to the punch re: "Miles Away." Terrific bass line. Other pre-BN post-Green great bass parts include ""Bright Fire," "Remember Me," "Night Watch," "Child of Mine," "Bare Trees," and "Keep on Going."

Bob Welch played the bass on Keep on going according to his Q & A

In an interview from 1979, you stated that your earlier involvement in a 60's R&B outfit called "The Seven Souls" may have evolved into similar musical styling of Earth, Wind, & Fire. Have you ever had the desire to make a dance-able 70's style jazz-funk album?

I understand that your early musical training was on clarinet, which I recall that you accidentally broken onto pieces on purpose when you were young. Did you ever play the flute/clarinet parts for that wonderful song called, "The Ghost" from the Fleetwood Mac LP "Bare Trees?" Besides playing guitar, did you ever play bass on any Fleetwood Mac LP's?

I don't mean to get too personal, but how many times were you married and do you have any children? (K.E. Gil, Los Angeles, California, USA)

The Seven Souls were actually part of a large group of players in LA, that were all in different bands, but sort of trying to do the same thing. There was the 'Souls, there were the guys, Bobby Watson and Tony Maiden, who later, with Chaka Kahn, turned into "Rufus",. Up north, there was the disc jockey on KYA, Sylvester Stuart, who later was "Sly" of "Sly and The Family Stone".. CBS records was going to sign either the Seven Souls, or Sly Stone to a recording deal. They picked Sly...good choice, much more original than our band was.You even had bands like "The 5th Dimension", actually they were a singing group, who the Seven Souls used to back up when they were still called "The Versatiles". Then you had all the Ike and Tina Turner review alumni, like "Nose", and David T Walker of "The Kinfolks", who later became a much recorded session player. All of us sort of knew each other, from the clubs, we had the same friends etc. The Seven Souls even played at Jordan High School in LA for Motowns debut of The Jackson 5. And Larry Williams, he of "Bony Marony" fame produced one of the Seven Souls two singles. It was a "tight" scene"!
I took Clarinet lessons for about 6 years, and played in the school orchestra, when I suddenly realized that the girls didn't think guys with clarinets were 'cool".

The flute parts on The Ghost, were played by Christine McVie on a "Mellotron". I played bass on quite a few Mac songs ;"Revalation", and "Keep On Going" come to mind.

I've been married 3 times, and never had any kids, just 2 dogs ! ;-)

http://www.fleetwoodmac.net/penguin/qa/bobwelch_qa2.htm


This surprised me - I had known about Revealation but not KOG. I wonder what the others were?

[bombaysaffires]

basically ALL of Stevie's song with the Mac have benefitted tremendously from John's contributions. Dreams immediately comes to mind, with the bass line being a signature feature... just that bass and Mick's drums and you know what song it is. She could sing just over those bits alone and it would be amazing. Rhiannon for sure. Sara. Thrown Down. Straight Back. Angel. the list goes on and on.

[shackin'up]

His work all over SYW is underrated.

[aleuzzi]

Bob Welch played the bass on Keep on going according to his Q & A

In an interview from 1979, you stated that your earlier involvement in a 60's R&B outfit called "The Seven Souls" may have evolved into similar musical styling of Earth, Wind, & Fire. Have you ever had the desire to make a dance-able 70's style jazz-funk album?

I understand that your early musical training was on clarinet, which I recall that you accidentally broken onto pieces on purpose when you were young. Did you ever play the flute/clarinet parts for that wonderful song called, "The Ghost" from the Fleetwood Mac LP "Bare Trees?" Besides playing guitar, did you ever play bass on any Fleetwood Mac LP's?

I don't mean to get too personal, but how many times were you married and do you have any children? (K.E. Gil, Los Angeles, California, USA)

The Seven Souls were actually part of a large group of players in LA, that were all in different bands, but sort of trying to do the same thing. There was the 'Souls, there were the guys, Bobby Watson and Tony Maiden, who later, with Chaka Kahn, turned into "Rufus",. Up north, there was the disc jockey on KYA, Sylvester Stuart, who later was "Sly" of "Sly and The Family Stone".. CBS records was going to sign either the Seven Souls, or Sly Stone to a recording deal. They picked Sly...good choice, much more original than our band was.You even had bands like "The 5th Dimension", actually they were a singing group, who the Seven Souls used to back up when they were still called "The Versatiles". Then you had all the Ike and Tina Turner review alumni, like "Nose", and David T Walker of "The Kinfolks", who later became a much recorded session player. All of us sort of knew each other, from the clubs, we had the same friends etc. The Seven Souls even played at Jordan High School in LA for Motowns debut of The Jackson 5. And Larry Williams, he of "Bony Marony" fame produced one of the Seven Souls two singles. It was a "tight" scene"!
I took Clarinet lessons for about 6 years, and played in the school orchestra, when I suddenly realized that the girls didn't think guys with clarinets were 'cool".

