As an aspiring bass player, Geddy Lee being my favorite, there's always been something about Dee Murray's sound that put the hook in me. His playing was so damned GOOD, such a deep sound. He's on my list of top bassists ever. I'm fully confident placing him on a list like that.
I saw Dee with them on the 1982 Jump Up tour. I can't say that I remember a whole lot of it, that was 40 years ago now, but I was super excited to see the main band- Murray, Olsson, Johnstone and EJ. Had good seats at the Greek in Berkeley, front floor section about 6 or 8 rows back. They started with Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding and it was just gorgeous. Dee was an incredible player. I've been a guitarist most of my life but do have a bass, and I just love playing along to his parts, they are so well written and played. Just the best tone. Was such a shame to lose him so young.
One of the best bassists ever. Largely unknown and hugely underrated but amazing nonetheless. Listen to his playing on Bad Side of the Moon on Elton's 17-11-70 live album. Stunning!
Interesting Dee was very proper. He seemed very polite in the documentary Elton And Bernie Say Goodbye To Norma Jean. So I guess that makes sense. His bass was melodious without showing off. And I heard he was very friendly to fans. I chatted with Annette on Facebook once . She also seems very sweet. Ray is very talented. He proves there's more to percussion than just banging a tambourine. And well, Davey, he knows whether the song calls for electric or acoustic guitar, sitar, banjo or mandolin. Oh yeah, we can't forget Elton. He makes the piano whisper or scream.
He played the bass as if it was the lead guitar. He brought something special to every bar in a song. After listening to Elton voice and piano playing, you always had to Re listen to the song to understand what Dee add to it
Though Elton was my "first musical love" (I graduated from kid stuff like The Partridge Family to serious music/musicians because of him), I kind of pushed Dee aside for the period's bass monsters (Chris Squire, John Paul Jones, Jon Camp, Greg Lake). Took me awhile but I did eventually realize that Dee was an outstanding bass player technically and he used just the chops that were needed for each studio track, but he did cut loose a bit live. A true musician, and horribly underrated/unknown because of Elton's megawatt persona. btw - Ray Cooper was AWESOME to experience live!!
I attended a Tubes concert in Portlamd OR after which I was invited to join the band where we listened most of the night to XTC Oranges and Lemons. Vince Welnick asked if I had something with which to light a cigarette. Earlier that day I had found a nickel lighter cover/holder in this old couch. I gave it to Vince and he said "I must give you something in return" and he fished thru his pockets until he found a piece of sugarless bubble gum. I still have that to this day.
Dee Murray, still my favorite Bass player of all time. Thanks for posting.
Same here. There are many many...Dee is #1
As an aspiring bass player, Geddy Lee being my favorite, there's always been something about Dee Murray's sound that put the hook in me. His playing was so damned GOOD, such a deep sound. He's on my list of top bassists ever. I'm fully confident placing him on a list like that.
All i can say is: 11/17/70 Dee...Nigel...Elton...Rock on!
LUV hearing about the old Elton band!
Dee's bass work on "Rocket Man" is other worldly good.
I saw Dee with them on the 1982 Jump Up tour. I can't say that I remember a whole lot of it, that was 40 years ago now, but I was super excited to see the main band- Murray, Olsson, Johnstone and EJ. Had good seats at the Greek in Berkeley, front floor section about 6 or 8 rows back. They started with Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding and it was just gorgeous. Dee was an incredible player. I've been a guitarist most of my life but do have a bass, and I just love playing along to his parts, they are so well written and played. Just the best tone. Was such a shame to lose him so young.
My favorite bassist of all time
Just one part of the greatest rock/pop backing vocal trio of all time!
Love your videos, John. You get the most interesting guest artists.
Nigel, Dee, Davey, and Ray should be in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame.
The #1 most undermentioned bass player, ever. Could have been in Led Zep. Every part was perfection.
One of the best bassists ever. Largely unknown and hugely underrated but amazing nonetheless. Listen to his playing on Bad Side of the Moon on Elton's 17-11-70 live album. Stunning!
What a fantastic Tone, Dee had. Much much underrated. Luckily, those who know, know.
When people don't know Dee Murray, I put on "Love Lies Bleeding" and lean back.
Interesting Dee was very proper. He seemed very polite in the documentary Elton And Bernie Say Goodbye To Norma Jean. So I guess that makes sense. His bass was melodious without showing off. And I heard he was very friendly to fans. I chatted with Annette on Facebook once . She also seems very sweet. Ray is very talented. He proves there's more to percussion than just banging a tambourine. And well, Davey, he knows whether the song calls for electric or acoustic guitar, sitar, banjo or mandolin. Oh yeah, we can't forget Elton. He makes the piano whisper or scream.
He played the bass as if it was the lead guitar. He brought something special to every bar in a song. After listening to Elton voice and piano playing, you always had to Re listen to the song to understand what Dee add to it
Great bass player AND harmony singer both in the studio and live.
I've been fascinated by Ray Cooper for decades. He definitely is a unique and talented individual. As is Davy Johnston.
Dee was awesome.
Ray hasn't aged in 40 years.
Though Elton was my "first musical love" (I graduated from kid stuff like The Partridge Family to serious music/musicians because of him), I kind of pushed Dee aside for the period's bass monsters (Chris Squire, John Paul Jones, Jon Camp, Greg Lake). Took me awhile but I did eventually realize that Dee was an outstanding bass player technically and he used just the chops that were needed for each studio track, but he did cut loose a bit live. A true musician, and horribly underrated/unknown because of Elton's megawatt persona. btw - Ray Cooper was AWESOME to experience live!!
My favorite bassist.
Love lies bleeding is amazing bass work.
Also, Sixty Years On from 11-17-70....the bass on that was BRILLIANCE. Loved Dee, what an artist.
Dee, Davey, Nigel and Elton….. it didn’t get any better.
The Captain Fantastic album is one of the greatest of all time
Dee ha sido el James Jamerson del Rock. Muy grande.!!!
The secret to Yellow Brick Road Album. That bass.
I attended a Tubes concert in Portlamd OR after which I was invited to join the band where we listened most of the night to XTC Oranges and Lemons. Vince Welnick asked if I had something with which to light a cigarette. Earlier that day I had found a nickel lighter cover/holder in this old couch. I gave it to Vince and he said "I must give you something in return" and he fished thru his pockets until he found a piece of sugarless bubble gum. I still have that to this day.
I’ve really enjoyed the interview with Dave. I have noticed he’s wearing sunglasses throughout. I wonder if he’s suffering with vision problems.
He was McCartney on steroids that guy, easily one of my favorite bass players.
The tightest band ever was Dee, Davey, and Nigel.
John, are you aware that the very first words that you say in this clip are "Elton John looks back..."? You meant to say Davey Johnstone!
Thanks Mark. I chopped that part out.
Vancouver 75