Queen has secured four spots in the top 10 of a new poll revealing the greatest bass lines of all time. The survey of 2,000 music fans, conducted by Sky ahead of its new show 'Greatest Bass Lines', placed Queen's 'Another One Bites the Dust' at number one and 'Under Pressure' at number three, both performed by bassist John Deacon. Other Queen tracks in the top 30 include 'Radio Gaga' and 'Killer Queen'.
Fleetwood Mac's 'The Chain', Joy Division's 'Love Will Tear Us Apart', Chic's 'Good Times', and U2's 'With or Without You' also featured in the top 30. The poll also named John Deacon the greatest bass player of all time, ahead of Paul McCartney, John Paul Jones, Roger Waters, and Flea.
The survey found that 47% of respondents consider bassists the 'coolest' band members, while 63% believe the instrument is underrated. A memorable rhythm was cited as key to an iconic bass line by 56%, and 81% agreed that a great bass line can make or break a song. Pop music was deemed to have the most danceable bass lines (44%), followed by disco (40%) and rock (35%).
The three-part series 'Greatest Bass Lines' airs on Sky Arts, Freeview Channel 36, and NOW on Friday 28th November at 9pm. It features interviews with legendary bassists including Peter Hook of Joy Division and New Order, and Grammy-nominated bassist Elton Bradman.
A Sky spokesperson said: 'This has been a celebration of some truly iconic bass lines. A memorable bass motif can make or break a song, and turn it from a good track into one that stands the test of time for decades.'
