Famous British Bassists

This ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.

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1 John Deacon

224

Famous As: Musician

Birthdate: August 19, 1951

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: Oadby, United Kingdom

Former Queen bass guitarist and songwriter John Deacon contributed to some of the most popular hits of the band, such as I Want to Break Free and Another One Bites the Dust. He was the last member to enter the band, and the “quietest.” He retired in 1997.

2 John Paul Jones

194

Famous As: Musician

Birthdate: January 3, 1946

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Sidcup, Kent, England

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3 Sid Vicious

204

Famous As: Musician

Birthdate: May 10, 1957

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Lewisham, South London

Died: February 2, 1979

Punk rock legend Sid Vicious was the lead singer and bassist of the Sex Pistols. He had a tumultuous life and was also accused of stabbing his girlfriend to death. He eventually died of a heroin overdose. His unreleased solo singles were collated and released as a posthumous album.

4 Phil Lynott

194

Famous As: Singer

Birthdate: August 20, 1949

Sun Sign: Leo

Birthplace: West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England

Died: January 4, 1986

Phil Lynott was the frontman of the rock band Thin Lizzy, which delivered hits such as Whiskey in the Jar and Jailbreak. After the group disbanded, Phil had a successful solo career, published two poetry books, and led the band Grand Slam. He struggled with heroin addiction throughout his life.

5 Lemmy

204

Famous As: Singer

Birthdate: December 24, 1945

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, England

Died: December 28, 2015

Lemmy was an English musician who founded the popular rock band Motörhead. The only continuous member of Motörhead, Lemmy served as the band's lead singer, primary songwriter, and bassist. Renowned for his gravelly voice, which was counted among the most recognizable voices in rock, Lemmy is also remembered for his military-influenced fashion sense and his signature friendly mutton chops.

6 Michael Kiwanuka

173

Famous As: Singer-songwriter

Birthdate: May 3, 1987

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Muswell Hill, London, England

7 James McCartney

193

Famous As: Musician

Birthdate: December 9, 1977

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Birthplace: London, England, UK

8 Tony Kanal

204

Famous As: Musician

Birthdate: August 27, 1970

Sun Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: Kingsbury, London, England

9 Adam Clayton

163

Famous As: Bassist of the rock band U2

Birthdate: March 13, 1960

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthplace: Chinnor, England

10 Denny Laine

153

Famous As: Musician

Birthdate: October 29, 1944

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Birmingham, England

11 Lewis Collins

153

Famous As: Actor

Birthdate: May 27, 1946

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Bidston, England

Died: November 27, 2013

12 Roger Hodgson

133

Famous As: Musician

Birthdate: March 21, 1950

Sun Sign: Aries

Birthplace: Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, UK

13 Mark Owen

163

Famous As: Singer

Birthdate: January 27, 1972

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthplace: Oldham, Lancashire, England, UK

14 Mike Rutherford

133

Famous As: Guitarist

Birthdate: October 2, 1950

Sun Sign: Libra

Birthplace: Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, UK

15 Glen Matlock

122

Famous As: Musician

Birthdate: August 27, 1956

Sun Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: Paddington, London, England, UK

16 Trevor Horn

143

Famous As: Bassists

Birthdate: July 15, 1949

Sun Sign: Cancer

Birthplace: Hertfordshire, England, UK

17 John Wetton

143

Famous As: Singer

Birthdate: June 12, 1949

Sun Sign: Gemini

Birthplace: Derby, Derbyshire, England

Died: January 13, 2017

18 Max George

102

Famous As: Singer-songwriter

Birthdate: September 6, 1988

Sun Sign: Virgo

Birthplace: Manchester

Max George went from being a Preston North End footballer to the frontman of The Wanted, delivering hits such as Heart Vacancy. He was also seen in the reality series The Wanted Life, participated in Strictly Come Dancing, and appeared in the recurring role of Clint in Glee.