SPILL SERIES REVIEW: GEDDY LEE ASKS: ARE BASS PLAYERS HUMAN TOO?

GEDDY LEE ASKS: ARE BASS PLAYERS HUMAN TOO?

PARAMOUNT PLUS/BANGER FILMS/MTV ENTERTAINMENT STUDIOS

DECEMBER 5, 2023

Geddy Lee’s amusingly titled Are Bass Players Human Too? is a fun romp through the unseen lives of that most unheralded of musicians – the bass player. As bass player (among many other things!) for seminal Canadian rockers Rush himself, Lee seems uniquely qualified to be at the head of this series, and he’s well cast here as the series’ narrator and general host, thanks in no small part to his geniality and good humour.

The series takes us on a journey through the hidden passions and inner desires that fuel four major bassists: Les Claypool of Primus, Robert Trujillo of Metallica, Melissa Auf De Mar of Hole and the Smashing Pumpkins, and finally, Krist Novoselic of Nirvana respectively. Each episode has its own merits, being very much self-contained and unique stories. Claypool is tremendous, weird, fun, while Novoselic has lost none of his righteous, upstanding, moral self, but it was the two I knew the least about going in that came out best on screen.

Firstly, Robert Trujillo comes across as every inch the normal man who won the music lottery – all helpful, friendly and humble, while there is a particularly touching moment with the incredibly talented and grounded Auf De Mar as she plays her instrument again for the first time in several years. They’re both warm and happy moments, and in many ways, this warmth pervades the whole show, largely thanks to Lee’s conversational style, which makes personalities that would’ve otherwise been impenetrable feel like guests in your home.

Four episodes pass very quickly, with a warm, light, and homey feel throughout.  If you’re looking for a short, sharp, fun, comforting watch over the holiday season, this is certainly an excellent candidate.

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