The flute parts on The Ghost, were played by Christine McVie on a "Mellotron". I played bass on quite a few Mac songs ;"Revalation", and "Keep On Going" come to mind.

I've been married 3 times, and never had any kids, just 2 dogs ! ;-)

http://www.fleetwoodmac.net/penguin/qa/bobwelch_qa2.htm


This surprised me - I had known about Revealation but not KOG. I wonder what the others were?

I knew about Revelation, too. KOG is a surprise. I doubt he played bass on more than three or four, tops.

[Wdm6789]

Someone needs to do an interview with John, we always hear very little from his mouth. He's always been a very soft spoken guy. I would love to hear the story from his point of view, we've heard everyone else's countless times.

[jenniferuk]

Someone needs to do an interview with John, we always hear very little from his mouth. He's always been a very soft spoken guy. I would love to hear the story from his point of view, we've heard everyone else's countless times.

John used to do more interviews etc but in more recent years has left that to the others. It seems to be his preference. If you haven't done so, I suggest you have a read of the Q&A sessions he did for this site. Some good stuff there-

http://fleetwoodmac.net/penguin/qa/

[jenniferuk]

The Rhiannon work would look good on his resume, if he ever has to apply for a job.

Michele

I smiled as I read this as it took me back to that Best Buy interview with John chuckling about Molly performing Rhiannon, the looooong version, at a school event.

[Montclare]

It's funny, I never really paid attention to the bass line in GYOW until Mick mentioned it in the Rumours documentary (wish they would do a Tusk analysis like that). Same thing with Rhiannon; I first noticed it when John played it separately in the 2009 (I think) documentary. I generally listen to the overall song, or guitar parts, but it can be fun to focus on another instrument.

And thanks for that article! I hadn't seen it before.

And I would love to see a book from John. You don't know what you'd get, since he's said so little.

[michelej1]

I smiled as I read this as it took me back to that Best Buy interview with John chuckling about Molly performing Rhiannon, the looooong version, at a school event.

Yes, I enjoyed that. Also, I loved when Stevie was on Chris Isaak's special and the band played the opening notes of Rhiannon, just to tease.

Michele

[michelej1]

It's funny, I never really paid attention to the bass line in GYOW until Mick mentioned it in the Rumours documentary (wish they would do a Tusk analysis like that).

That Rumours commentary where they all talk about what they remember from each song was priceless. Michele

[Tango]

John used to do more interviews etc but in more recent years has left that to the others. It seems to be his preference. If you haven't done so, I suggest you have a read of the Q&A sessions he did for this site. Some good stuff there-

http://fleetwoodmac.net/penguin/qa/

I agree- one of the irreplaceable treasures of this website is it's Q&As. The website is still called "The Penquin" isn't it? Who better to invite back than John- if he had time.

[Wdm6789]

You Make Loving Fun!

I forgot to mention that one, great bass line in that song.

[Macfan4life]

Someone needs to do an interview with John, we always hear very little from his mouth. He's always been a very soft spoken guy. I would love to hear the story from his point of view, we've heard everyone else's countless times.
I volunteer

[michelej1]

[Interview Comment from Mike Mills of R.E.M.]

By MARC MYERS Updated April 12, 2016 Wall Street Journal


http://www.wsj.com/articles/behind-r-e-m-s-hit-losing-my-religion-1460479898

Mike Mills (bassist): Typically, we’d rehearse a song three or four times until each of us figured out what we were going to do on the recording. In this case, though, we had to rehearse the song more times than usual. I had a lot of trouble figuring out what I wanted to do with the bass line. There was a lot of sound to fill at the bottom since the mandolin was in the upper register, but my line couldn’t overcome the mandolin.

Eventually, I asked myself, “What would bassist John McVie do?” I super-admired Fleetwood Mac, and John’s lines were always simple but melodic. They lift songs rather than hold them down. Thinking about John inspired me to come up with a line that locked down the bass part. Once the three of us finished the demo, we gave the cassette to Michael [Stipe].

