Fuzz Kmak (Disturbed)

Name: Steve Kmak
Born: 3rd September, 1970 (Covington, Kentucky, USA)

Profile: He is an American bass guitar player, best known for his work with the heavy metal band "Disturbed".

History: Fuzz started to play bass guitar when he was young and founded the band "Brawl" in 1996 with guitarist Dan Donegan and drummer Mike Wengren.

"Brawl" played small clubs in Chicago before singer David Draiman answered their ad, after which they changed the band name to "Disturbed". They then produced their first studio album 'The Sickness', released in 2000 and their second album 'Believe', released in 2002. Since the band's formation, they have sold over 11 million albums worldwide, making them one of the most successful rock bands in recent years. The band have charted on the Billboard 200.

In 2003, after finishing the 'Music as a Weapon II Tour', Fuzz left the band. He was replaced with John Moyer, who is the current bass player, and he usually use three or more amplifiers when playing in a concert.

Influences: Rush, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Metallica, Black Sabbath, Ozzy Osbourne and Pantera

Axology: Music Man Sting Ray basses - 5-string

Signature song(s): The Game - Disturbed (The Sickness, 2000)

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqT-WuyewMU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cOMiBy5q2w

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYgkSnhJUyM

John Moyer (Soak/Disturbed)

Name: John Moyer
Born: 30th November, 1973 (El Paso, Texas, USA)

Profile: He is the current bassist and back up vocalist for the alternative metal band "Disturbed", replacing their former bassist Steve Kmak. Moyer also published "Disturbed's" albums; such as 'Ten Thousand Fists', 'Indestructible' and 'Asylum'. In addition to this, Moyer also works in partnership with Silver Tongue Management.

History: He started to play bass guitar in his teens, and Moyer was formerly part of the Texas hard rock act "The Union Underground". Prior to his stint in "The Union Underground", he was the bassist of the popular band "Soak", also hailing from Texas. He teaches at Natural Ear Music in Austin, Texas, where he works with a lot of young bands, which inspires him.

Moyer prefers picking over finger-style (he is still capable of playing finger-style) because it has a more aggressive feeling towards the style.

Moyer has a custom line with Traben bass company. He and the company produced his signature Traben Havoc. He also has custom amplifiers with Kustom featuring his own design printed on the front resembling a skull engulfed in flames.

Influences: (Texas hard rock bands)

Axology: Traben bass - signature series (Traben Havoc) and Kustom amplifiers

Signature song(s): Inside the Fire - Disturbed (Indestructible, 2008)

Link(s):

http://www.disturbed1.com/ (Disturbed's Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfJC25nOSqE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1K9jBL2syJ8

Olivia Newton Bundy (Marilyn Manson/LUNGS)

Name: Brian Tutunick
Born: 31st March, 1968 (Tampa, Florida, USA)

Profile: He is an American musician, vocalist and was the original bass player for "Marilyn Manson & the Spooky Kids", he played during the first part of 1990, before Gidget Gein took over bass guitar in June the same year. His stage name combination is from actress/singer Olivia Newton-John (Grease), and Ted Bundy (the American serial killer).

History: Started to play guitar in his teens, then moved to bass few years later. In April 1990, Tutunick were brought in the "Marilyn Manson & the Spooky Kids" band as their bassist after, Manson and Daisy got their first club booking.

After he left the band, Tutunick founded "Collapsing Lungs" (aka LUNGS) in 1991, as a vocalist. "LUNGS" headlined the 1993 Slammie Awards at the Plus Five Lounge in Davie - the same year that rival band "Marilyn Manson" won the Slammie Awards for Band of the Year and for Song of the Year, 'Dope Hat'.

In 1993, "LUNGS" was signed to Atlantic Records. A year later, the band split after 3 years, although long disbanded, they played a one-off, well received reunion gig in 2003 at the Culture Room in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.

In 1996, Tutunick along with notable DJ Grynch formed the industrial band, "Nation of Fear". They released the song 'Immortal' on a compilation CD for the rock station 94.9 WZTA. Later that year, "Nation of Fear" would release their well-received self-titled album on DiMar Records. They would go on tour with "Genitorturers" and were even joined on tour by "Lords of Acid".

In 1998, the band's released their second album, 'Everything Beautiful Rusts', while receiving much more attention, Tutunick failed to keep the band together and by 2000 they had broken up. Tutunick can now be seen on a weekly music show Feedback featured on the PAX TV channel.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Unknown

Signature song(s): Faster - Nation of Fear

Link(s):

http://www.myspace.com/briantutunick (Official Myspace)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOBAwAZyrSY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33cweEv3zm4&feature=related

Nikki Sixx (Mötley Crüe/Sixx: A.M.)

Name: Frank Carlton Ferrana, Jr.
Born: 11th December, 1958 (San Jose, California, USA)

Profile: He is an American bassist, author, fashion designer, photographer and the main songwriter for the band "Mötley Crüe". He has also played bass for glam metal bands; "London", the experimental band "58", the hard rock band "Brides of Destruction" and more recently, "Sixx:A.M."

