Guy Pratt, the acclaimed English bassist, has spent over four decades anchoring the soundscapes for an array of rock giants, from Pink Floyd and David Gilmour to Roxy Music and Bryan Ferry. His expansive career extends beyond the stage, encompassing acclaimed session work with global superstars like Madonna and Michael Jackson, alongside successful ventures into podcasting and stand-up comedy, marking him as a multifaceted force in the entertainment world.
While Pratt’s name might not be instantly recognized by all, his foundational bass playing has undeniably shaped iconic tracks across generations. Since 1987, this renowned bass player has been an integral part of Pink Floyd and David Gilmour’s touring and recording projects, notably contributing to “A Momentary Lapse of Reason.” Furthermore, his involvement in Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets underscores his deep connection to the legendary band’s early, experimental works.
Pratt’s impressive resume boasts a vast array of studio collaborations, highlighting his versatility. Beyond his long-standing roles with Roxy Music and Bryan Ferry, he’s lent his distinctive bass lines to artists such as Gary Moore, Tears for Fears, Iggy Pop, Tom Jones, and Pete Townshend. His contribution to Pink Floyd’s “Marooned” from The Division Bell also earned him a coveted Grammy Award, cementing his status as a distinguished musician in his music career.
Demonstrating his diverse talents, the London-born bassist ventured into stand-up comedy in 2005 with his unique one-man show, “My Bass and Other Animals,” which later inspired a book and subsequent tours. In parallel, he co-hosts the highly popular podcast, “Rockonteurs,” with Spandau Ballet’s Gary Kemp. This podcast offers candid, behind-the-scenes insights from famous musicians like Nick Mason and Bob Geldof, providing a fascinating glimpse into the realities of the music industry.
Guy Pratt’s journey as a bassist has been marked by a significant evolution in his sonic approach, transitioning from a more percussive 80s style to a deeper, more mature tone. He candidly discusses how early experiences, particularly with drum machines, influenced his playing, leading him to develop a more supportive role. This musical maturation culminated around the ’94 Pink Floyd tour and the 2006 David Gilmour “On An Island” tour, where he consciously refined his sound and playing philosophy to serve the music more effectively.
His long-standing relationship with David Gilmour, spanning nearly four decades, has been particularly transformative for the bass player. Pratt observes a new sense of ownership in Gilmour’s latest solo album, Luck and Strange, noting its organic feel and success. He also shares insights into Gilmour’s pragmatic approach to musical challenges, exemplified by Gilmour’s unconventional solutions to complex bass parts, which inspires Pratt to devise innovative gear modifications to achieve the desired sound.
Among his music career highlights, Pratt recounts the extraordinary experience of performing twice in Pompeii, once with David Gilmour and later with Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets, offering a unique perspective on these historic venues. Beyond live performance, Pratt has carved out a significant niche in film and television scoring, thriving in the collaborative environment of working to picture. His diverse credits include the cult British comedy series Spaced, where he skillfully emulated various iconic film composers.
Pratt’s foray into stand-up comedy provides a refreshing contrast to the predictability of performing well-known hits, offering a dynamic, in-the-moment experience. He sees this solo endeavor as a crucial counter to “sideman bitterness,” allowing him to assert his own creative identity while maintaining his deep love for the supportive role of the bass in a band setting. His stand-up has not only garnered success but also, he believes, refined his abilities as a bassist by forcing him to take full ownership on stage.
