Remembering bassist John Giblin | Kate Bush News Sad news. John Giblin played with a vast number of famous musicians from the 80s onward and his playing is on many albums in my collection: Peter Gabriel's Melt, Phil Collins' Face Value, Brand X's Product, John Martyn's Grace & Danger, Scott Walker's Tilt, and six Kate Bush albums including the Before the Dawn live box set. A wonderful melodic player who added crucial texture to a lot of great music. RIP bassist.
First became aware of him from his work with Simple Minds and then saw his name pop up on various other albums I bought. He seemed to be much in demand and worked with the best which says much about his talent. RIP John
I would've heard first heard John's playing on the Simple Minds 'ONCE UPON A TIME' album, which I enjoyed very much. RIP.
That's really sad news - I was playing Grace & Danger - one of my favourites from Martyn, and I remember being really impressed by the bass playing when I first heard it in 1980. RIP
One of the reasons why I have a soft spot for "Street fighing years" is his awesome bass playing; what a major talent. 71 is too young to go. RIP Mr. Giblin.
When I was first buying records, his name was regularly appearing. For those who are aware, I'd argue his work was as important to the sound of 80's music as Pino Palladino, his well known bass playing contemporary. Mourn the passing, hail the talent.
RIP. Apart from many things, he was part of what I refer to as the 'Phenomenal Quartet' of the late Duncan Browne, Tony Hymas, John Giblin, Simon Phillips.
Man, such a drag. One of my favourite players. John and Phil Collins made such a killer rhythm section.
Years ago I wondered who that bass player was with the distinctive fretless-sounding slide-y style on Kate Bush albums and many others, and realised it was John. Really added to the music. Very sad he's gone.
As in another thread, talking about liner notes and reading all the credits for an album: John Giblin had one of those “invisible” careers, playing with almost everyone and defining a sound of a decade, but quietly, from the background. And then as narrow as my own musical tastes range (and they’re pretty narrow, I have to admit), I can call up a half dozen or more albums easily that I adore that Mr Giblin leant his awesome talents to. What a tremendous legacy.
Some lovely fretless bass playing by John for the Kate Bush track, 'Breathing', recorded at Abbey Road studios in January 1980.
To be honest I haven't heard the name, but he must have been an incredible musician to have appeared on all these. RIP.
I first knew of John from his time working with Simple Minds. I saw him live with the band on their 1986 tour. I’m very fond of the two studio albums he did with them. Nice to see a lovely tribute from Kate there as well. R.I.P John.
I was a fan of his work with Brand X and John Martyn. When I heard he and Omar Hakim (former Weather Report drummer) were to be the rhythm section for the Kate Bush shows in 2014 I was enthralled. I have very clear memories of their playing together the night I attended. They were amazing, the heart of the band, in my view. He will be sadly missed.