History: Since a teenager who lived with his grandparents, Ferrana was always into trouble. His grandparents sent him to live with his mother, who had moved to Seattle. He lived there for a short time, and learned how to play the bass guitar, having bought his first instrument with money earned from selling a prior guitar he had stolen. At the age of 17, he struck out on his own, moving to LA selling vacuums over the phone while he auditioned for bands.

During this period of time, he changed his name, basing it on the stage name of a Riverside, musician Jeff Nicholson, called Niki Syxx. He unsuccessfully auditioned for "Quiet Riot" and "Sister" before joining "London", a local glam outfit whose lineup saw numerous changes. Sixx soon left the band.

In 1981, Sixx founded "Mötley Crüe" with drummer Tommy Lee, later being joined by Mick Mars and Vince Neil. The band decided to self-record their debut album, 'Too Fast for Love', which was subsequently released in November 1981 on the band's own record label. After signing with Elektra Records they re-released the album. The band then went on to record a new album, 'Shout at the Devil', and raising the band to national fame.

In 1989, Sixx was a featured guest artist on the album 'Fire and Gasoline' by Steve Jones (Sex Pistols), and co-wrote and performed on the song, 'We're No Saints'. In 1991, Sixx played bass on 'Feed My Frankenstein' on Alice Cooper's 'Hey Stoopid' album. Besides his "Mötley Crüe" duties, Sixx also had a side project dubbed "58", issuing their debut album in 2000, 'Diet for a New America'. Sixx also formed a band called "Brides of Destruction" with Tracii Guns (LA Guns). After one album, the band broke up due to extremely poor album sales and the inability to get any radio airplay.

Sixx wrote most of "Mötley Crüe's" material, including tracks such as 'Live Wire', 'Home Sweet Home', 'Girls, Girls, Girls', 'Kickstart My Heart' and 'Dr. Feelgood'. In 2006, "Mötley Crüe" completed a reunion tour featuring all four original members and embarked on a co-headlining tour with "Aerosmith", and in 2008, "Mötley Crüe" released their ninth studio album, 'Saints of Los Angeles', with Sixx credited as either writer or co-writer on all tracks.

Sixx also worked on a soundtrack to be released with the book called The Heroin Diaries. The soundtrack was recorded by his new band, "Sixx: A.M". The entire album was written and produced by Sixx. The album was released in 2007, and the book was released a month later. The single 'Life is Beautiful' went to #1.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Gibson Thunderbird, Gibson Blackbird, Epiphone Nikki Sixx Blackbird, BC Rich Mockingbird & Warlock basses, Hamer made Thunderbird style basses, Ernie Ball Music Man 5-string bass, Fender Precision Bass, Squier Precision Bass, Fender Bassman and Ampeg amplifiers

Signature song(s): Kickstart My Heart - Mötley Crüe (Dr. Feelgood, 1989) and Life is Beautiful - Sixx: A.M. (The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack, 2007)

Link(s):

http://www.nikkisixx.net/ (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrMVYukSIU0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffWs2OU2yeg

Number Two (Slipknot)

Name: Paul Dedrick Gray
Born/Died: 8th April, 1972 (Los Angeles, California, USA) – 24th May, 2010

Profile: He was an American musician, best known as the bassist of the Grammy Award-winning heavy metal band "Slipknot".

History: Gray started playing guitar in 1990, and he was not interested to play any other instruments. But when he moved to Iowa, he started to play bass, and got in love with it ever since. His first bass was a right handed Charvel bass. He took a few bass lessons to learn slap and pop techniques, from a local bass player named Mark, and learned a lot of techniques from rock to funk and even jazz. In his youth, Gray performed in various bands such as "Anal Blast", "Vexx", "Body Pit" and "Inveigh Catharsi".

In 1995, an early formation of the band were beginning to coalesce, when Gray and drummer Shawn Crahan formed "The Pale Ones". The band played their first live performance under the name of "Meld" at a club called Crowbar in Des Moines. Soon after, drummer Jordison suggested renaming the band to "Slipknot", after their song that eventually appeared on the band's demo 'Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat'. The band also began experimenting with their image, wearing grotesque make-up and eventually the anti-image concept developed towards the members wearing masks.

In 1998, the band recorded their demo, which included 'Spit It Out'. The demo was sent to many record labels and, along with a growing popularity on the internet and help from their then manager Sophia John, interest grew from record labels and eventually producer Ross Robinson was contacted. The band, which had a strong interest in working with Robinson, met with him and it was then decided they would work together. Soon after, DJ Sid Wilson was brought in to the band after showing great interest and impressing band members. With the new member, the band signed to Roadrunner Records.

Besides "Slipknot", Gray filled in as bassist for "Unida" during their 2003 tour, appeared on 'Drop Dead, Gorgeous' Worse Than a Fairy Tale', he even toured briefly with "Reggie and the Full Effect" and appeared on the Roadrunner United project, performing bass on 'The Enemy' and 'Baptized in the Redemption' from the project's album 'The All-Star Sessions'.

