Get ready to dive into a musical journey that will leave you in awe! The bass legend Geddy Lee reveals his ultimate inspiration, and it's a story that will make your jaw drop.
As a bassist extraordinaire, Geddy Lee has always stood out in the world of rock. But even the best have their idols, and for Lee, it's a journey that takes us back to the iconic bass players of the past.
Lee's love for rock music can be traced to the legendary Chris Squire of Yes, Jack Bruce of Cream, and the innovative sounds of Jeff Beck and Procol Harum. "That's how I learned to play bass," Lee confesses, "emulating the greats like Jack Bruce." But it was John Entwistle of The Who who truly inspired Lee's musical journey.
Imagine discovering 'My Generation' by The Who, a song that introduced many to the band's revolutionary sound. For Lee, it was a life-changing moment. "I used to get my music from Sam The Record Man," he reminisces. "That's how I stumbled upon Live at Leeds."
Live at Leeds, The Who's first live album, captures their iconic performance at the University of Leeds Refectory on Valentine's Day 1970. It's a historic moment, featuring the classic lineup with Entwistle on bass, Roger Daltrey on vocals, Pete Townshend on guitar, and Keith Moon on drums. But the road to this album was not without its twists and turns.
Initially, The Who wanted to release a compilation of live recordings from their US tour. However, Townshend, not wanting to sift through countless tapes, rejected the idea. In a surprising move, he even asked their sound engineer to destroy the tapes, a decision he later called "one of the stupidest of my life."
Undeterred, the band scheduled two shows, determined to capture their magic on tape. Technical issues at the Hull show led them to choose the Leeds performance, and the rest is history.
"The bass in 'My Generation'... John Entwistle! He was an absolute inspiration," Lee exclaims. "His playing on Live at Leeds is simply unsurpassable!"
On Live at Leeds, 'My Generation' transforms into a 15-minute masterpiece, featuring improvisations and a medley of songs, including extracts from the legendary rock opera Tommy. Another highlight is 'Summertime Blues,' an Eddie Cochran tune given a powerful makeover by The Who, with Entwistle's deep bass voice taking center stage.
Lee's admiration for The Who knows no bounds. He laments never getting to see them perform live with Keith Moon, whose untimely passing in 1978 left a void in the band's legacy. "Pete Townshend's writing is always top-notch," Lee asserts, "a perfect blend of heavy and melodic."
Live at Leeds holds a special place in Lee's heart, even today. "It's a real piece of rock history," he says, "like a bootleg, raw and unfiltered. That was their attitude: 'Here it is.'"
So, there you have it, a story that showcases the influence of musical legends. But here's where it gets controversial... What do you think? Is Live at Leeds truly unsurpassable? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on this iconic album and its impact on music history!