[Macfan4life]

I would not disagree with anything that has been said already. Will just add a few more.

Everybody finds out blows you away.

And one that may surprise you and even surprised me. During this last tour, the cameras would focus in on John during Gold Dust Woman parts. Very cool bass parts that you mostly pick up live.

Oh Daddy is pretty cool too.

But seriously we could go on forever

[bombaysaffires]

Smile. At. You. Amazing bass line and so glad it's as up front in the mix as it is. Stunning.

One of the best things to happen to Stevie's music ever was Mick and John. John especially. Her solo stuff with sh&tty drum machines and crap will never compare.

One of the reasons I really like what Dave Grohl did on You Can't Fix This (which is a pretty mediocre song) was that he produced it to incorporate all the great musical attributes of her work with FM, most notably a full bass sound--- a characteristic it only had because of John

[jbrownsjr]

Caroline has some amazing bass parts.

[James89]

My god, he is just the best. I took up playing the bass because of him and I think that his bass parts complete FM's songs. I could list examples but it would take me too long.

Not sure whether he's the greatest bass player of all time but what his parts and playing style bring to the songs is unparalleled in my opinion. He is irreplaceable in the band as his style is so unique and synonymous with Fleetwood Mac. I love him as you can probably tell. He's a genius.

Btw, the Say You Will album is a great showcase of his talents and what he can do to transform a song.

[welcomechris]

love John, great guy, great bass player. Extremely talented and underrated.

Hope all is well for him and his family

[Macfan4life]

Caroline has some amazing bass parts.
I know you love that song but that is definitely a Lindsey solo song that made it to Tango. Very little group effort there. It sounds like a computer programmed bass line that Lindsey used heavily in the 80's. I would be surprised if John or anyone else in the band had anything to do with that song.

[jbrownsjr]

I know you love that song but that is definitely a Lindsey solo song that made it to Tango. Very little group effort there. It sounds like a computer programmed bass line that Lindsey used heavily in the 80's. I would be surprised if John or anyone else in the band had anything to do with that song.

I thought of that, but it sounds so McVie that I believe it's him.

[estranged4life]

is still the only reason I can still tolerate this band, his bass is solid and has been very much from the get-go...Besides I still laugh at his answer to my questions back from 2007:

Hello John, Thanks for answering another round of questions on the Ledge, It is much appreciated. Here's my question, Which is not music related: Since it is known that you're a person who enjoys sailing, has there ever been a time where you're love of sailing has put you in fear for your life? Such as being caught in a storm and rough seas. Thanks, Brian j.

ps-Bassists are much smarter than we are given credit for!

Hi Brian, Thanks for the question, Yes there's a few times. And I can go on for quite a while! SO AT THE RISK OF BORING YOU...

The first was on the first trip to Hawaii. I've done six. On a 43' Ketch called "Adelie". Back in the '70's. It was a night watch but with a moon. Just myself on watch with a 4 man crew total. The lads were below and asleep. We were about halfway to Hawaii. The swells were getting bigger , it was a following sea, and in the moonlight I turned around because I could hear this "roar' and I swear I saw this wave that was so big, higher than the mast which was about 50-60', I just hunched down and waited for it. I was strapped in but I really thought that "This is it". It broke just behind us! Talk about " Pass my Brown trousers!".

Another was off Cape Hatteras, going up from St Thomas to Bar Harbor, Maine. This time on a 63' Sparkman and Stephens Aluminum sloop, "Challenge". Just at sunset a squall came up from nowhere. Again, I was driving and the wind was so damned strong and came up so quick we couldn't reef in time so we were laid right over and again, i thought,"This is it, we're going to drive ourselves under". The rain was coming horizontally, you couldn't even look forward, it was so painful. Like BB Pellets. Finally managed to fire up the engine,fall off the wind and get the lads up, drop the headsail and put two reefs in the main. The engine saved us. It was very close.

Anyway, there's a lot more stories. Encounters with Whales, Real Pirates, Smugglers, that I won't bore you with. Thank you for reminding me of this ! I have'nt thought about this in a long while and I think I'll dig my Log Books out. All the best! John AAAAARGH MATEY!!!

P.s. Then there was the time Miss Puerto Rico boarded us. It was a desperate struggle, mano y mano..... to be continued..............

P.s. Bass players do it deeper.