Mick Karn Archives
The Genius of Bassist Mick Karn
In this episode of “From the Bottom”, Paul Thompson digs into one of the greatest (and underrated) fretless bass guitarists of the 80s and 90s: Mick Karn.
Japan Releases “Live from the Budokan – Tokyo FM 1982”
A new live album from the English new wave band Japan called “Live from the Budokan – Tokyo FM 1982” is now available. Mick Karn’s sublime fretless playing is all over the record, which spans their career’s output.
Jansen, Barbieri, Karn & Wilson: Bestial Cluster
Mick Karn was the master of creating bass lines that were somehow simple, angular, and melodic all at the same time. Check out this clip of Karn with Steve Jansen, Richard Barbieri, and Steve Wilson performing “Bestial Cluster” for 2 Meter Session on Dutch television. Karn gets a gnarly distortion to lay down a fat and simple bass line before...
Jansen Barbieri Karn: Sleepers Awake
Today we remember the great bassist Mick Karn, who was born on this day in 1958. The fretless bass legend passed away on January 4th, 2011. Following the break up of Japan, Karn continued working with keyboardist Richard Barbieri and drummer Steve Jansen on new music. Here they are performing the Barbieri tune, “Sleepers Awake”. Karn’s fretless work is quite...
Remembering Mick Karn – JBK: Plaster The Magic Tongue, Live
On January 4th, 2011, the world lost bass legend Mick Karn. Today, we honor the bassist with a video from JPK, performing “Plaster The Magic Tongue”. JPK is the name that former Japan members Karn, Steve Jansen, and Richard Barbieri recorded under. RIP, Mick. You are missed.
In Memoriam: Remembering the Bassists We Lost in 2011
Charles Fambrough January 1, 2011 Charles Fambrough, jazz bassist. Fambrough’s credits include working with Grover Washington, Jr., Airto Moreira, McCoy Tyner, Wynton Marsalis, and more. Mick Karn January 4, 2011 Mick Karn, former Japan bassist. Karn’s fretless bass and interesting, angular playing style left an impression on bassists around the world. Phil Kennemore January 7, 2011 Phil Kennemore, bassist for...
In Memoriam: Mick Karn
After a brave battle with cancer, former Japan bassist Mick Karn has passed away at the age of 52. The fretless bassist left an indelible mark on the ‘70s and ‘80s low-end scene with his unique style and phrasing. After glam rockers Japan split up, he collaborated with Bauhaus vocalist Peter Murphy in the group Dalis Car, as well as...
Mick Karn Tribute Album Announced
An all-star salute to bassist Mick Karn, who is battling cancer, will be released on September 28. Karn was diagnosed with latter-stage cancer this summer, and fundraising efforts began, to help Karn cover his medical expenses and care for the family. Response from the music community has included tribute concerts, auctions and now a new tribute album, …a show of...
Mick Karn Teams Up With Peter Murphy for Dalis Car Reunion
Former Japan bassist Mick Karn is reuniting with Bauhaus frontman Peter Murphy to revisit their band, Dalis Car. The duo formed the group in 1984 and subsequently parted after only putting out a single album, Waking Hour. Karn’s distinct and innovative fretless bass lines brought life to the album, and after Murphy finishes his solo tour, the two will write...
Mick Karn Diagnosed with Cancer
Bassist Mick Karn has been diagnosed with advanced stages of cancer, according to a post on his official web site. “Mick is currently in a positive mood and undergoing further tests and treatment,” the post continues. “His family and friends are close with him, supporting him in practical ways, and surrounding him with their love, friendship and care.” The family...