The Tony Levin Interview - Pioneering Bassist talks King Crimson, Peter Gabriel & more

➡️➡️ Read More here: producelikeapro.com/blog/tony...
➡️➡️ Sign up to the Academy: producelikeapro.com/
➡️➡️ OUT NOW: The COMPLETE Home Studio Recording Book: homestudiorecording.com
➡️➡️ Learn more about Recording & Producing Bass Guitar: promixacademy.com/course/reco...
➡️➡️ Check out Tony's website: tonylevin.com/
➡️➡️ Watch other interviews: • Interviews
➡️➡️ Watch Artists That Changed Music - Peter Gabriel pt 1 • Peter Gabriel: Artists...
❤️My Favorite Plugins:
➡️Waves MV2: waves.7eer.net/c/1205870/2868...
➡️Waves RBass: waves.7eer.net/c/1205870/2868...
➡️Renaissance Vox: waves.7eer.net/c/1205870/2868...
➡️Renaissance Compressor: waves.7eer.net/c/1205870/2868...
➡️Warren Huart IR Pack lancasteraudio.com/shop/ir-pa...
➡️Warren Huart Kemper Pack lancasteraudio.com/shop/kempe...
❤️GEAR:
➡️Stealth Sonics: stealthsonics.com/?aff=3
➡️UK Sound 1173: vintageking.com/uk-sound-1173...
➡️Apollo x16: u.audio/apollox16-plap
➡️Apollo Twin: u.audio/apollotwin-plap
Join the community here: producelikeapro.com/
Facebook Group
/ producelikeapro
Facebook Page:
/ producelikeapro
Instagram
/ producelikeapro
Twitter
/ producelikeapro
❤️❤️Free 3 Part Mixing Course:
• Happy Christmas! Here'...
Sign up here to get exclusive videos and content producelikeapro.com
#ProduceLikeAPro
#HomeRecording
Giveaway Winners: www.producelikeapro.com/givea...
Produce Like A Pro is a website which features great tips to help the beginning recordist make incredible sounding home recordings on a budget.

[@Producelikeapro]

Interviewing Tony Levin is a dream come true, his bass playing is some f the greatest ever, his humility is incredible and he's an amazing guy. Who are some of the most iconic bassists of all time to you? Share below

[@Chasam0d]

Think Mr Levin tops my list :) Maybe Les Claypool?

[@NOMADCREATIVESOLUTIONS]

Gotta say Flea, Ben Shepard and Adam Clayton really - but Jaco was the real pioneer i guess

[@ThierryLacan]

Barry Adamson & Peter Hook ! Haha ! 😉😎

[@Chasam0d]

Oh and Jon Evans!

[@WHPwellbeing]

Chris Squire. His bass on Starship Trooper that I saw him play live was the best I have ever witnessed.

[@craigvonberg4921]

It's so clear to me why he has been and continues to be one the MOST innovative and in-demand bassists over all these decades...HUMILITY. So humble. He only plays to serve the music.

[@Producelikeapro]

Veery well said!

[@DavidLazarus]

Absolutely agree! You can connect Tony to just about any band that's been around since at least the 90s within, at most, three hops. For instance, you can connect him to Duran Duran through Pink Floyd. David Gilmour played with Arcadia. You can connect him to The Beatles through John Lennon. You can connect him to Simple Minds through John Giblin who played bass on a few tracks for Peter Gabriel. Tony is such a phenomenal bassist and stick player and a wonderful person to boot.

[@ianskyvox]

Man, Tony is just an absolute treasure. As a musician and as a person.

[@Producelikeapro]

He certainly is! One of a kind!

[@badxxxmonkey5541]

Such a great open interview. There are some great bassist that you know of but never get to talk to. So happy to sit in and listen to this talk. You said crimson, though so prog, always still sounds like a song. The melody of the bass puts it together.

[@KenKlasser-bj7nr]

I guess they did mention Liquid Tension Experint after I posted my earlier post.

[@echtzeit]

What a legend. And what a nice guy! First time I saw Tony live was with Peter Gabriel in 77. I was 15 back then. I stood in front of the stage mouth wide open. He threw some guitar picks in the crowd and I caught one. It read „stolen from Tony Levin“ on it… Every time I saw him live was a pure joy because you could see that he was enjoying playing live. Thanks for the in depth and extensive interview!

[@BeesWaxMinder]

“Stolen…” that’s SO fun! cool

[@TheFrogfather1]

I saw him with Peter Gabriel in '79 and then almost exactly 40 years later with King Crimson!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@TheFrogfather1 Wow! That's amazing!

