The Tony Levin Interview - Pioneering Bassist talks King Crimson, Peter Gabriel & more

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Interviewing Tony Levin is a dream come true, his bass playing is some f the greatest ever, his humility is incredible and he's an amazing guy. Who are some of the most iconic bassists of all time to you? Share below

[craigvonberg]

It's so clear to me why he has been and continues to be one the MOST innovative and in-demand bassists over all these decades...HUMILITY. So humble. He only plays to serve the music.

[ianskyvox]

Man, Tony is just an absolute treasure. As a musician and as a person.

[echtzeit]

What a legend. And what a nice guy!
First time I saw Tony live was with Peter Gabriel in 77. I was 15 back then. I stood in front of the stage mouth wide open.
He threw some guitar picks in the crowd and I caught one. It read „stolen from Tony Levin“ on it…
Every time I saw him live was a pure joy because you could see that he was enjoying playing live.

Thanks for the in depth and extensive interview!

[jiminy]

I was very fortunate to have Tony Levin play on a song of mine. Exactly as Warren described, he played with "weight and gravity..melody and emotion". In 2018 I was recording at Dreamland in upstate NY when Tony stopped by to drop off some gear. Jerry Marotta was at the studio and said hey Tony check out this song. Then a few weeks later I get an email from Tony Levin, he had put down three different bass parts and they were all amazing! I couldn't believe it. Such a humble and easy going guy. I ended up finishing the album in Brooklyn in 2021 and 2022, and that particular song didn't quite fit with the rest of the album. I scrapped my vocals and guitars but of course kept Tony's brilliant bass lines and rewrote the entire song around them. I used all three bass lines on the final version and they worked together perfectly. A dream come true.

[derekmillar]

Mr. Levin, the only thing that comes close to eclipsing your enormous talent and musicality is your authentic humility. A true legend whose artistry can be heard on the bottom end of so many influential and successful albums. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to your stories and perspectives on playing music - thank you!

[michaelsstatement]

Absolute LEGEND!! Saw him with King Crimson 3 times and 2 times with Peter Gabriel. The kind of bass player where you pull the fader and do nothing because you dont need. So good!!

[TyRobertsmedia]

Tony is one of the NICESTEST and personable musicians on the Planet! What a LOW END TALENT!!!

[marcom.]

Tony playing bass on PGs Red Rain and Don't Give Up is so special and marvellous!

[tinyboxcars]

Tony Levin is far too modest. He is a true and pure artist and my living bass hero.

[holgerschulz]

There´s been so many interviews with uncle Tony, but this one is by far one of the best ever. I´m so excited to see him again on this year´s I/O-tour!

[mutorsound]

Great job on the interview Warren. Tony seemed pleasantly surprised with your well-prepared questions.

[sinepilot]

Postpunk 80's was my main jam. Peter Hook, David J, Andy McClusky, Simon Gallup, Kim Deal, Tina Weymouth, Sting, Tony Levin, John Taylor: these are the bassists who shaped my playing

[OldTooly]

I have to thank Tony for posting a picture of his view from the stage of the crowd at the King Crimson show in Raleigh, N Carolina in 2019, and captured me and my best friend together for the last show we saw together before he passed shortly after. We had seen over a hundred shows together over 47 years and this picture is cherished beyond belief. Many heartfelt thanks.

[Gregorovitch]

I recall seeing Peter Gabriel at Earls Court, sometime early 80's I think. I will never forget beginning to notice this incredible bass weaving through the opening songs. It was so deep, rich and melodic, soaring up and down through the chord structures, never seemed overpowering, just sitting there ever present in the overall sound, always just right, tight as all hell. Checking out the stage I saw this tall shaven headed dude grooving in his black trench coat responsible for producing these incredible bass lines. I had no idea who he was, I soon put that right. And I went back to my Gabriel albums to check if the same guy was playing on them. Of course the effect of his playing was not quite the same on my home stereo but I could still hear the echoes of that monstrous bass sound I heard at Earls Court. Have been an absolute fan of Tony Levin ever since.

[jimw]

Warren, I love the confidence you have to not interrupt during your interviews and to just let your guests talk. Many people feel the need to interject and get their points across constantly, much to the detriment. Your questions feel so well researched and open that these conversations flow naturally; they’re a pleasure to listen to!

[Doministry]

Fenomenal. It's amazing you did this. King Crimson is one of the most important music acts in rock history, Tony is a hero. People should know this, thank you!!!

[dekstrom]

While working the NAMM show as a representative of a pickup manufacturer in the late 90s, there was a huge commotion at the Ernie Ball booth. I forget who was causing the crush of people (I think it was Steve Howe), I spied Tony Levin just standing all alone a little way away from the commotion. I walked up to him and told him how much I enjoyed his music. Tony looked at me like he couldn't believe that I even recognized him. He is such a gracious and humble man. I spoke to him for just a few minutes, but he was so unlike other musicians I met during those years.

[johntaylor]

Ended up at Secret World tour with free tickets and low expectations. I had no idea Levin played for him until then. Hell they even had Shankar from Shakti. Fantastic production.
Tony had the best sound and of any bassist I've ever seen by a decent amount. What a badass.

[donmackie]

I met Tony and we talked very briefly after a King Crimson show in 1984 in Vancouver. He was friendly and approachable. I said, 'you're great!' He replied, 'thanks' and shook my hand. I was actually waiting to ask Robert Fripp a question when Tony emerged first from the rear exit of the venue. As a musician of 45 years, primarily an electric guitarist, I have Mr L as my #1 favorite bassist. There's many excellent players in the world, but most of these players that are sited by others, are far too busy for me. Tony's sublime low end, his fretless mastery, his creativity at utilizing new techniques, and his amazing body of work on the Chapman Stick make it easy for me to have him at that top position. Bows to you Maestro Master Levin! Much respect.