Flea, the legendary bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, has declared Sir Paul McCartney as the greatest rock bass player of all time. In a recent episode of the podcast Where Everybody Knows Your Name, hosted by Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson, Flea praised the Beatles icon for his “lyrical and melodic” approach to bass playing.
Flea, known for his own innovative bass lines, expressed his admiration for McCartney’s style, saying, “I think Paul’s the greatest rock bass player. He’s just great. I mean, there are so many guys that are great in different ways, but Paul’s bass playing is so lyrical and melodic, and it’s just so beautiful.” He highlighted how McCartney’s bass often acts as a counter-melody, enhancing the song’s overall harmony rather than just serving as a rhythmic foundation.
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Reflecting on the Beatles’ recording process, Flea noted the unique approach McCartney took with his bass lines. “One of the things I’ve heard is that he put the bass on after,” he said, explaining that while many bands, including his own, often build songs around the bass line, McCartney would add the bass after the other elements were in place, particularly during the recording of iconic albums like Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Meanwhile, McCartney has been revisiting his past with the release of the documentary One Hand Clapping, which details the recording sessions for Wings’ live studio album of the same name at London’s Abbey Road Studios in 1974. The documentary features rare footage and interviews, providing fans with a glimpse into the creative process behind Wings’ success. McCartney, now in his 80s, reflected on the project, saying, “It’s so great to look back on that period and see the little live show we did. We made a pretty good noise actually.”
The film, which was initially shot for a TV special that never aired, will debut in cinemas next month, complete with a new introduction by McCartney and exclusive content, including a “backyard session” where he performs Buddy Holly songs and the unreleased track Blackpool on his acoustic guitar.
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