Image: Sky TV Press
By Jon Donnis
A new nationwide poll has crowned the most unforgettable basslines in British music culture, and Queen have taken a remarkable four places within the top ten. The research arrives as part of the launch for Greatest Basslines, a three part documentary from aired on Sky Arts and NOW on Friday 28 November. At the very top sits Queen's Another One Bites the Dust, followed by Michael Jackson's Billie Jean and Queen's Under Pressure. The poll also names John Deacon as the greatest bass player of all time, a result that matches the band's dominant showing across the rankings.
The study, commissioned by Sky and built from the views of two thousand music fans, highlights the grooves that have shaped generations. Fleetwood Mac's The Chain and The Beatles' Come Together feature prominently, as does Ben E King's Stand by Me. The wider top thirty stretches into a broad run of genre defining favourites, including Chic's Good Times, U2's With or Without You and Joy Division's Love Will Tear Us Apart. Peter Hook, known for his work with Joy Division and New Order, reflects on the importance of these riffs with a wry memory of being asked to stick to simple root notes. His refusal then and now underlines his belief that basslines form the pulse of countless classics, and he voices little surprise at John Deacon's leading position.
The poll also reveals how listeners view the instrument itself. Nearly half of respondents think bassists are the coolest members of any band, while close to two thirds feel the instrument does not get the recognition it deserves. A memorable rhythm sits at the heart of any truly iconic bassline according to more than half the participants, with many also agreeing that the part should be strong enough to drive the entire song.
Greatest Basslines explores the stories behind these riffs through interviews with musicians, producers and devoted fans. Each episode is shaped by a legendary bassist who offers personal insight into the craft and its influence across styles and eras. Peter Hook authors the first episode which airs on Friday 28 November at nine. Melissa Auf der Maur leads the second the following evening, and Nate Mendel brings the series to a close on Sunday 30 November at the same time. The series will be available on Sky Arts, Freeview and the streaming service NOW, giving viewers a deep dive into the grooves that continue to echo through music history.
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