Yes, when you are the original ( OF COURSE YOU ARE, You ARE THE FRETLESS MONSTER! :-) ), you can never play something wrong. Always sounding good, Tony. I hope 2022 turns into something better, for all of us.
i was 13 and my parents bought me a 78 fretless P Bass. Radioactive came on the radio shortly after.... you ended up being a HUGE influence on me! that first Firm record is still a go-to desert island record for me. just tremendous! then you go and make the Blue Murder record.... also a masterpiece!!! would absolutely LOVE it if you would do a play along with Midnight Moonlight. hell, just do the whole first Firm record, top to bottom in one go. THAT would be EPIC!!!! thanks for sharing your music and talent. i'm a life long fan and still turn to your music and playing for inspiration. happy new year, tony.
Writing, recording, touring with THREE rock legends at age 22 ! ! ! Wow. Pressure and exciting. I saw The Firm in 1985 in Jacksonville Fl and saw Jimmy poolside at The Sheraton Hotel in Jacksonville Beach. Great memories. Thanks.
Good day Sir,,,Another great video...How do you play those high notes without using your thumb as an anchor on the fretting hand...Also could you tell the tale of how you came to join the firm..That would be a very interesting tale I am sure...A very Happy New year to you sir..
I’ve never thought about how I use the thumb. I’ve always done it that way. It gives flexibility and easier access to the high notes. I guess I’ve found the balance with applying enough pressure while maintaining the movement. 🤷♂️😂 The Firm is a lonnnng story. One for the book
I kinda do something similar when I'm above the 15th/16th "fret", but I assumed that was a result of my arm/hand paralysis and/or playing in "classical position" or a combo of both. I tend to focus my "weight" (for lack of a better term) on my fretting ring finger; I slide into most upper fret notes with my ring finger leading and then instantly into a slight pivoting vibrato (as opposed to a "sliding vibrato" like Tony usually does on big jumps) to hide any bad landings and get the pitch correct. I find going into the vibrato immediately lessens how much pressure I need and I don't miss anchoring with my thumb. Thank you, this has been my TED Talk.
First song I heard your bass playing, and I was hooked after that..One of my all time favourite albums, the debut album " The Firm" and "Closer" was the first track.🤩
hey Tony, you need to listen to "Seru Girán" they were the first argentinian band that uses the fretless bass, listen "Noche de Perros" (Dog's Night) or "Eiti Leda" you will enjoy it
Thanks for that. I hardly listen to any other music. I’d rather create it. Plus I find myself influenced by other music, and it creeps into my writing. Thanks tho. Truly.
Thanks. Truly appreciate that. To me, music and songs are always alive, and warrant different ways of being expressed if that makes sense. I love to creatively explore. 😊
I cannot believe ANYONE would EVER tell Tony Franklin he is playing something wrong. Specifically a part he originally played😂. The UA-cam comment section experts, and all the UA-cam experts HAVE GOT TO STOP.
@@FretlessMonster I was only messing around lol😂. You sir are awesome. Could I ask who some of your influences for fretless were? You and Jaco are my influences (you first..sorry Jaco lol). just wondering
Tony Franklin was bad ass with blue murder. Just curious, does Tony and John still keep in touch. That would be great to see them play together again. ❤❤❤ their music
I'm always playing basslines wrong that I created, years before. Sometimes, if I didn't write them down, I have trouble working them out 😂 Here's wishing you all the very best for 2022, and beyond, Mr. Franklin.
Happy New Year, Tony! This is an amazing song. Went back to listen to the original for comparison. I think your past self would enjoy this. I know my present self did!
Loved that! Have you ever left a "mistake" in place on a track? I was doing a take and played it perfectly except for one note.. During the playback myself and the guitarist heard it, but nobody else noticed lol.. It actually fit in very nicely.. So well that I played it that way from there on out. So, I was just wondering.
I use DR Sunbeams strings 45 - 105. My signature bass (no mods - stock model), no effects, definitely no compression. The rest - and the most important thing - is in the hands! 🙌🏻
That would be excellent to see you and John possibly do something again. I am sure there are plenty of blue murder fans who would love to see you reunite even if it wasn’t blue murder. You both were magic together. I sent another message before I had seen your other reply.
@@FretlessMonster I can only imagine what it’s like to see you both play live. Hopefully one day I’ll be able to get that chance. I’m glad UA-cam at least allows us to see past performances. 😊
always my favorite great to hear its evolution from the source!! if you ever take humble requests heres mine "fretless Disco Inferno" for a goof melody and bass groove you ,you you.....
You’re playing it wrong. OMG! 🤣🤣🤣 I guess people don’t realize that parts change over time. Sometimes it’s because musicians get tired of playing the same thing every night, sometimes players find things that just work better than what was recorded. Happens in jazz all the time.
I can get the same or even better sound with every cheap Chinese bass .Just put Seymour Duncan Pick up.Everything cost about 300 $. If you want to pay 2000 $ more just for fender logo on your neck or even worse - to pay 2000$ to see the name of other musician,but not your name than just go ahead...
Tony. Thank You for being closer to us.
