Fretless bass maestro on Guitar Zeus anniversary, and great advice for learning bass

Exclusive video interview with FBPO’s Jon Liebman
January 10, 2022 

Some players are so connected to a particular style that it’s hard not to think of it when their name comes up. That’s certainly true of the “Fretless Monster,” Tony Franklin, who’s recognized far and wide for his mastery of the fretless bass. The English native is also known for the company he keeps, having shared the stage with some of the biggest names in rock. He first started making waves in the 1980s, playing alongside Jimmy Page, Paul Rodgers and Chris Slade in hard rock supergroup The Firm. The bassist later joined forces with Carmine Appice and John Sykes in Blue Murder and has also worked with the likes of David Gilmour, Kate Bush, Whitesnake, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Eros Ramazzotti. In addition to his work as a bandmate, sideman and session bassist, Franklin also fronts his own band and makes frequent appearances at Rock & Roll Fantasy Camps.

Watch our interview with Tony!

See Jon’s blog, with key takeaways from this interview here.