Gray used to wear tape around his head for his mask. Later, he switched to a Halloween styled Pig mask which he used for the self-titled era, and it represented his indulgent personality. During the touring cycle for Iowa, he used a black mask with dark eye and nose holes, with a small slit near his mouth, and it bore a striking resemblance to the Man in the Iron Mask.

Influences: Cliff Burton (Metallica), Cliff Williams (AC/DC), Steve Harris (Iron Maiden), Black Sabbath, KISS, Black Flag and the Dead Kennedys

Axology: Ibanez PGB1L signature model, Warwick basses, Ampeg amplifiers and Peavey amplifiers

Signature song(s): Spit It Out - Slipknot (Slipknot, 1999)

Link(s):

http://www.slipknot1.com/ (Slipknot's official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wws7mnMewPw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP5PqJpk5lQ&feature=channel

Brian Marshall (Creed/Alter Bridge)

Name: Brian Aubrey Marshall
Born: 24th April, 1973 (Jackson, Mississippi, USA)

Profile: He is an American bass player, for the bands "Creed" and "Alter Bridge". He originally played a 4 string Fender Jazz bass but he has switched to a custom made 5 string Sadowsky electric bass, which he has used exclusively since the release of "Alter Bridge's" first album. He is known for his distinctive deep, harmonizing sound as heard especially on more recent songs he has been involved with.

History: Marshall started out his music career by playing his father's drums. He states that after scratching his father's drum set a few times, that his dad decided it was time to get him a bass guitar. As a young bassist, he had joined many kind of bands, such as "Maddox Creed", to name a few.

After being recruited into the band as a full-fledged member by Scott Stapp and Mark Tremonti, Marshall came up with the name "Creed", which the band had previously been known as "Naked Toddler". He was with "Creed" until late 2000, however, Marshall has since rejoined the band for their 2009 reunion, and appeared on Creed's 2009 'Full Circle' album. He performed with the band for the first time in 10 years.

After leaving "Creed" in 2000, Marshall played for the band "Head Heavy" and another one called "Grand Luxx". In 2004, he was asked to join "Alter Bridge" by Mark Tremonti and Scott Phillips personally, since the both of them enjoyed Marshall's playing. The band also consists of new vocalist Myles Kennedy (The Mayfield Four). The band released two albums, 'One Day Remains' and 'Blackbird', with a live DVD titled 'Live from Amsterdam'. A third "Alter Bridge" album is due out in 2010.

Influences: John Entwistle, Geddy Lee (Rush), Justin Chancellor and Doug Pinnick

Axology: Fender Jazz bass, Sadowsky Vintage 4 & 5-string NYC basses, Ampeg amplifiers and Mesa/Boogie equipments

Signature song(s): Bound and Tide - Creed (My Own Prison, 1997) and With Arms Wide Open - Creed (Human Clay, 1999)

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yY1Nrznh4I&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9P1FH3nTU0&feature=related

Juliana Hatfield (Blake Babies/Some Girls)

Name: Juliana Hatfield
Born: 27th July, 1967 (Wiscasset, Maine, USA)

Profile: She is an American guitarist/singer-songwriter and author from the Boston area, formerly of the indie rock bands "Blake Babies" and "Some Girls".

History: She acquired a love of rock music during the 70's, having been introduced by a babysitter to the music of the LA punk rock band "X", which proved a life-changing experience. She was also attracted to the music of more mainstream artists like Olivia Newton-John and "The Police", perhaps explaining the contrast in her later music between sweet, melodic pop songs and more hard rock oriented material.

Visualizing herself as a singer since her high school years, where she sang in school choirs and briefly played in a cover band called "The Squids", which played "Rush" songs.

After high school, Hatfield attended Berklee College of Music in Boston as a piano student, in the hope of finding a band with which to sing. There she soon met Freda Boner (Freda Love) and John Strohm, forming the "Blake Babies" with them in 1986, at the age of 19. The band, with which she sang and played bass guitar, was signed to 'Mammoth Records' and received a fair amount of airplay on college radio through the early 90's. The group toured the US several times, performed in Europe, and made several music videos.

Although the group's early work was essentially punk-oriented, they quickly settled into a sunny, melodic, and slightly jangly pop style reminiscent in style of early "REM" and Neil Young. Hatfield and Strohm shared songwriting credits and often sang together in harmony or octaves, creating a memorable "boy-girl" sound rarely encountered in rock.

Hatfield began her solo career following the "Blake Babies" breakup in 1991, releasing her first solo album 'Hey Babe' in 1992. The album was one of the highest selling independent albums. Hatfield recruited a rhythm section consisting of Todd Phillips and bassist Dean Fisher, and thus becoming "The Juliana Hatfield Three".

In 2001, she joined with Freda Love and Heidi Gluck to form the trio "Some Girls", with which she performs in addition to her solo work; the group has toured the US twice and has released two albums. The trio is another outlet for Hatfield's more lighthearted material. Their first album, entitled 'Feel It', was released in 2003. The lead single 'Necessito' is a funky affirmation of the power of music, sung in a mixture of English and Spanish. "Some Girls" second album, 'Crushing Love', was released in 2006.