Ha. I see what you did there. 😁😁
Yes, when you are the original ( OF COURSE YOU ARE, You ARE THE FRETLESS MONSTER! :-) ), you can never play something wrong. Always sounding good, Tony. I hope 2022 turns into something better, for all of us.
Haha. Thanks as always. Have a great 2022!
Tony is as incredible as ever!! He could never play anything wrong! ❤
Oh you’re too kind! Thank you!! 🙏🏻🤩
@FretlessMonster You're most Welcome!! Thank YOU for sharing your gift with us all. 💕🙏
You are awesome and inspiring, Tony!!!
Truly appreciate that!!
i was 13 and my parents bought me a 78 fretless P Bass. Radioactive came on the radio shortly after.... you ended up being a HUGE influence on me! that first Firm record is still a go-to desert island record for me. just tremendous! then you go and make the Blue Murder record.... also a masterpiece!!!
would absolutely LOVE it if you would do a play along with Midnight Moonlight. hell, just do the whole first Firm record, top to bottom in one go. THAT would be EPIC!!!!
thanks for sharing your music and talent. i'm a life long fan and still turn to your music and playing for inspiration. happy new year, tony.
Wow. That’s great to hear.
Hmm the whole Firm album? Will have to think about that. Haha. Thanks so much.
Writing, recording, touring with THREE rock legends at age 22 ! ! ! Wow. Pressure and exciting.
I saw The Firm in 1985 in Jacksonville Fl and saw Jimmy poolside at The Sheraton Hotel in Jacksonville Beach. Great memories. Thanks.
Great times indeed. I look back in awe honestly.
Excellent rendition, thank you!
Thanks so much
UA-cam randomly threw this video on my feed I have to say that's a mighty tone you have
How about that? Thanks so much!
Good day Sir,,,Another great video...How do you play those high notes without using your thumb as an anchor on the fretting hand...Also could you tell the tale of how you came to join the firm..That would be a very interesting tale I am sure...A very Happy New year to you sir..
I’ve never thought about how I use the thumb. I’ve always done it that way. It gives flexibility and easier access to the high notes. I guess I’ve found the balance with applying enough pressure while maintaining the movement. 🤷♂️😂
The Firm is a lonnnng story. One for the book
I kinda do something similar when I'm above the 15th/16th "fret", but I assumed that was a result of my arm/hand paralysis and/or playing in "classical position" or a combo of both. I tend to focus my "weight" (for lack of a better term) on my fretting ring finger; I slide into most upper fret notes with my ring finger leading and then instantly into a slight pivoting vibrato (as opposed to a "sliding vibrato" like Tony usually does on big jumps) to hide any bad landings and get the pitch correct. I find going into the vibrato immediately lessens how much pressure I need and I don't miss anchoring with my thumb. Thank you, this has been my TED Talk.
First song I heard your bass playing, and I was hooked after that..One of my all time favourite albums, the debut album " The Firm" and "Closer" was the first track.🤩
Hey Irrum. Thanks for that. Good to see you here 🤩
Closer is a fun jam.
What a joy!! What a player
Thank you so much.
Fantastic, thanks Tony.
Gives me chills , great DAMN Riff ☮️🎸
Thanks so much!!
Great video as always Tony! Thanks for sharing and Happy New Year!!!
Thank you! Happy New Year!!
My best wishes for this year. Thank you.
Stylin' Tony! 👍👍
Goodyear to you.
Thanks as always. Have a great ‘22
Wow, that totally kicked! 👏👏👏
Best wishes for 2022! 🖖
Thanks so much. Here’s to a fantastic 2022 🌟
I love your "fretless vibrato" it seems very OTT! Everyone's got their own vibrato, but yours just has style!
Thank you so much. I never thought about it too much, it just comes out as I feel it. Very spontaneous and hopefully natural expression of me. 🤷♂️🤩👏🏻
As always awesome..
Thanks! Truly 🤩👍🏻
Love this! And looking forward to your memoirs.
Thank you!
Great song, and OMG do I love that fretless bass sound. Ever since I first heard Pino, and you.
Thanks so much. I first heard sliding harmonics from Pino, even though he wasn’t the first to do it. He’s so good.
Yes!! Love it!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💜
Well done, Tony! Closer was reworked from the unreleased Zeppelin track "Fire (Say You're Gonna Leave Me)" from the 1978 ITTOD sessions.
Thank you! Nice! I didn’t know that. 👍🏻🤩
Great playing Tony. I love that song. A great song to open with.
Thanks. Always loved playing it. And yes, a great opener.
Great Stuff!
Thank you!
Sweet!!
Excellent song.
Thanks 👍🏻🤩
Keep rockin’ Tony!
Most definitely. I cannot stop now!! 😂🤩
I love how this bass line can be played on a fretted bass, but comes alive on a fretless.
So true. Great comment. Thanks!
Sweet Tony thank you Happy New Year !!
Happy New Year Scott. 🤩
hey Tony, you need to listen to "Seru Girán" they were the first argentinian band that uses the fretless bass, listen "Noche de Perros" (Dog's Night) or "Eiti Leda" you will enjoy it
Thanks for that. I hardly listen to any other music. I’d rather create it. Plus I find myself influenced by other music, and it creeps into my writing. Thanks tho. Truly.