[@Producelikeapro]

Wow! That's amazing Peter! Thanks for sharing

[@richardjamieson6681]

I have a "Stolen from Tony Levin" plectrum. King Crimson 'Beat' tour if I remember correctly. He threw them out after 'Red'.

[@jiminy7277]

I was very fortunate to have Tony Levin play on a song of mine. Exactly as Warren described, he played with "weight and gravity..melody and emotion". In 2018 I was recording at Dreamland in upstate NY when Tony stopped by to drop off some gear. Jerry Marotta was at the studio and said hey Tony check out this song. Then a few weeks later I get an email from Tony Levin, he had put down three different bass parts and they were all amazing! I couldn't believe it. Such a humble and easy going guy. I ended up finishing the album in Brooklyn in 2021 and 2022, and that particular song didn't quite fit with the rest of the album. I scrapped my vocals and guitars but of course kept Tony's brilliant bass lines and rewrote the entire song around them. I used all three bass lines on the final version and they worked together perfectly. A dream come true.

[@schwartmann]

What's the name of the album/song? Is it on Spotify?

[@jiminy7277]

@@schwartmann the song is called Ain't No Cure, the album is called The Phoenix, the band is called Jiminy. It's on Spotify, Apple, and all the things.

[@derekmillar8032]

Mr. Levin, the only thing that comes close to eclipsing your enormous talent and musicality is your authentic humility. A true legend whose artistry can be heard on the bottom end of so many influential and successful albums. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to your stories and perspectives on playing music - thank you!

[@randyclere7756]

Well stated!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Very well said Derek!

[@Producelikeapro]

@@randyclere7756 agreed!

[@donmackie6086]

Well said! Tony is THE Man! See my post for my reasons why.

[@michaelsstatement]

Absolute LEGEND!! Saw him with King Crimson 3 times and 2 times with Peter Gabriel. The kind of bass player where you pull the fader and do nothing because you dont need. So good!!

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, an amazing talent!

[@TyRobertsmedia]

Tony is one of the NICESTEST and personable musicians on the Planet! What a LOW END TALENT!!!

[@Producelikeapro]

That's amazing to hear!

[@tinyboxcars]

Tony Levin is far too modest. He is a true and pure artist and my living bass hero.

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed 100%!

[@monj3anonymous991]

Real good guys of any art are modest type, the mark of the great

[@Gregorovitch144]

I recall seeing Peter Gabriel at Earls Court, sometime early 80's I think. I will never forget beginning to notice this incredible bass weaving through the opening songs. It was so deep, rich and melodic, soaring up and down through the chord structures, never seemed overpowering, just sitting there ever present in the overall sound, always just right, tight as all hell. Checking out the stage I saw this tall shaven headed dude grooving in his black trench coat responsible for producing these incredible bass lines. I had no idea who he was, I soon put that right. And I went back to my Gabriel albums to check if the same guy was playing on them. Of course the effect of his playing was not quite the same on my home stereo but I could still hear the echoes of that monstrous bass sound I heard at Earls Court. Have been an absolute fan of Tony Levin ever since.

[@tomaurnhammer7597]

What a wonderful gentleman Tony is. A joy to watch. Q&A full of respect and love of music. Thank you both.

[@marcom.]

Tony playing bass on PGs Red Rain and Don't Give Up is so special and marvellous!

[@renderizer01]

Don't give up has one of my favourite bass parts ever. It's so down to earth yet ethereal at the same time. Hauntingly beautiful and to the point.

[@Producelikeapro]

Absolutely incredible Marco

[@Producelikeapro]

@@renderizer01 yes, amazing!

[@donmackie6086]

That moment when the bass steps up and announces it arrival at the chorus of RR is incredibly powerful. Awe inspiring. Love Mr L! Saw him once with Gabriel in 1992, and 5 times with KC. He's quite simply, the best bassist on the planet. He understands better than anyone what the instrument's role is, and doesn't try to show off with complex speedy playing.

[@williamhively3295]

@Maxine McKenzie 23 It’ll come back to you, Maxine 😉

[@holgerschulz4104]

There´s been so many interviews with uncle Tony, but this one is by far one of the best ever. I´m so excited to see him again on this year´s I/O-tour!

[@Producelikeapro]

Wow! Thanks ever so much! Tony is a wonderfully easy person to interview!

