All Time Great Bass Linesby Adrian MartinWhen thinking of great rock performances, often as not it's the guitarist or the vocalist who get the plaudits – typically with a band situation they tend to have the more in-your-face personalities – the pyrotechnics – the flashiest gear or technique – often it's left to the drummer and bass player to hold the fort making sure everything hangs together. However when it comes to the music – bassists more than hold our own – we're renowned for inventing some of the most compelling hooks and melodies in music as this list of all time great bass lines shows.  
New Years Day – U2Adam Clayton tour-de-force – simple pounding riff – the key element to an all time classic taken from U2's 1983's War album 
The Chain - Fleetwood MacClassic Fleetwood Mac – all burning guitars and energy – but there in the middle eight – building up for the finale - John McVie's simple but incredible hook. 
Walk on the Wildside – Lou ReedOver 30 years old but still has that incredible sliding bass hook that everyone knows – produced by Bowie – Perhaps Lou Reed's finest – and underpinned by that fabulous Herbie Flowers riff. 
Pink Floyd – MoneyRoger Waters in his prime – great riff to start the song – again – an all time classic that everyone remembers for the bass part. 
Stand By Me – Ben E KingOriginally a hit in 1961 – this soul classic with it's repetitious (but instantly recognizable) 1–6-4 5 note bass riff is a lesson in creating a simple but great groove. 
Give it away – Red Hot Chili PeppersFlea – cut loose – loads of punk slap and slide – a single brilliant take on why Flea is one the best bassists ever. 
Penny Lane – The BeatlesBrilliant walking melody from Paul McCartney – released in 1967 – a fantastic lesson in how the melody and song structure can be derived from a brilliant bass line. 
Sunshine of your Love - CreamJack Bruce – repetitious thundering bass line – from one of heavy rocks first great anthems – Cream's finest hour. 
Under Pressure - QueenJohn Deacon's finest – pulsating riff – sampled often but never beaten. 
Don't give up – Peter GabrielTony Levin showing that Bass parts aren't just about storming riffs - Levin uses a repeating hook to create the mood of the piece – a lesson in delicate playing!
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