Tony Levin: The Iconic Bass Sounds Of Peter Gabriel, King Crimson, Paul Simon and more

In this interview, legendary bassist Tony Levin shares stories from his collaborations with iconic artists like John Lennon, Peter Gabriel, Paul Simon, and King Crimson. Levin delves into the creative processes behind some of their most celebrated works, sharing his unique perspective cultivated from over 50 years in the music industry.
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[@andymccallum8090]

I think I speak for everyone when I say that we are grateful to get these amazing interviews. That we can listen to free of any charge.

[@earnestbass4092]

THIS. SO. MUCH!!! Thank you Rick!

[@seanjudge4675]

Now I can die in peace.

[@cezary5177]

😂​@@seanjudge4675

[@caprise-music6722]

So great! Marvelous!

[@kijaniband1278]

Indeed!

[@jwkelly1969]

Rick, thank you so much for having amazing artists like Tony Levin featured on your channel. In addition to being an amazing musician and having contributed to so many amazing pieces of work, I thought it would be good to convey the the generous nature of Tony Levin. In September of 2010, I reached out to Tony on a whim after finding his email address on the internet, as my best friend Eric also a bass player who held Tony in the utmost highest regard was in his final days of a ten year battle with brain cancer. Tony responded warmly and proceeded to send Eric a beautiful letter and a signed copy of his book. Eric, in his very last days, received Tony's care package on September 3rd, 2010. Eric was overjoyed at receiving this amazingly thoughtful gift from his musical hero. Unfortunately, my best friend Eric passed on September 19th, 2010. Thank you so much Tony for touching my friend in such a special way, just days before he left this earth. With eternal gratitude, John 58:12

[@brianwilner3634]

Great story, good to hear people we admire are nice people.

[@greenman7612]

My wife was recently diagnosed with brain cancer. I liked your comment.

[@jwkelly1969]

​@@greenman7612I am very sorry to hear of your wife's diagnosis. God bless you.

[@poipoipoicromo]

@@greenman7612 hello. Please, get a good naturopath guy to complement the hospital treatment. To implement the Ty Bolliger stuff and the late Dr sebi (Alfred Bowman) protocols. Do it now, please! Very important. All the best to your wife. Take care

[@miller8037]

Tony's a solid guy. Sorry for the loss of your best friend, Eric ✌

[@DobbeltJensen]

The guy is pushing 80. The clarity, the wit, the skills. What a guy.

[@josephballerini3730]

Hard to believe. Looks great.

[@ChadWorthman]

I saw him almost exactly a year ago. No signs of slowing down. He rocked the entire show.

[@nantschev]

And he has a monster tour ahead of him, with super difficult repertoire

[@jonmc3]

Hope I am contributing at 80. Never really want to age out @jcmfineart.

[@archibaldchuzzlewit1848]

@@ChadWorthman Same here and he was amazing, as was the entire show.

[@ue4058]

What a thoughtful, well-spoken gentleman. This conversation was a joy.

[@MNMitchell-h5s]

I snuck in backstage at a King Crimson show in 1981 as a 15 year old and the whole band welcomed me and let me hang out with them. It was the coolest thing I ever got to do as a teen.

[@patrickjordan2233]

Cool!

[@nikkithebulldozer2960]

Did fripp stare u down

[@MNMitchell-h5s]

@@nikkithebulldozer2960 nope, he was great and even signed the copy of Islands I brought. He did claim to be a clone.

[@JeffrStarkey]

@@MNMitchell-h5sthat’s the most fripp thing he could have done 😂

[@kwyatt261]

​@@MNMitchell-h5s I knew this was legit when you said it was a copy of Islands. That's my favorite KC

[@franklincheney3653]

The master says "I still want to get better" How cool is that?! And inspirational for every age of musician.

[@michaelroche4559]

The fact that he hears himself, and can find areas to improve upon, shows me how profound his knowledge of music truly is. Inspiring.