[@OldTooly]

I have to thank Tony for posting a picture of his view from the stage of the crowd at the King Crimson show in Raleigh, N Carolina in 2019, and captured me and my best friend together for the last show we saw together before he passed shortly after. We had seen over a hundred shows together over 47 years and this picture is cherished beyond belief. Many heartfelt thanks.

[@mikejones-go8vz]

That is cool, hope you are well, I have seen Tony a couple of times, nice guy too

[@dekstrom242]

While working the NAMM show as a representative of a pickup manufacturer in the late 90s, there was a huge commotion at the Ernie Ball booth. I forget who was causing the crush of people (I think it was Steve Howe), I spied Tony Levin just standing all alone a little way away from the commotion. I walked up to him and told him how much I enjoyed his music. Tony looked at me like he couldn't believe that I even recognized him. He is such a gracious and humble man. I spoke to him for just a few minutes, but he was so unlike other musicians I met during those years.

[@sinepilot]

Postpunk 80's was my main jam. Peter Hook, David J, Andy McClusky, Simon Gallup, Kim Deal, Tina Weymouth, Sting, Tony Levin, John Taylor: these are the bassists who shaped my playing

[@Producelikeapro]

All wonderfully influential players!

[@sspbrazil]

David J

[@Producelikeapro]

@@sspbrazil love the Bauhaus!

[@Reprodestruxion]

“Cough” Mick Karn

[@patrikbjorling4391]

Ehhh...Pino?

[@mutorsound]

Great job on the interview Warren. Tony seemed pleasantly surprised with your well-prepared questions.

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very welcome! Thanks ever so much!

[@randyclere7756]

TONE ELEVEN!!!

[@johntaylor7496]

Ended up at Secret World tour with free tickets and low expectations. I had no idea Levin played for him until then. Hell they even had Shankar from Shakti. Fantastic production. Tony had the best sound and of any bassist I've ever seen by a decent amount. What a badass.

[@rjw8631]

clearly a first-class human as well as an outstanding musician. his humility and contemplativeness are on clear display here

[@Doministry]

Fenomenal. It's amazing you did this. King Crimson is one of the most important music acts in rock history, Tony is a hero. People should know this, thank you!!!

[@fenderstratocastertelecast8479]

Steve howe once said : "it is so glad to find a musician wich always arrives to the studio/venue with all.the Homework done" and he refers Tony Levin during the ABWH years

[@jesusf.sosagordillo2634]

a big greeting to Tony Levin from the city of Mexicali, BajaProg 😎

[@jimw6659]

Warren, I love the confidence you have to not interrupt during your interviews and to just let your guests talk. Many people feel the need to interject and get their points across constantly, much to the detriment. Your questions feel so well researched and open that these conversations flow naturally; they’re a pleasure to listen to!

[@Producelikeapro]

Wow! Thanks ever so much JJ! You Rock!

[@chadyou812]

The drops about working on new Gabriel material in this makes me jump for joy

[@paulmattle6683]

It's cool to hear that he started playing tuba then went to bass. I started the same way.

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed 100%!

[@danepaulstewart8464]

How the hell does this genius have stories of listening to music in the FIFTIES??!! He seems much like a typical person barely even IN their 50’s! He is so dang amazing.

[@machine-madedog5059]

Tony Levin is my bass hero.. even though I'm a guitarist!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!

[@donmackie6086]

I met Tony and we talked very briefly after a King Crimson show in 1984 in Vancouver. He was friendly and approachable. I said, 'you're great!' He replied, 'thanks' and shook my hand. I was actually waiting to ask Robert Fripp a question when Tony emerged first from the rear exit of the venue. As a musician of 45 years, primarily an electric guitarist, I have Mr L as my #1 favorite bassist. There's many excellent players in the world, but most of these players that are sited by others, are far too busy for me. Tony's sublime low end, his fretless mastery, his creativity at utilizing new techniques, and his amazing body of work on the Chapman Stick make it easy for me to have him at that top position. Bows to you Maestro Master Levin! Much respect.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing that story! That sounds like an amazing experience and a wonderful show. I didn’t get to see them until the email ‘90s, it was amazing

[@donmackie6086]

@@Producelikeapro I first saw Tony in King Crimson in 1981 I think. One of the reasons I have a longer history with his work is because I'm 61. Thanks again for this excellent interview!

[@JayYarbroughMusic]

He has one the most infectious smiles I've seen! What a great guy/brilliant musician. Saw him on the Peter Gabriel 'So' tour which was beyond epic. His sound was phenomenal. Superb interview.