In 2005, Hatfield toured the US with the band "X", whom she idolized during her teenage years. In 2006, Hatfield released her first live album 'The White Broken Line: Live Recordings', the album featured performances from her tour with "X". Hatfield's latest album, 'Peace & Love' was released on 16th February, 2010. The album's composition, arrangement, performance, production, engineering and mixing is solely credited to Hatfield.

Influences: Neil Young, Olivia Newton-John, X, The Stooges, the MC5, The Police and The Replacements

Axology: Gibson Les Paul Standard and Gibson SG

Signature song(s): My Sister - The Juliana Hatfield Three (Become What You Are,1993) and Necessito - Some Girls (Feel It, 2003)

Link(s):

http://www.julianahatfield.com (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc7qCdy3Bc4

Robert DeLeo (STP/Army of Anyone)

Name: Robert Emile DeLeo
Born: 2nd February, 1966 (Glen Ridge, New Jersey, USA)

Profile: He is an American bass player and harmony vocalist for the rock band "Stone Temple Pilots" (STP). He has also played in "Talk Show" and "Army of Anyone". He is the younger brother of Dean DeLeo, who plays lead guitar for "STP".

History: Robert started to play guitar in his teens, but his interest are more in playing bass because his brother Dean already played guitar. DeLeo met Scott Weiland (who would eventually become vocalist of "STP") at a "Black Flag" concert in 1987. The both of them wanted to form a band and eventually hooked up with drummer Eric Kretz, and DeLeo managed to convince his brother to play guitar in their new band "Mighty Joe Young" which later changed to "Stone Temple Pilots".

During their years, "STP" came to be one of the most successful bands of the 90's. Robert is credited with much of the band's music, including the famous intros for the songs 'Plush' and 'Interstate Love Song'.

While "STP's" hiatus in 1997, he and his brother Dean, Kretz, Dave Coutts (Ten Inch Men) formed a new band "Talk Show", their debut album was released in 1997 and peaked at #131 on the 'Billboard 200' and was considered a commercial flop.

In 2003, the DeLeo brothers formed another group "Army of Anyone". The group met after Richard Patrick (Filter) contacted the DeLeo brothers on writing material for "Filter's" fourth album. The band eventually called in drummer Ray Luzier in for an audition, found the formula worked, and the band was formed. The band's self titled album was released in 2006. The album became a critical success; some went as far to label the album as one of the bests of the year.

In 2008, "STP" reunited and are planning on releasing their sixth album on 25th May, 2010. DeLeo is a former employee of Schecter Guitar Research and built the prototype of what later became his signature model while working there. The Schecter Model T was his primary live instrument during his years with "STP".

DeLeo is known for his smooth style of playing, with infusions of Jazz, 1960's rhythm and blues, and hard rock creating a rather distinctive tone. He is also known for being a master riff maker; he created most of the riffs for "STP" which was the band's trademark style, and wrote and arranged most of the band's songs. He also uses a bass Wah-wah pedal to change his tone accordingly.

Influences: James Jamerson, John Entwistle (The Who), Rocco Prestia (Tower of Power), Chris Squire (Yes) and John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin).

Axology: Schecter Model T signature basses, 1966 Fender Precision bass, 1976 Rickenbacker 4001, 50's Danelectro Longhorn, Fender Musicmaster, Marshall and Ampeg amplifiers

Signature song(s): Interstate Love Song - STP (Purple, 1994) and Goodbye - Army of Anyone (Army of Anyone, 2006)

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RwD4Q33CQ4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtEdwwe_41c

Steve Harris (Iron Maiden)

Name: Stephen Percy Harris
Born: 12th March, 1956 (Leytonstone, London, England)

Profile: He is an English musician, best known as the bassist, band leader, primary songwriter and only constant member of the heavy metal band "Iron Maiden", in addition, he plays keyboards, and sings backing vocals.

History: Originally Harris wanted to play drums or be a professional football player; however he did not have much space for a drum kit in his house so he started to play bass and write songs. Harris is a self-taught bass player, his first bass was a copy of a Fender Precision Bass that cost him £40 when he was 17 years old. He went on to use a signature Lado 'Unicorn' model and an early 70's Fender Precision bass.

Harris joined numerous bands such as "Influence", "Gypsy's Kiss" and "Smiler". He ended up leaving "Smiler", as the members of the band made it clear that they did not care for a bassist who leapt around the stage and wrote songs, also his songs were too complicated for the band members, with the result that they did not want to play them, after "Smiler", Harris went on to create "Iron Maiden".

Harris is "Iron Maiden's" principal composer and lyricist. His song writing typically showcases his trademark galloping bass patterns and features long songs with epic lyrics that feature many tempo changes. Harris frequently writes lyrics about mythology, history or topics inspired from books and films.

Harris is often considered among the best and most influential heavy metal bassists. He is most known for his "galloping" horses - usually an eighth note followed by two sixteenth notes at fast tempo or eighth note triplets – which he plays with two fingers.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Fender Precision Bass, Fender 70's Jazz Bass, Ibanez Roadster Bass, Ovation Acoustic Bass, Washburn Force 40 bass and Marshall amplifiers.