[@Salmacis99]

I've known Tony for about 11 years now, and consider him a friend-a casual friend, but a friend. You will never meet a classier and more generous guy. No ego, no 'velvet rope' attitude. He's amazing. And I've had the honor of playing drums with him many times. It never got old to say, "Tony you ready?" "Yep". "Okay...." then clicking us and our fellow musicians in. To play music with him is just...well amazing. When we happen to see each other, he always says "Hey! How are you? You been playing?" Always passionate about music, and enthusiastic about ANYONE who is playing. A true legend, as a person and musician.

[@dwells37]

That is so cool!

[@archibaldchuzzlewit1848]

That's amazing and I"m jealous.

[@Salmacis99]

@@dwells37 Not as cool as Tony lol! Every year for the past 12-I think- years, Tony, Adrian Belew and Pat Mastelotto have hosted a Music Camp called Three of a Perfect Pair. That's how I got involved with those crazy cats :-) If they do it again next year, GO! it's amazing!

[@Salmacis99]

@@archibaldchuzzlewit1848 Hey, you can experience what I did. Check out my response below about the Music Camp. It's an incredible experience- watching Tony, Pat M and Adrian B play from 3 feet in front of you is well....what can I say?

[@jimmoore8951]

That's exactly the way he comes across to me... and intelligent with a good sense of humor

[@desconrad]

The life this guy has lived. JFK to Lennon, Paul Simon to Robbie Robertson, Playing on Pink Floyd's Momentary Lapse of Reason and so many other great artists. What an amazing career. Feel very fortunate to have seen him play live recently on the last Peter Gabriel tour, his sound and stage presence was gigantic and unforgettable. Great interview!

[@rmeadows777]

And Allan Holdsworth.

[@johnjones-bv5df]

So articulate and well spoken. No cursing etc. I appreciate someone who speaks in a manner that small children can listen to and enjoy.

[@-Gramps]

Yes! From an OG that appreciates someone that can express himself without resorting to profanity.

[@danieltomko8606]

​I've been lucky enough to chat with Tony Levin a handful of times. He's such a kind and lovely dude. Someone I've admired since I was a kid and even more once I met him.

[@coloaten6682]

Well said! Dropping a few F bombs can seem cool and 'Rock n Roll' but it's much better to express oneself in a bit more of an intelligent way.

[@jevinday]

Great point. The older I get the more I realize that cursing is a roadblock to effective communication, I would like to curse less but man, it's a tough habit

[@_lars]

Came to the comments to say this, but you laid it out nicely already. A very enjoyable story teller to listen to.

[@alexfattoruso]

We are all grateful that Rick lets his guests speak without interrupting. It's rare nowadays. 👍

[@matejajezdic]

His bass parts on Peter's records are out of this world...

[@calle68]

And possibly improved during live performances .... I think about In your eyes (US tour version)

[@kijaniband1278]

Had me going back to my Peter Gabriel discography with renewed nostalgia 😊

[@Mark-en2mt]

Some of the best basslines ever composed. Particularly the "Secret World" live version of Shaking the Tree.

[@marktait2371]

yeh tony i akways think of gabriel plays live 82 i think maybe 83 i had secret world years ago but long lost but still have tree ghits cd tony levin is on most if those songs

[@vanjamilosevic6937]

Dobar je Tony

[@gregkruszewski3361]

Right now this is THE GREATEST music interview archive ever. Not only Rick is diligent in getting the best artists to talk about their craft, he lets them talk at length. be funny, be thoughtful - and he makes them feel comfortable! And appreciated!I have watched all of these interviews with my mouth wide open. The knowledge, the intense love of music and genuine interest in what these artists have to say is overwhelming. I am only a voracious consumer of music, not having enough talent to play it, but I understand and appreciate way more about the process than I ever did before Rick showed up on the YT. Tony - a fellow Bostonian - is one of my all time favorite musicians After this he is one of my favorite people. I have to go and watch it again, it is just precious. Thank you.

[@walkbox6596]

Agree! This interview is a real gem! Rick is amazing. This is the best music interview i have ever seen.

[@rods6405]

Well said!

[@paulscire5763]

I've been fortunate enough to work with Tony twice. Once with the Stickmen, and once with the Levin Brothers. Tony is such a humble, down to earth guy and immensely talented. The guy is a legend.

[@AncientGranules]

He is!

