Tony Levin: The Iconic Bass Sounds Of Peter Gabriel, King Crimson, Paul Simon and more

In this interview, legendary bassist Tony Levin shares stories from his collaborations with iconic artists like John Lennon, Peter Gabriel, Paul Simon, and King Crimson. Levin delves into the creative processes behind some of their most celebrated works, sharing his unique perspective cultivated from over 50 years in the music industry.

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[andymccallum]

I think I speak for everyone when I say that we are grateful to get these amazing interviews. That we can listen to free of any charge.

[ue]

What a thoughtful, well-spoken gentleman. This conversation was a joy.

[MNMitchell-hs]

I snuck in backstage at a King Crimson show in 1981 as a 15 year old and the whole band welcomed me and let me hang out with them. It was the coolest thing I ever got to do as a teen.

[desconrad]

The life this guy has lived. JFK to Lennon, Paul Simon to Robbie Robertson, Playing on Pink Floyd's Momentary Lapse of Reason and so many other great artists. What an amazing career. Feel very fortunate to have seen him play live recently on the last Peter Gabriel tour, his sound and stage presence was gigantic and unforgettable. Great interview!

[DobbeltJensen]

The guy is pushing 80.
The clarity, the wit, the skills.

What a guy.

[gregkruszewski]

Right now this is THE GREATEST music interview archive ever. Not only Rick is diligent in getting the best artists to talk about their craft, he lets them talk at length. be funny, be thoughtful - and he makes them feel comfortable! And appreciated!I have watched all of these interviews with my mouth wide open. The knowledge, the intense love of music and genuine interest in what these artists have to say is overwhelming. I am only a voracious consumer of music, not having enough talent to play it, but I understand and appreciate way more about the process than I ever did before Rick showed up on the YT. Tony - a fellow Bostonian - is one of my all time favorite musicians After this he is one of my favorite people. I have to go and watch it again, it is just precious. Thank you.

[jwkelly]

Rick, thank you so much for having amazing artists like Tony Levin featured on your channel. In addition to being an amazing musician and having contributed to so many amazing pieces of work, I thought it would be good to convey the the generous nature of Tony Levin. In September of 2010, I reached out to Tony on a whim after finding his email address on the internet, as my best friend Eric also a bass player who held Tony in the utmost highest regard was in his final days of a ten year battle with brain cancer. Tony responded warmly and proceeded to send Eric a beautiful letter and a signed copy of his book. Eric, in his very last days, received Tony's care package on September 3rd, 2010. Eric was overjoyed at receiving this amazingly thoughtful gift from his musical hero. Unfortunately, my best friend Eric passed on September 19th, 2010. Thank you so much Tony for touching my friend in such a special way, just days before he left this earth.

With eternal gratitude,
John 58:12

[garyberg]

Everything about this interview is off the charts. Levin is as fascinating a personality as he is a bass player, and as usual, Rick's interviewing skills compliment it all perfectly.

[Salmacis]

I've known Tony for about 11 years now, and consider him a friend-a casual friend, but a friend. You will never meet a classier and more generous guy. No ego, no 'velvet rope' attitude. He's amazing. And I've had the honor of playing drums with him many times. It never got old to say, "Tony you ready?" "Yep". "Okay...." then clicking us and our fellow musicians in. To play music with him is just...well amazing. When we happen to see each other, he always says "Hey! How are you? You been playing?" Always passionate about music, and enthusiastic about ANYONE who is playing. A true legend, as a person and musician.

[metronomebrewery]

I've known Tony for 3+ decades and, for the record, possibly my favorite human on the planet. He's a terrific, wonderful man and a fantastic musician. I was proud to host him at our brewery last month and can't wait to see him on BEAT in November.

[paulscire]

I've been fortunate enough to work with Tony twice. Once with the Stickmen, and once with the Levin Brothers. Tony is such a humble, down to earth guy and immensely talented. The guy is a legend.

[jamessbca]

Wow Rick. This is one of the best interviews I've ever seen.

I saw Tony and Manu Katche rocking the house at the Los Angeles Forum about a year ago. He and Manu were rocking so hard like only they could, I almost fell out of my seat. This dude who is an absolute legend was rocking the house as he's done for many, many decades. It was surreal.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this interview! Congratulations on being the kind of musician interviews, Rick!!!

[matejajezdic]

His bass parts on Peter's records are out of this world...

[wearegrave]

I saw him play a crazy show at the NAMM show with Terry Bozzio, Alan Holdsworth at Pat Mastelotto. It was out there!

[pjmq]

That was, without shadow of doubt, one of the best uses of an hour of a half in my time on this rock. Rick is your favourite musician's favourite interviewer.

[alexandremello]

Tony's life is like the "biography of modern bass". And he is so eclectic and adaptable it feels impossible to classify his "genre" of music. One of the grand masters of the instrument for sure.
As a side note, if you haven't yet, check out the record "NYC" by Steps Ahead. Tony kills it.

[jackdiamond]

I saw the best concert i have ever or will ever see at Summerfest 2016 - Sting and Peter Gabriel, featuring Vinnie Colaiuta and Tony Levin! I remember Tony going HAM on the bass during Secret World.

Was the best performance ever.

[olivermeyerccn]

Whenever I think, your interviews cannot possibly get any better, you pull something out of your hat that completely blows me away. You are in a league of your own and I feel blessed that we get to listen in to these magical encounters that feel so natural. This is so enriching and rewarding because you introduce us to the human and personal side of those musical geniuses. And getting to know them is as exciting as hearing about their careers and all the marvelous things they have helped create.

[SirTriton]

I stumbled into Tony Levin in Krakow (Poland) in my Hotel on the way to the elevator. And he was so incredibly nice. He was fine to take a photo with me and we chatted a bit about the Peter Gabriel Show the next day. I am a huge fan of his incredibly play since "So" was released. Saw him so many times playing live. Thank you for this incredible interview, Rick. What an inspiring and extraordinary artist. Looking forward to his new album.

[carolgagne]

This is the best, clever and interesting interview ever.
With the greatest bass player ever.
And the best music enthusiast ever.
The best friendly likeable persons ever.