Signature song(s): Wrathchild - Iron Maiden (Killers, 1981) and The Trooper - Iron Maiden (Piece of Mind, 1983)

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NA4IKkRhPvg&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UitAqLkuSFs

David Ellefson (Megadeth/F5/HAIL!)

Name: David Warren Ellefson
Born: 12th November, 1964 (Jackson, Minnesota, USA)

Profile: He is a bassist who is best known as one of the founding members of American thrash metal band "Megadeth". He also has various side projects which include "Temple of Brutality", "F5" and "Killing Machine".

History: He began music at a very young age on keyboards, picked up with tenor saxophone in 5th grade and started to play bass at 11 because of its presence in heavy rock music. He then became an accomplished rhythm guitarist and honed his songwriting skills while leading several of his own bands through the club scene of North America's Midwest region.

In 1983, Ellefson and Dave Mustaine (guitarist/vocalist) formed "Megadeth" after Mustaine left "Metallica". Ellefson's original playing style involved using his fingers, however, as "Megadeth" progressed and the music became more complex, he tended to prefer playing with a pick.

Ellefson formed "F5" following "Megadeth" disbandment in 2002. Their first album, 'A Drug for all Seasons' was released in 2005. "F5" appeared in support for "Disturbed" and toured the American Mid-West in the summer of 2006. He also appeared on "Killing Machine" record 'Metalmorphosis'. Currently, he is a member of the melodic power metal band "Avian", and works for Peavey Electronics Corporation as an artist relations representative.

Recently, he worked with underground Record producer Necro for his album entitled 'Death Rap' and a member of a tribute band called "HAIL!" which he formed in 2008. The band, as of April 2009, is touring Europe. In 2010, Ellefson rejoined "Megadeth" after 8 years.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: BC Rich Mockingbird, Jackson Concert 5-string basses, Modulus Quantum, Fender Precision Basses, an Epiphone El Capitan 5-string acoustic bass, an Ovation 4-string, a Hamer Chaparral 12-string bass, Peavey, Hartke and Peavey ampilifiers

Signature song(s): Reckoning Day - Megadeth (Youthanasia, 1994) and Train of Consequences - Megadeth (Train of Consequences, 1994)

Link(s):

http://www.davidellefson.com (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_s1uc6dV7A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLfW7BlXux0

Wes Borland (Limp Bizkit/Black Light Burns)

Name: Wesley Louden Borland
Born: 7th February, 1975 (Richmond, Virginia, USA)

Profile: He is an American musician, best known as the guitarist for the band "Limp Bizkit". He has been in several other bands, including "The Damning Well", "Goatslayer" and "Big Dumb Face". He also recorded on "From First to Last" album in 2006, and served as bass guitarist for the band's subsequent tour. Borland is well known for his bizarre stage appearance, and for his fondness of musical artists that differed greatly from the musical tastes of his bandmates in Limp Bizkit. Borland performed in "Black Light Burns", in which he sang and wrote most of the music.

History: He started playing music in an early age, growing up in Florida, he met bassist Sam Rivers, but the two did not get along due to rivalries between local bands. He went to school with John Otto. When "Limp Bizkit" was looking for a guitarist, John Otto threw out his name, stating he was more of an artist than a guitarist, but the band decided he'd be worthwhile for the position. In one of these bands, Borland sang and played guitar but didn't use a guitar pick. He would only play guitar using the two hand tapping style of guitar playing that he would go on to use in "Limp Bizkit" songs such as 'Stalemate', 'Sour', 'Re-Arranged' and 'Indigo Flow'.

With his black bulging eyes, outrageous stage costumes, freakish makeup and artistic sensibilities, it could be said that Borland is the modern day Ace Frehley (Kiss) - a consummate guitarist with a flair for showmanship and an eye for spectacle. His penchant for the bizarre stems from his background in visual arts (in his spare time, he's a painter, illustrator and sculptor), combined with a healthy interest in science fiction.

In 2001, Borland left "Limp Bizkit" but before leaving he formed the band "Big Dumb Face" as an outlet for his creativity, followed by "Eat the Day" (with brother, Scott Borland), he also played bass for the band "dobmyer" for a short time.

During this down period, Borland began production on his solo album. He was also featured twice on the Underworld soundtrack: 'Weak and Powerless' and 'The Awakening' with a supergroup called "The Damning Well".

In 2003, Borland co-produced and played guitar on several songs for "The Crystal Method". The tracks he worked on were 'Broken Glass', 'Weapons of Mass Distortion' and the lead single 'Born Too Slow'. In 2005, Borland declared himself a full time member of his new project, "Black Light Burns", where Borland as vocal and guitarist.

Recently in 2009, Wes Borland rejoined "Limp Bizkit" after he attacked the bands comeback plans and Durst's songwriting skills; claiming he had more freedom with his current band "Black Light Burns".

He's been known to restring his guitars in unique ways and experiment with all sorts of weird tunings, and layering guitars across the mix is something he's got down to a science.