[@iliketowatch6410]

Dear Rick, Please keep doing these wonderful interviews with musical luminaries - this work is a treasure for all.

[@ministerofdarkness]

Tony Levin is absolutely my all time favorite bass player. So solid and tasteful with everything he plays. A true masterclass musician.

[@dr.juerdotitsgo5119]

Agreed. Makes me wonder how the hell he ended up playing with the Dream Theater guys.

[@RockandRollWoman]

​@@dr.juerdotitsgo5119😂😂😂

[@anthemsforautumn3542]

Absolutely, I'll take a tasty player on any instrument before a shredder any day of the week!

[@dr.juerdotitsgo5119]

@@anthemsforautumn3542 Exactly. Shredding eventually numbs you down and gets old fast. A simplistic yet creative player throwing an unexpected note outside the chord's comfort zone will always surprise you.

[@paulbrown2971]

These “old school” musicians you interview are so humble, knowledgable and sincere. Just such a pleasure to listen to their stories and influences. Thank you!

[@pjmq]

That was, without shadow of doubt, one of the best uses of an hour of a half in my time on this rock. Rick is your favourite musician's favourite interviewer.

[@olivermeyerccn]

Whenever I think, your interviews cannot possibly get any better, you pull something out of your hat that completely blows me away. You are in a league of your own and I feel blessed that we get to listen in to these magical encounters that feel so natural. This is so enriching and rewarding because you introduce us to the human and personal side of those musical geniuses. And getting to know them is as exciting as hearing about their careers and all the marvelous things they have helped create.

[@SirTriton2000]

I stumbled into Tony Levin in Krakow (Poland) in my Hotel on the way to the elevator. And he was so incredibly nice. He was fine to take a photo with me and we chatted a bit about the Peter Gabriel Show the next day. I am a huge fan of his incredibly play since "So" was released. Saw him so many times playing live. Thank you for this incredible interview, Rick. What an inspiring and extraordinary artist. Looking forward to his new album.

[@randainone]

Had the honor of having my band open for Stick Men for one show with an acoustic set. Backstage pre show he was so down to earth and talked just like he does here. We played our acoustic set nervous as hell, and when we finished, loading our gear through the crowd, Tony was standing there in the center of the room and stopped us to tell us how fantastic we were, in front of the entire crowd that was busy staring at him like a god. He doesn't care, he's just there for the music. Genuinely one of the most lovely, inspirational people I've ever met.

[@paulcochrane1028]

Tony Levin is utterly tasteful on bass. Digs in when he needs to, lays back when he feels it.

[@garyberg8072]

Everything about this interview is off the charts. Levin is as fascinating a personality as he is a bass player, and as usual, Rick's interviewing skills compliment it all perfectly.

[@tomcoryell]

I’ll say it again. Parental encouragement is huge in the development of a musician.

[@jonathanmilo]

Absolutely! My father drove me to performances as a teen, and then come pick me up at 1:30-2 in the morning. It says so much about his love for me and music. I’m grateful every day for his gift.

[@jonathanmilo]

At 52:52 : “I’m about what’s really the best bass part for that piece.” A true collaborative artist.

[@jeromethiel4323]

Of anybody and anything. I was very into computers at a very early age, and could have been in on the scene at the beginning. But my father was an outdoorsman, and was constantly at me to "go outside." I didn't WANT to go outside, i wanted to keep learning. But i was not only NOT encouraged, my interests were actively discouraged. Still bitter about it, even though both my parents are dead. Not to say that parents need to give in to their children's every demand, but if they show promise in an area, a little encouragement and support goes a long way.

[@jimchik]

Been a pianist my whole life… thankfully, my parents never discouraged me, in fact treading that line between encouragement and pushing. So thankful.

[@ramonmoreno8014]

@@jeromethiel4323 yeah my folks had no use for that stuff, I should have been in band class as soon as possible, it's the only thing I've stuck with over the decades

[@jamessbca]

Wow Rick. This is one of the best interviews I've ever seen. I saw Tony and Manu Katche rocking the house at the Los Angeles Forum about a year ago. He and Manu were rocking so hard like only they could, I almost fell out of my seat. This dude who is an absolute legend was rocking the house as he's done for many, many decades. It was surreal. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this interview! Congratulations on being the kind of musician interviews, Rick!!!

