Interview with Tower of Power bass player Rocco Prestia

Tower of Power bassist Rocco Prestia sits down with Jon Liebman, founder/creator of ForBassPlayersOnly.com, at summer NAMM 2015 to talk about life after his kidney transplant, as well as technique, equipment and more.
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[@jonRboy]

Very sad news....just read a Facebook post from David Garibaldi announcing that Rocco passed away this evening. R.I.P Rocco, and thanks for all your great work and grooves over the years.

[@KBB4eva]

One of my dearest, closest friends around. I’m gonna miss you Rocco

[@FunkyCosmicGirl]

R.I.P Rocco. Thank you for many years of of the greatest music ever! We will miss you terribly 😭💙

[@dr.billdimino96]

He was the Basis for The Tower of Power sound!, R.I.P. ROCCO

[@EEMusicLIVE2]

One of my favorite bassists of all time.

[@doyrayburn2668]

He just lives to play the bass. End of story. Love this guy...so talented so humble...real people right here.

[@stillanoldman]

Rocco doesn't tour any longer. He is retired.

[@jimlassen9422]

I am a 64 year old UK drummer and first heard the Tower of Power album, Urban Renewal in the early 1970's. I played along to this album very many times and was so impressed with Rocco's playing going ape or laid back AND, unless I am mistaken, he didn't do any slap bass stuff? All credit to the man and sorry to read that he has passed away.

[@adc2327]

He was famous for "finger style". You need to find the first 2 albums. East Bay Grease and Bump City. Far more raw and funky.

[@rosetownswat]

He’s a great bass player with so much groove, love his playing. One of my favourites. 🙌💜

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

He was awesome for sure!

[@gemkewl2581]

Rocco says "I'm just a bass player" yeah and the Grand Canyon is just a hole in the ground!

[@haggiem]

True TofP legend! Had privilege to see the band today in Caloundra, Australia. Bloody awesome mate👍. Stay well Rocco.

[@antarcticorb9197]

Met him after a show in Vegas. Humble and kind...we talked and smoked and moved on. Glad to have that memory!

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

Sounds pretty unforgettable! Thanks for weighing in.

[@bingochoice]

rocco is one of the best ever

[@popal7408]

RIP Rocco You were one of my inspirations

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

Yes, Rocco was awesome for sure!

[@janisfoley4768]

He was my mom's best friend... We miss them both so much... ❤

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

👍

[@geepers100]

Excellent interview from JL as always …

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

Thanks, Grayden! Always great to hear from you!

[@CooManTunes]

Such an inspiration in life and instrument.

[@aimeesimpson8587]

I was listening to Little Stevie Wonder today. I couldn't get it out of my mind the the only bass player that could come up with that totally awesome bass part was Rocco Prestia. Obviously it wasn't him. It's gotta be James Jamerson. Rocco belongs in that company.

[@lgndnhswnmnd]

Thanks for this post! Grateful for KZbin!

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

You’re welcome. Thanks for your kind words.

[@warrenbass7350]

I really can't understand why other artist's didn't book him for sessions,... In my mind, he was the BEST!

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

Possibly because he couldn’t really read. Or maybe he was just too busy. Who knows?

[@BilltheBass88]

Legend! :-)

[@neusinhavalente5725]

O melhor.Adoro o som,o estilo dele sentir cada nota tocada ❤️🙏😞🇧🇷

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

Si, Neusinha. Absolutamente! Gracias por tu comentario!

[@LambofGod709]

He was the best.

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

Indeed.

[@renatolellisdrummer]

Forever

[@babinm]

Took funk bass to new place big band style.

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

For sure!

[@Hi-xs7wm]

♥♥

[@BlackRootsUNLIMITED]

RIP Rocco ☥❤️☥

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

👍

[@theophileexe8789]

RIP 😥

[@caloricphlogistonandthelum4008]

I don't know him, or love him, but if you close your eyes and just listen.... he sounds about 80 - good luck granddad!

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

🤔

[@andrewgerlach9334]

outlaw!! haha

[@lgndnhswnmnd]

Get Down With Your Bad Self!

[@ForBassPlayersOnly]

😀👍

[@robertdowler8105]

Thumper it is. layering it on 'em.

[@phasorpain363]

You look great is maybe a little bit.....

[@chavaportillo7277]

Phasor Pain after what he’s been through with organ transplant being really sick close to dying and come back to work he’s meant to be around a lot longer so give him the courtesy of look in the way he looks after what he’s been through have some class don’t Diss the great Man!!