Influences: Eddie Van Halen

Axology: Ibanez 7-strings guitar, Paul Reed Smith guitar, Master guitars 4-strings semi-acoustic baritone, Fender Jazzmaster, Gretsch hollowbody reissue, Mesa/Boogie and Deizel amplifiers

Signature song(s): Nookie - Limp Bizkit (Significant Other, 1999)

Link(s):

http://www.limpbizkit.com (Limp Bizkit official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeUb4vITfnI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wI8e8LU4yHU

It's just a lot more fun to dress up and look completely bizarre onstage" - Wes Borland

Billy Sheehan (Talas/Mr. Big)

Name: William Sheehan
Born: 19th March, 1953 (Buffalo, New York, USA)

Profile: He is an American bassist known for his work with "Talas", Steve Vai, David Lee Roth, "Mr. Big" and "Niacin". Sheehan has won the "Best Rock Bass Player" readers' poll from Guitar Player Magazine 5 times for his "lead bass" playing style. Sheehan's repertoire includes the use of chording, two-handed tapping, right hand "three finger picking" technique and controlled feedback. However, Sheehan is also noted as a steady "true" bassist, fulfilling the traditional supportive role of the electric bass in the rock rhythm section.

History: Sheehan's first instrument was an acoustic guitar that he borrowed incessantly from his sister, he bought his first electric guitar soon after. However, when he saw Tim Bogert (Vanilla Fudge) using a Fender Precision bass with a maple fingerboard, he switched to the bass.

Billy Sheehan's first electric bass was a Hagström FB, which was soon sistered by a Precision bass similar to Tim Bogert's. After acquiring the Precision bass, he removed the frets from the Hagström. Over the years, he heavily modified the Precision bass as well, adding a neck pickup and additional support for the bolt-on neck, which Sheehan considers its greatest weakness. The neck pickup was added for what he referred to as "super deep low end" modelled after Paul Samwell-Smith (Yardbirds). The Gibson EB-0 type pickup in the neck and the original split Precision bass pickup each have their own separate output jacks on the bass itself, allowing for control of the tone via the bass. Sheehan also uses two amps to achieve his signature tone, one with full distortion and notch filtering to sound more guitar-like for solos, and one super clean for the low end of the neck pickup. This bass has been retired, but he affectionately refers to it as "The Wife".

Sheehan’s first full-time gigs came with "Talas", they played a mixture of cover songs and original material. They remained one of Buffalo’s most popular local bands for over a decade. Sheehan also played with a band called "Light Years" in the late 70's, though he eventually went back to "Talas" and played in a show that saw him acquainted with guitarist Michael Schenker, who would help him land a job touring with band "UFO" in 1983.

After the tour, Sheehan went on to play with metal band "Thrasher", though his involvement with them didn’t last. Eventually Sheehan was brought on board with David Lee Roth, as a guitarist for his second solo album. Sheehan helped with the album but left soon after, and by 1988 Sheehan and Paul Gilbert (Racer X) formed a new band called "Mr. Big".

Mr. Big met with some initial success, hitting hard with hits the likes of "Addicted to that Rush" and "To Be With You". After "Mr. Big" was disbanded, Sheehan continued to bop around with various bands until he debuted solo in 2001 with 'Compression'. A second solo album, 'Cosmic Troubadour', was released in 2005. Currently, he is doing clinics and workshops all around the globe with fellow virtuoso bassist, Dionald Tubang.

Influences: Tim Bogert (Vanilla Fudge), Johann Sebastian Bach, Jimi Hendrix and Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top)

Axology: Fender P-Bass, Yamaha Attitude series, Epiphone Rivoli EB232, Taylor AB3 and Alvarez Artist Acoustic Bass 4070BK

Signature song(s): See Saw (Talas), Shy Boy (David Lee Roth) and To Be With You (Mr. Big)

Link(s):

http://www.billysheehan.com (Official website)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9bG8hwZ9Bo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5omFFeLEXFE

Jason Newsted (Metallica/Voivod)

Name: Jason Curtis Newsted
Born: 4th March, 1963 (Battle Creek, Michigan, USA)

Profile: He is an American bassist best known as the former bassist of "Metallica" after Cliff Burton's death. After he left "Metallica", he continued with his project "Echobrain", played with Ozzy Osbourne and joined heavy metal band "Voivod". He is also the founder of the Chophouse Records studio and label based in California.

History: The early part of Jason's music career had him performing bass for "Flotsam and Jetsam". Following the death of "Metallica's" bassist Cliff Burton in 1986, "Metallica" began a search for a new bassist. Jason auditioned for the part along with roughly 39 other musicians and in winning the role, his first live performance with Metallica was at the Country Club in California.

In 2001, Jason left "Metallica" and joined Canadian thrash metal band "Voivod" in 2002. Coincidentally, he was also Robert Trujillo's replacement in Osbourne's band (having switched sides) during Ozzfest 2003, which included "Voivod" as a Second Stage act. Jason then focused solely on "Voivod" where the group was funded entirely through him. They recorded two albums before Jason's participation in Rock Star Supernova, a supergroup created through the reality television series, Rock Star: Supernova, in 2006.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Aria Pro II SB1000 (originally owned by Cliff Burton), Fender 1958 Precision Bass, Sadowsky bass, Mesa/Boogie and Ampeg SVT cabinets.