[@jimbeaulieu220]

I’m so struck by Rick’s ability to get great artists to share the creative process. So grateful for the wisdom, wit, and insights.

[@metronomebrewery8346]

I've known Tony for 3+ decades and, for the record, possibly my favorite human on the planet. He's a terrific, wonderful man and a fantastic musician. I was proud to host him at our brewery last month and can't wait to see him on BEAT in November.

[@mymusicmixminute]

What a great guy, and who also happens to be a brilliant musician/bassist- his musical history is my life. Thank you, Tony, see you in December!!!

[@MackeyWilliams]

My favorite parts of these interviews is when Rick plays songs for his guest. What he chooses to play always goes on a bit longer than I'm expecting and it's so cool to watch the body language and facial expression of the guest as they're listening to themselves play their parts. And what a treat during this interview to see Tony "playing" along with his parts on the recording.

[@hartodeserfeliz]

I agree, Rick should do this on all his interviews

[@justinodum6134]

I wanna be Tony Levin when I grow up.

[@shravanraghuram8256]

I had the absolute privilege of opening for Tony's band, Stick Men, on their most recent tour this Summer. Safe to say the man is not only incredibly approachable and down to earth, but still playing at an unbelievably high level. I will remember that night forever.

[@ajones957]

Unreal conversation. One of my favorite bass players. Great to hear him tell stories in such a comfortable and relatable atmosphere.

[@DreghornPeter]

77

[@fqjcior]

A living legend. No 1 bass player on the Mother Earth and a humble and super nice man. World class player and charming person. God bless you, Uncle Tony!

[@BrunoPereira-cb9gg]

Rick is the absolute KING of great interviews!!! he covers everything: music, gear, vibes....KEEP UP THIS AWSOME WORK, RICK!!!

[@s0ckeyeus429]

Man. What an interview. I've liked his playing for a long time, but I never knew what he was like as a person. He seems like a great, down to earth guy. I'm even more of a fan after listening to that.

[@markwhite2207]

I was blown away when I looked up when Tomy was born, he's 78! the other bass player Rick interviewed, Ron Carter looks equally youthful. Music is good for you in so many ways.

[@DoU12Rock]

He is genuinely a very nice man. I had breakfast with him about 10 years ago. Just a regular dude like you and me.

[@s0ckeyeus429]

@@DoU12Rock so cool.

[@crazydigitalmusic]

@@markwhite2207 As a psychologist, I can say you : yes it is, keep on listening, playing, whatever.

[@fhibf]

Tony Levin is one my favorite musicians of all the time. Having this interview is a gift. Thank you, Rick.

[@markmcarthy596]

Dropped 10 minutes ago, views and comments are blowing up! That’s how much people love Tony

[@richardsmith5362]

...and/or Rick!

[@pCeLobster]

It really says something that an interview with Tony Levin can hit a quarter of a million views in 1 day in 2024. He's a humble working bass player. He's not also a pop star like Sting or a rock frontman like Geddy. I was similarly impressed when seeing Peter Gabriel recently, and Tony received almost as much cheering from the audience as Peter himself. Tony has been a hero to me since I was a kid and it's nice to know that people are knowing who he is and appreciating him.

[@NickGates100]

Ricks interviews could be nine hours long and still be too short, never want them to end! Thank you for another piece of art!

[@paulriversband]

One of the most experimental musicians I've seen! His work with King Crimson and Peter Gabriel is legendary. Thank you, Tony, for the great inspiration.

[@mullen25]

tony levin is beloved and thank you for this wonderful conversation.

[@kyledannert]

I was lucky enough to grow up in the Hudson Valley & see Mr. Levin play a lot in small bars/clubs/restaurants. He is the most humble, kind, thoughtful, considerate musician I’ve met ( let’s not forget talented). Thank you Rick Beato for all your great interviews.

[@jackdiamond5340]

I saw the best concert i have ever or will ever see at Summerfest 2016 - Sting and Peter Gabriel, featuring Vinnie Colaiuta and Tony Levin! I remember Tony going HAM on the bass during Secret World. Was the best performance ever.