Still killing it
🤩🙏🏻
Happy new year!!
You too!
Lotta peeps not keen on evolving.
Your evolution inspires those of us that are, so...
Thanks. Truly appreciate that. To me, music and songs are always alive, and warrant different ways of being expressed if that makes sense. I love to creatively explore. 😊
Sounds utterly fantastic to me!
Thanks so much!! 🤩
When in doubt, I just keep going! 😜🤷♂️
Wow, totally forgot about this song! I'm going to have to play it tomorrow!
Nice!! 👍🏻👍🏻
I cannot believe ANYONE would EVER tell Tony Franklin he is playing something wrong. Specifically a part he originally played😂. The UA-cam comment section experts, and all the UA-cam experts HAVE GOT TO STOP.
Haha. You tell them Joseph. 😂👍🏻
All these experts are too much for me. 😜
@@FretlessMonster I was only messing around lol😂. You sir are awesome. Could I ask who some of your influences for fretless were? You and Jaco are my influences (you first..sorry Jaco lol). just wondering
Tony Franklin was bad ass with blue murder. Just curious, does Tony and John still keep in touch. That would be great to see them play together again. ❤❤❤ their music
Thanks so much. Yes we are still in touch.
We may possibly do something together. Though probably not Blue Murder
I'm always playing basslines wrong that I created, years before. Sometimes, if I didn't write them down, I have trouble working them out 😂
Here's wishing you all the very best for 2022, and beyond, Mr. Franklin.
The struggle is definitely real. 😩😂
Happy ‘22!
Great! I remember Evolution with Tony MacAlpine. Great album!
Oh yes. Thanks for that. 1994? Wow!!
Awesome
Thank you 🤩
Hell's yesss!
👍🏻😆🤩
Nice one’ I finally built a fretless love your bass lines always Cheers!
Oh that’s cool. Enjoy your fretless!!!
Happy New Year, Tony! This is an amazing song. Went back to listen to the original for comparison. I think your past self would enjoy this. I know my present self did!
That’s great. Thank you 👍🏻🤩
startin off 2022 r0ckin, r0ck0n....🎶🎸
It’s the only way.
Thanks!!
Loved that!
Have you ever left a "mistake" in place on a track? I was doing a take and played it perfectly except for one note.. During the playback myself and the guitarist heard it, but nobody else noticed lol.. It actually fit in very nicely.. So well that I played it that way from there on out. So, I was just wondering.
Not sure. I must have. 🤷♂️😂
@@FretlessMonster HAHAHAHAHA
Hey Tony has there ever been talk of a Firm Reunion in the future?
Briefly back in 2007! Then that Led Zep 02 thing happened. Nothing since (or before).
Any hints on how I can achieve your sound? Thx for the memories!
I use DR Sunbeams strings 45 - 105. My signature bass (no mods - stock model), no effects, definitely no compression. The rest - and the most important thing - is in the hands! 🙌🏻
@@FretlessMonster What I would do to get a hold of one of your sig bass. Just wow.....
That would be excellent to see you and John possibly do something again. I am sure there are plenty of blue murder fans who would love to see you reunite even if it wasn’t blue murder. You both were magic together. I sent another message before I had seen your other reply.
Cool. Yes John and I have jammed together a number of times (before Covid) and the connection and chemistry between us is as potent as ever. 🔥
@@FretlessMonster I can only imagine what it’s like to see you both play live. Hopefully one day I’ll be able to get that chance. I’m glad UA-cam at least allows us to see past performances. 😊
Datdudesahbaddddazzzz 🎸
Haha. UA-cam had a “Translate To English” button for your message. But I understood it perfectly!! 😂👏🏻👍🏻
nice
👍🏻🤩
always my favorite great to hear its evolution from the source!! if you ever take humble requests heres mine "fretless Disco Inferno" for a goof melody and bass groove you ,you you.....
Thanks so much. I’m not inclined to do that song. But thanks for the suggestion.
Tony please please show us Radioactive. You got too funky on that
Looks like you found it! 👏🏻👍🏻😊
Great playing as always Tony!
Thanks Todd 😊🤩
Very nice color P bass
Thanks! Lake Placid Blue. A classic Fender color.
AI lives.
Not with me.
@@FretlessMonster ,
Praise the Lord. Still... _It lives_ ...
Jam
👍🏻👏🏻🤩
You’re playing it wrong. OMG! 🤣🤣🤣
I guess people don’t realize that parts change over time. Sometimes it’s because musicians get tired of playing the same thing every night, sometimes players find things that just work better than what was recorded. Happens in jazz all the time.
Exactly. Music lives and breathes. It evolves and changes. At least it should do!!!
I can get the same or even better sound with every cheap Chinese bass .Just put Seymour Duncan Pick up.Everything cost about 300 $.
If you want to pay 2000 $ more just for fender logo on your neck or even worse - to pay 2000$ to see the name of other musician,but not your name than just go ahead...
Wow. Where can we hear you play?