Signature song(s): One - Metallica (... And Justice for All, 1988) and My Friend of Misery - Metallica (The Black Album, 1991)

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wfllKiTthw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlYp21Ow1Ms

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SZ__yGE7y0

Cliff Burton (Metallica)

Name: Clifford Lee Burton
Born/Died: 10th February, 1962 (Castro Valley, California, USA) – 27th September, 1986

Profile: He was an American bassist best known as the bass player of American heavy metal band "Metallica". As a bassist he made heavy use of distortion and effects (several of which are usually associated with non-bass guitars).

History: Cliff's interest in music began when his father introduced him to classical music and he began taking piano lessons. In his teenage years, Cliff had an interest in rock, classical and eventually heavy metal. He began playing the bass at age 13, after the death of his brother. His parents quoted him as saying, "I'm going to be the best bassist for my brother." He practiced up to 6 hours per day. Along with classical, jazz, southern rock, country and blues.

While still a student at Castro Valley High School, Cliff formed his first band called "EZ-Street", other member of the band was guitarist "Big" Jim Martin (Faith No More). Cliff and Big continued their musical collaboration after becoming students at Chabot College in Hayward, California.

Their second band, "Agents of Misfortune", entered the local "Battle of the Bands" contest in 1981. Their audition was recorded on video and features some of the earliest footage of his trademark playing style. Cliff joined his first major band, "Trauma" in early 1982.

Late in 1982, he joined "Metallica" and performed on their debut album, "Kill 'Em All". Cliff's early influence was essential in creating the unique musical style for which "Metallica" became famous. Cliff performed on two more albums, "Ride the Lightning" and "Master of Puppets", both of which met with major commercial and critical success.

He was known for his "lead bass" approach, in which the bass played a melodic, soloistic role in addition to holding down the harmonic and rhythmic foundation of the band.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Rickenbacker 4001, Aria SB-1000 and Mesa Boogie amplifiers

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6O9zMnwD65Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=B_HmN4cHkvk&feature=related

Paz Lenchantin (A Perfect Circle/The Chelsea)

Name: Paz Lenchantin
Born: 12th December, 1973 (Mar del Plata, Argentina)

Profile: She is an Argentine-American musician. She speaks fluent Spanish and English. She is a well known bassist and violinist in a band "A Perfect Circle".

History: She began playing piano at age 5. She then took violin lessons at age 8 and taught herself how to play guitar at age 12. Paz then joined Billy Howerdel in the band "A Perfect Circle", Paz later left the group to join with Billy Corgan's supergroup, in the band "Zwan".

In 2002, Paz with Melissa Auf der Maur created a new all-female supergroup band called "The Chelsea". The band played only one show before going their separate ways. Paz returned to play strings and piano with "A Perfect Circle" in recording their cover album eMOTIVe.

In 2005 she played violin on the "Kaura" track "Dividing Lines". She has also contributed to and toured with Jarboe (Swans). Paz also played bass on "Brightblack Morning Light" self-titled album on Matador Records. Since 2005, Paz has been collaborating with "Entrance" on their album Prayer of Death, as co- producer as well as contributing bass and violin. She is now a seemingly permanent member of the "Entrance".

She even worked with director Michael Mann on his film "Miami Vice" contributing violin on several scenes. She also contributed her playing skills with strings on Melissa Auf der Maur's first solo album "Auf der Maur".

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Fender Precision bass and Fender Jazz bass

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auwDHmK9CGk

Melissa Auf der Maur (Hole/The Chelsea)

Name: Melissa Auf der Maur
Born: 17th March, 1972 (Montreal, Quebec, Canada)

Profile: She is a Canadian rock musician of Swiss-German ancestry. Her career has included as bassist with the band "Hole" and "The Smashing Pumpkins". She is also a published photographer.

History: She was immersed into the music scene at an early age thanks to her mother (1st female rock DJ in Montreal), who would show young Melissa interviews of rock stars like Frank Zappa and the "spreading the word" aspect of rock & roll intrigued her. She started by taking piano and trumpet lessons and had experience as a choir singer and she tackled the bass by teaching it to herself, thanks to a dream she had about the band "Kyuss".

Melissa jammed with the punk band boys, with the confidence that she would make it as a bassist and started a band called "Tinker" with her best friend and boyfriend, which their often played in a nightclub in Montreal. She then met with Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins) at the same nightclub.

In 1994, Melissa joined "Hole" (where Billy Corgan introduced her to Courtney Love) after the death of their previous bassist Kristen Pfaff and recorded an album with them, she then left "Hole" after the end of her 5 year contract. While busy with "Hole", Melissa briefly toured with Ric Ocasek "The Cars" contributing bass and background vocals for his solo album. In 1998, she also contributed her amazing vocals to childhood friend Rufus Wainwright's album which she appeared in his video "April Fools".

In 2000, Melissa briefly toured with "The Smashing Pumpkins" and collaborated with French group "Indochine" on their song "Le Grand Secret", singing a duet in French with Nicola Sirkis. In 2002, Melissa joined a band called "Hand of Doom", in which she performed as lead vocals and in the same year, she also formed "The Chelsea".