[@ralelunar]

Secret World is my favourite concert film!

[@gitaaa7740]

I love how Tony speaks. Makes me happy. These interviews are just getting better and better.

[@lobster4501]

Does anybody else tear up when Tony tears up just watching him remember

[@rhashr]

Time stamp?

[@mrsockmonkey1969]

One of the best yet. Having never seen an interview with Tony I knew very little about his life and career outside of Gabriel and King Crimson. He seems genuinely like a wonderful person.

[@Zontar-xt6ql]

The smile on Tony's face when you start playing Solsbury Hill is priceless. He is one of the greatest and another great interview !

[@JC-sj2pd]

Love Tony! Please please please try to interview Geddy and Alex!!!

[@MissAstorDancer]

This is just ABSOLUTELY FASCINATING! I am totally riveted, almost "on the edge of my seat" with this interview! Tony is not only a brilliant musician, but he's also an incredibly interesting and even charming person! Yer killin' it, Rick!!!!!

[@CamundongoLeo]

Tony Levin is one of the classiest person I have ever met. He and Pat Mastelotto came to visit my workplace a few years ago and we have a small music studio with drums, a keyboard, amps, guitars and whatnot. They sat down for 2 hours with whoever was willing to play only asking "ok, what do you guys wanna play?". Total class act.

[@Soulventing]

Tony is the goat of bass players. So diverse and his amazing creative playing is second to none. True legend, genius, and nice person.. He inspired me to buy a Stick a few years ago , which I still struggle with today.. I loved this interview...

[@user-cq7ql9fr9d]

Когда надоест бороться со стиком,продайте мне,пожалуйста?

[@JEFFWEEE]

In years to come, these great interviews with the legends of popular music will be fascinating historical documents.

[@FelixUnger-q3k]

One of the most emotional interviews I think Rick has ever done. Tears of happiness welled up so many times!!

[@nicholascarlozzi1881]

Thank You Rick and Tony. That Was A Wonderful Conversation. I Absolutely Enjoyed It.

[@coreyclark6505]

It is crazy that this guy is still at it… I would have loved to hear him talk for a few minutes about the Liquid Tension Experiment, but I get it…. Dudes had a career spanning 5-6 decades.. Great Interview Rick!

[@dandecastro51]

Ya good point. I LOVE LTE. Just one very small eg, greatest rendition in music history, of Rhapsody in Blue.

[@aeynosarturii8053]

"Working with Peter Gabriel you think, here is the normal way but what can I do..." that is absolutely gold. Tony is a master of his craft, and such a gentle person. Awesome interview as always.

[@zipzip070]

Maybe my favorite part of the interview. Just thinking how musicians of their time pushed each other in new, exciting directions. Of course working with Peter Gabriel would result in some novel ideas haha

[@jeffreygould101]

Love Rick and really love Tony, but am I going to spend an hour and a half listening to this? 90 spellbinding minutes later, this was one of the best musical conversations I have ever heard. Time so very well spent. Thank you both.

[@ralelunar]

Rick picks great storytellers to interview

[@marsstubblefield]

Well done, Rick - it's a testament to you, the list of great music interviews you've done and are still doing - much gratitude for who you are.

[@letzrockitrite8469]

Amazing interview, Rick, thank you to Tony for every joyful moment we were able to spend with him.

[@todhannigan8779]

What a great interview! Tony is such a great guy, and what mad skills! Thank you Rick!

[@chrisskully1228]

As a bass player who can play all the notes, Tony taught me to only play the notes that matter! My fucking hero!

[@danbrockettDOP]

Rick, you are simply the best. You singlehandedly are archiving and preserving the legacy of the some of the greatest musicians in modern history. Thank you so much! Tony is a legend and yet amazingly down to earth and seems like a great, regular dude who happens to be an iconic musician.

[@jonneill4914]

Such a down-to-earth, humble guy. The look on his face hearing his original tracks for the first time in years was priceless! Great interview Rick!!

