John, your bass line for "Smile at you" is outrageous! Does Stevie's songs inspire your creative style?
I think all of the Writers Songs are inspirational. I just try and make the Bass lines, hopefully, compliment the song, work with Mick’s kick drum and stay out of the way of the ‘Lead line”. Be it Instrumental or Vocal. ageing
John, Two part question. Would you classify this experience w/o Chris as totally different than the Rumors era Mac, and what are you're feelings, good or bad on this incarnation of the Mac line-up? p.s. any thoughts on a re-unite with fleet & greeny album? You know we hardcores would love to see it. Love your work. ~Brian
Brian, Two part answer.
It’s different, obviously, as Chris isn’t here. Physically and Musically. I don’t think it’s a question of “Good” or “Bad”. It’s a different Line-up. A bit “tougher” perhaps with Lindsey doing more Guitar work. I miss her presence as she’s a nice Lady with a great sense of humor. Mick talks to “Greeny” a lot. I haven’t seen him since “The Grammys” a few years ago. I don’t know if there’ll be a re-unite album. Sort of doubt it. But, who knows?
Your bass lines are inspiring, John. What has kept you playing so well for so many years now?
Fear. (LMAO!!!)
John, could you please tell us the origin of why and when you got the penguin tattoo on your arm?
Chris and I used to live ‘round the corner from London Zoo. On days off I’d go over and take pics of the animals. Usually ending up at the Penguin exhibit. The display area is very interesting visually and I found/find the penguins fascinating. When the Band moved to a “House in the Country” we thought we could use a “Logo”. Hence, the “Penguin”. The tattoo came from a boring afternoon in the bar at the “Riot House” on Sunset Boulevard. Right opposite is, or was, “Lyle Tuttles” tattoo parlor. As the afternoon wore on the idea of a tattoo became an increasingly “GREAT IDEA!” ... DUH!
John, Why is Christy not on the tour? (Yeah, why am I not on tour with them?
)
She’d had enough of Touring. She didn’t care too much for So.Cal with the earthquakes and all and I think she just wanted to go back to England. I could be completely wrong, but that’s my “take” on her departure.
Are you singing any back-up or are you just laying back playing that steady, incredible bass like you always have?
The Band will NEVER be that hard up for a laugh to have me singing “back-ups”! I’m just plugging away on Bass as usual.
What type of Bass do you play and why do you like it?
Hi Jon, Thanks for your question. Right now I’m using a Rick Turner “Renaissance” Bass as the main unit. (Rick Turner, I believe, was one of the original Guitar Geniuses at “Alembic”. I’ve been playing one or another of his Basses for many years).
Another “Turner” for “Never Going Back” & “Goodbye Baby”.
The “Turners” are Great Basses. I like the Pick-ups which give a nice tight tone. The necks suit me just fine and they’re light. That’s important for an ageing, old fart Bass Player. The other Basses are tuned for specific Songs. A 1962 “P” Bass for “So Afraid’. A Tobias for “The Chain”, Another Tobias for “World Turning”.
What's your favorite thing about being on the road? What do you hate the most?
I love being on “The Road”. With all of its “Down Side”. Missing Family and Home etc. It’s different every night and there is nothing that comes close to the “Rush” of playing to a live audience. ( Well, mostly “live” ). It’s still Fun. When it’s not Fun anymore, I’ll hang it up.