In 2004, Melissa released her first solo album, garnering airplay on modern rock for the singles "Followed the Waves", "Real a Lie" and "Taste You". Melissa was part of the 2004 "Love Metal tour" also featuring "HIM" and "Curiosa". In 2007, she appeared on the "Fountains of Wayne" album singing backing on the track "Someone to Love".

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Fender Precision bass

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdRvcoD1uMY

Geddy Lee (Rush)

Name: Gary Lee Weinrib
Born: 29th July, 1953 (Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

Profile: He is a Canadian musician, best known as the lead vocalist, bassist and keyboardist for the Canadian rock band "Rush".

History: Taking up bass as a teenager and influenced by the likes of John Entwistls (WHO). Lee then joined "Rush" in 1968 at the request of his childhood friend Alex Lifeson. In 1973, their released their self-titled debut album and after honing their sound on a few albums, the trio went with relentless touring and their 1976 sci-fi concept album, 2112.

Throughout the 80's, Lee and "Rush" explored more modern sounds with Lee vocals becoming more restrained, they remained successful throughout the 90's, issuing successful albums and playing sold-out arena tours worldwide, until "Rush" went on indefinite hiatus in 1997.

In 2000, Lee issued his first ever solo album "My Favorite Headache" who was joined by ex-Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron and ex-FM guitarist Ben Mink and in 2006, Lee joined Lifeson's supergroup the "Big Dirty Band".

Influences: John Entwistle (WHO), Jack Bruce (Cream), John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), Steve Harris (Iron Maiden), John Myung(Dream Theater), Les Claypool (Primus) and Cliff Burton (Metallica)

Axology: Fender Precision bass, Fender Jazz bass, Rickenbacker 4001 model bass, Steinberger bass, British Wal basses, Ampeg amplifiers and Gallien-Krueger amplifiers.

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dptj4dMuS1w

Tim Commerford (RAtM/Audioslave)

Name: Timothy Robert Commerford aka Tim C
Born: 26th February, 1968 (Irvine, California)

Profile: He is the bassist/backing vocalist for American rock band "Rage Against the Machine" and the now-defunct "Audioslave", Tim plays Jazz basses through various amps with fingerpicking and funk slapping, he is a mountain biker and known for his numerous tattoos, he also likes to write poetry and artwork.

History: Tim met Zack de la Rocha in fifth grade where Zack introduced Tim to bass, and formed a band called "Inside Out" in ninth grade. Tim listens to jazz music (where he soon developed his skills).

In 1991, Tom Morello met up with Zack de La Rocha and Tim to form a new band "Rage Against the Machine" aka "Rage" and a year after, they signed a record deal with Epic Records, which they achieved a phenomenal amount of mainstream success. In late 2000, "Rage" was disbanded after Zack de la Rocha left, Rick Rubin (producer) suggested the three remaining members get together with Chris Cornell (Soundgarden) to form a new band called "Audioslave".

Recently, Tim is still active with the reunion of "Rage Against the Machine" and he also did sessions for other musicians.

Influences: Jimi Hendrix and Jaco Pastorius

Axology: Fender Jazz Basses with Precision Bass necks, Lakland Joe Osbourne Signature bass, Boss DD-3, MXR Phase 90, Dunlop 105Q Bass Wah, Ampeg amplifiers, Ashdown and Mesa/Boogie amplifiers.

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra7UzSMH3rE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHMeSyP7wNE

Jaco Pastorius

Name: John Francis Anthony Pastorius III aka Mowgli
Born/Died: 1st December, 1951 – 21st September, 1987 (Norristown, Pennsylvania)
Profile: An American jazz musician and composer widely acknowledged for his skills as an electric bass player and bassist for "Weather Report".

History: Jaco started out on drums in his own band Las Olas Brass, following in the footsteps of his father Jack. He injured his wrist playing football at age 13 and took up the electric bass, the damage to his wrist was severe enough to warrant corrective surgery and ultimately inhibited Jaco's ability to play drums. In 1966, he took over bass duties in his band. Jaco bought an upright bass around 1968-69 as he started to appreciate jazz. Following the development of a crack in the body of his old guitar bass he finally traded the instrument for a 1960 Fender Jazz Bass.

Jaco's first real break came when he secured the bass chair with Wayne Cochran and The C.C. Riders. He also played on various local R&B and jazz records during that time such as Little Beaver, Ira Sullivan's Quintet, and Woodchuck. In 1974, he began playing with his friend and future famous jazz guitarist, Pat Metheny.

His playing style was noteworthy for containing intricate solos in the higher register. His innovations also included the use of harmonics and the "singing" quality of his melodies on fretless bass.

Influences: Unknown

Axology: Fender 60's Jazz bass (fretless) and Variamp EQ amps.

"Jaco Pastorius may well have been the last jazz musician of the 20th century to have made a major impact on the musical world at large." - Pat Metheny

"Jaco was almost single-handedly responsible for the popularity of the fretless bass. He originally used a Fender Jazz with the frets removed." - Ralph Denyer

Link(s):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwhkPSEXs1Q