[@alexandremello6913]

Tony's life is like the "biography of modern bass". And he is so eclectic and adaptable it feels impossible to classify his "genre" of music. One of the grand masters of the instrument for sure. As a side note, if you haven't yet, check out the record "NYC" by Steps Ahead. Tony kills it.

[@patrickjordan2233]

Man....can anyone else see Tony's Groove in his reaction when he's listening to these? Monster player....♥️♥️♥️

[@DianeBourget]

Rick's interviews are simply the best. When the artist a gentlemen like Tony Levin with such an unbelievable career it is just magic. Thank you Rick Beato.

[@localbod]

The man is a legendary bassist. His tone and feel are exceptional and his parts always seem to be perfect for the composition, be it an instrumental piece or a song. I really like his work with Steps Ahead as well as with Peter Gabriel. This was such a treat to hear him talk about his career and approach to playing and recording bass. Thank you.

[@advo1053]

His albums with Bozzio, Levin, and Stevens are excellent, as well.

[@nicolasisaksson1175]

I saw Tony playing live in Santa Cruz, Bolivia . He played King Crimson songs, and it was an amazing experience. Best concert I've ever been to.

[@Chudley716]

A brilliant musician and a humble gentleman. It was great meeting you, Tony.

[@josephgallo6115]

Such an excellent conversation that snuck in as an "interview". Tony is a master. Was fortunate to have met him in June of 1984 (Three Of A Perfect Pair tour) while ushering a two-performance show and happily led him to a phone booth behind the Mission Theater as cellphones were still in the future. Met Adrian & Robert that day as well, which was due to my early arrival at the venue resulting in my listening to about 10-minutes of the soundcheck. Robert asked me where he could find some good cheesecake in town, and I sent him to Jax, a small restaurant owned by a friend of mine at the time who got raves on his desserts. Next day, I stopped by Jax and my friend thanked me for sending Robert in and showed me where he signed a white pole in the restaurant.

[@walkingtal4157]

Tony Levin- class act. Rick Beato- class act. Well done sir, thank you!

[@jhall6926]

For many years he is one of those bigtime badass bass players in my life,..such a strong shining light...❤

[@gsmeeuwsen]

Tony looks and speaks amazing for a guy pushing 80!!!

[@just_ben1951]

I want to know his diet

[@dapsign]

Thank you Rick and Tony for this conversation! I could listen to you talk for hours. I had the honor of working with Tony in the mid 90s for one day when I was an assistant at Bearsville Studios. He came in to play stick on what I remember to be a song for a commercial or a TV show. When he took the stick out to play, I think everyone in the room gasped because he was so well known for playing it by then. I remember that moment/day so clearly.

[@ronbrock738]

He, L. Sklar, and Tal Wilkenfeld are my absolute favorites as bass players. All seem to be very grounded, and possess humility. Great interview.

[@gregmorrison9157]

What a real pleasure to enjoy this conversation with the great Tony Levin. Pushing 80, but still looking great and speaking with the acuity & clarity of youth, & yet also with the wisdom of his years. What an intelligent, humble, and articuate gentleman truly he is...

[@tictocbang7443]

I was fortunate to hang out with Tony during a 3hr layover in London. What an amazing player and person.

[@chrisbodi6470]

Rick, you have such a way to get your musician interview guests to totally open up and be so relaxed! Such a pleasure and Tony is truly special and appreciated. Met him and look forward to seeing him on the upcoming BEAT tour!

[@rolandwyss]

Oh. My. God. Tony Levin !🎉😊❤ I will comment again when I have seen it.

[@stevecullen]

Tony is a massive figure in modern bass, having pushed the envelope of possibilities time and time again and contributed to some of the most interesting popular music over decades. And like other great musicians is modest, still eager to learn, self-aware and collegiate in his approach to playing. Love the interview Rick - as always, such great stuff.

[@jakubbielak7273]

Another Bass Master! His work on Discipline is astonishing.

[@lastdays9163]

These interviews are so important. We need this knowledge for the time we get curious about real music again.

[@FrisellFan01]

Another dynamite interview...with a man with endless respect from all of us listening.....hearing Tony speak here with you... he is such a down to earth guy...someone anyone could have a conversation with.....and it is really great to hear about his time on the road.

