From Farewells to Funk: Anthony Jackson, Sam Rivers, and the Week’s Biggest Bass Stories

This week was an especially hard one for the bass world. We said goodbye to two unique and influential bassists with the passings of Limp Bizkit’s Sam Rivers and session legend Anthony Jackson. They may be gone, but their music will live on. Our top stories this week included tributes to each.

We also took a look at some new gear, including the Ohana Custom Shop Electric Bass, which sports a 28-inch scale. That’s two inches shorter than what’s typically described as a short scale. The company’s first foray into a solid-body electric bass features a figured maple top, Mother-of-Pearl inlays, and custom single pickups.

U2 bassist Adam Clayton has teamed up with Julien’s Auctions to present an exhibit of his bass collection followed by an auction. His arsenal on the chopping block includes the signature Fender he used during U2’s “Innocence + Experience” tour in 2015, a Lakland Joe Osborn J used on the “Vertigo” tour, a Warwick Gold Reverso, and pieces of his vintage Fender Jazz collection.

Other top news included a new single from Bootsy Collins and Buckethead, the perfect pentatonic lesson from Ryan Madora, and grooves by John Myung and Guy Pratt. Scroll on to get caught up on all things bass.

1. Farewell to Anthony Jackson, One of the Most Influential Bassists of All Time – RIP AJ

Anthony Jackson pushed the boundaries of the electric bass and anchored iconic recordings across genres. We remember his unmatched voice in low-end.

2. A Farewell to Anthony Jackson: His Unforgettable Bass Work on “Desire” with Hiromi

This live performance of “Desire” with Hiromi’s Trio Project shows Anthony Jackson at his best, commanding and inventive as ever.

3. Ohana Debuts a 28-Inch Scale Custom Shop Bass Built for Big Tone in a Small Package

Ohana Music enters the electric bass world with its first solid body design — a 28" scale Custom Shop model built for comfort, tone, and travel.

4. U2’s Adam Clayton Opens His Bass Vault for Julien’s “Played, Worn & Torn” Auction

U2’s Adam Clayton is auctioning 18 of his personal basses through Julien’s Auctions, including iconic Fenders and tour-used instruments.

5. Bass of the Week: Fodera Anthony Jackson Presentation II – Honoring a Legacy of Innovation

Fodera’s Anthony Jackson Presentation II showcases the late bassist’s pursuit of perfection, featuring innovative design, custom hardware, and timeless tone.

6. Bootsy Collins, Buckethead & Victor Wooten Drop a Funk-Metal Explosion with “Metal Health”

Bootsy Collins, Buckethead, and Victor Wooten collide on “Metal Health,” a funk-metal jam that’s cosmic, chaotic, and irresistibly groovy.

7. Sam Rivers: The Groove Architect Behind Limp Bizkit Passes at Age 48 (1977–2025)

Sam Rivers, Limp Bizkit’s founding bassist, has passed away at 48. His groove and tone helped define a generation of heavy, funk-driven bass.

8. John Myung stands out on Dream Theater’s newly released live performance of Barstool Warrior

Dream Theater’s new “Barstool Warrior” live video showcases John Myung’s signature tone and flawless touch on his six string Music Man Bongo.

9. The Perfect Major Pentatonic Bass Lesson: Learning Vince Guaraldi’s “Little Birdie”

If you’re looking for a fun groove to jam on and a way to dig into the major pentatonic scale, this lesson is for you. We’ll use Vince Guaraldi’s “Little Birdie” as our inspiration — it’s a lighthearted, soulful tune that perfectly captures how musical the pentatonic scale can be on bass. Let’s grab our instruments, get into the key...

10. WATCH: Guy Pratt’s Thunderous Bass and Vocals Elevate Gilmour’s “Comfortably Numb” Live in Rome

Guy Pratt shines on “Comfortably Numb,” bringing his deep groove and vocals to Gilmour’s new Live at the Circus Maximus film.