No Treble’s 2024 Reader Favorite Bassists – #3: The Bold Creativity of Les Claypool
Editor’s Note: At the end of each year, we tally up all the article and video views on No Treble to come up with a list of the top 10 most popular bassists. This is entirely based on readership, not on opinions, polls, or anything else. Just having some fun.
Few bassists blend bold creativity with fearless experimentation quite like Les Claypool. Over the past year, Claypool captured our readers’ attention with groundbreaking new gear, unforgettable live performances, and his unmistakable impact on the bass world.
From the rumor to the launch of the production Whamola to a heartwarming charity effort for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 2024 proved to be another remarkable year in Claypool’s dynamic legacy.
Let’s dive into the highlights that earned him the #3 spot on this year’s countdown:
Is Les Claypool Gearing Up To Sell Whamolas?
Get your wallets ready, because it looks like Les Claypool is gearing up for a release. Though it hasn’t been confirmed, it looks like he’ll be selling a production version of the Whamola.
Pachyderm Instruments Launches the Whamola
After teasing the instrument back in June, Les Claypool and Pachyderm Instruments unleashed a production version of the Whamola on September 19th. They promptly sold out within the day, but a new batch will be on the way.
Primus: Holy Diver (Live with Puddles Pity Party)
Primus was joined by Puddles Pity Party in Big Flats, NY, earlier this month. Youtuber metal4head20 captured this video of the band performing Dio’s “Holy Diver.”
Primus Auctioning Festival-Played Fenders for Charity
Primus faced a dilemma last week at the Sick New World Festival in Las Vegas. The band’s gear was stranded in a snowstorm. Les Claypool and Larry LaLonde didn’t think twice – they ran to the nearest guitar shop and bought a pair of matching Fender instruments. Now, they’re auctioning the Fender guitars to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Primus, Puscifer, and A Perfect Circle Announce the “Sessanta E.P.P.P.”
One of the most anticipated tours of 2024 is the Sessanta tour, which will feature A Perfect Circle, Primus, and Puscifer all on one stage to celebrate singer Maynard James Keenan’s 60th birthday. Now the groups have revealed that they’ve made an album together.
Corey Brown is the founder of No Treble and serves in an advisory role. He’s also Head of Editorial at Muse Group. Learn more about Corey on his website and LinkedIn.