[@AncientGranules]

What a great interview! ❤ I always loved Peter Gabriel 'using his brain' and so creative and the bassist... Well you all heard him!

[@georgezajkowski2723]

The trilogy of albums Tony did with King Crimson in the 80s was some of finest New Wave inspired Prog Rock I ever heard.

[@feather3563]

it's been a pleasure to see Tony play with both King Crimson and Peter Gabriel. both shows were fantastic!

[@denisealper2694]

This is a must watch/listen for any bassist, professional, amateur, aspiring. Tony is beyond phenomenal.

[@cornfilledscreamer614]

What a cool, cool guy. About 2 years ago, I recorded guitar on a song from a friend of mine in Vancouver. She got Tony to play bass on it. The story went that when he recorded it, he told them to "turn up the guitar" in the mix a couple of times, and that he liked the part. Never got to meet him, but that pretty much made my musical career! Definitely a "I'm not worthy" moment! What a musical giant he is. A true innovator!

[@Gianmaria_]

Mr. Levin is a living legend, a music genius and an amazing human being: a precious gem!

[@johnstinchcomb8156]

Tony Levin, Leland Sklar & Chuck Rainey are embedded in everyone's musical memory whether they realize it or not. Musical giants.

[@Thesongstaysthesame]

Tony is a monster musician and an absolute gentleman. Great great interview, Rick

[@DerekGraham-dl6qi]

Great interview Mr. Beato, with so many great comments. Tony played bass for the Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman and Howe, An Evening of Yes Music tour. This was one of the best shows I have ever seen. It was at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY, on August 10, 1989. They opened the show with Close To The Edge...amazing and I kept thinking who the incredible bass player was. A friend got me onto the guest list for the backstage meet and greet and none of the Yes members came. Only Tony showed up. I remember talking to him for quite awhile about music, where he was from, all kinds of stuff. I was nobody and he took the time to talk with me. This interview reminded me of exactly what he was like when I met him. Down to earth, open, honest. A true gentleman and a super nice guy.

[@mykola_iegorov]

Tony never gets older! Super interesting to hear from him!

[@fenirob]

This was just perfect. He has played on so many of my favorite bass tracks that it's almost unbelievable. You continue to bring musicians' musicians to us in settings like this and it is a wonderful thing. Thank you!

[@alanmcdonald7390]

Lemmy, JJ Burnel, Tony Levin. Giants, and heroes who defined the sound of the music I loved. Tony was and is a virtuoso.

[@airfinair]

Holy Shit, mind my manners, but that was one of the best interviews I have ever watched. I am a huge Tony/Gabriel fanatic, a even more huger Tony/Crimson fanatic, but had no idea of the Tony/Lennon connection nor the Tony/Simon connection. I learned so much today.

[@CrowMagnumMan2024]

What a great interview......I have followed Tony for years and never heard him speak.......such a nice man to be such a monster talent.......I am so impressed .....you brought us a real gem Rick....thank you so much......🥰

[@JacobSeely]

Yaaaaasssss the interview we needed but didn't deserve

[@nikwood-jones1825]

This is so cool. Had the pleasure of meeting Tony in 2022 & told him I thought Gabriel still has the best guys voice in music.

[@CarlGrindley]

Out of all of the many many interviews I've watched on this channel, this one is my new favourite. The generosity of spirit just shines out in Tony Levin's personable and humble responses. He knows everyone. He has played with so many of the greats. I love his work in Crimson and with Peter Gabriel, but I had no idea he recorded with Paul Simon. That reaction to 50 Ways... Tony Levin. What a great guy.

[@markkarpinski1460]

Along with John Entwistle, Tony is my favorite bass player. In a world where the term genius gets thrown around, with Tony, all you need to know is the list of geniuses that he played with that validates his status in music history. His passion, dedication and humility are infectious.

[@jbr2991]

Amazing interview. I’m a big fan of Peter Gabriel, Paul Simon, John Lennon, and King Crimson. And of course, that makes me a fan of Tony Levin. I enjoyed the thought provoking questions you asked and his candid answers. So thank you for sharing this with all of us.