[@30Irwin]

Around '85 I had four albums I couldn't stop playing for months on end: Gabriel's Security, Gowan's Strange Animal, Joan Armatrading's Walk Under Ladders, and Crimson's 3 of a Perfect Pair. Common denominator: Tony was bass player for all of them! What a freakin' legend--so appreciative of those deep tones he's given us.

[@Producelikeapro]

Very well said and ALL masterpieces!

[@jbognap]

Tony's personality and communication mirror his approach to music.

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed 100%! Thanks ever so much!

[@AnthonyLee-Poet]

I remember Tony Levin being the Bass Player on Peter Gabriel's First Solo UK Tour (1975/76? - Sorry it is a long time ago) And He did indeed play the Tuba; I think it was on "Moribund The Burgermeister" Or "Excuse Me'". He has an Amazing way of infusing rhythm with that infectiousness that gets one moving. And when he ties in with the Drummer / Percussionist, it is sublime. He is a Superb Musician and One of The Top Bass Players on the Planet. I so enjoyed this interview. "Thank-You".

[@soundcanvas1450]

Just as nice to hear Tony Levin talk and share stories as it is to hear his playing.. Had the pleasure of shaking his hand & giving him my first CD in Toronto years ago and his way of receiving it with respect, attention and a honest thanks was memorable. Something quite Zen and down to Earth about his way in life.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, true;y a wonderful classy guy!

[@jefffree6990]

One of my heroes - saw him when Peter first broke out from Genesis. Standing spreadlegged on the edge of the stage with the Stick, there was spotlight behind him that lit up his ears - he looked possessed by a demon! But of course he's a really nice guy. A few years later I saw him with King Crimson at a club in NYC. There was a bar up in the balcony and the band was hanging by themselves before the show. I tried to eavesdrop to hear what cool things they'd be plotting. He was talking about a bunion on his foot! Tried to clumsily ask some question to him and Fripp about what surprises were in store. They were polite enough to tell me every night is a surprise!

[@LerockJohn]

He is the definition of successful humility...

[@Producelikeapro]

Agreed 100%!

[@advo1053]

I first saw Tony play on the concert recording of the King Crimson Three of a Perfect Pair tour. I thought he was the bald guy from Spirit. I didn’t know who he was until I saw the Peter Gabriel Secret World tour. He played magnificently, and added showmanship as well. I’ve been a fan since. Along with his KC and Peter Gabriel work, he released a pair of albums under Bozzio, Levin, and Stevens. My favorite is Black Light Syndrome, but Situation Dangerous is good as well. I so enjoy seeing and hearing him play.

[@jluther1755]

The Opening Of Robbie Robertson Somewhere down the Crazy River. Tony sets the Tone for That Graet song with His Solo Bass line.

[@TonyYouTubeChannel]

Not only a huge talent, but clearly a very humble gentleman. Similar to another comment below, I first saw Tony Levin on the first Peter Gabriel tour many moons ago. He has a great stage presence also.

[@aceedmond8053]

Wow thanks Tony! thanks Warren!

[@therealtwiggyleaf]

Great interview. Thanks very much!

[@68Snaps]

Wonderful personality! Thank you Warren for sharing such an inspiring interview.

[@salvadorlluch9865]

Fantastic, pleasant, informative and inspiring interview, great work Warren! Congrats and thanks!

[@MM1717mm]

Yes this has to be GREAT .... looking forward to checking it out a bit later, good sir 👍👍

[@1rwjwith]

Another ALL TIME LEGEND…THANKS FOR THE INTERVIEW!

[@EricGPLAP]

what an absolute legend. WOW

[@ministerofdarkness]

My favorite bass player of all time!! Pure Genius!

[@fml4542]

Saw Tony with Peter Gabriel twice: in the late 70’s (touring for the 1st PG album) and then again during the Growing Up tour. In between with King Crimson during the Discipline tour. He is a true master of the bass, and clearly a true gentleman. Thanks for the music, Tony!

[@MrMarcbolan]

what a guy thanks warren and tony

[@Joey-rp5vg]

Great interview. Thanks very much

[@IAmInfinitus208]

Love this guy's bass playing!

[@georgeshepherd3381]

Yes on Levin

[@canvoodoo]

Thanks for this Tony has been my bass hero since before I could play.

[@NOMADCREATIVESOLUTIONS]

A Musician's Musician.. Always a great listen when in conversation

[@chrismcwilliams2778]

Thank you Warren..what a wonderful interview..such a humble guy for all the daggers in my heart from his musicianship over the years. CHEERS!

[@julies2633]

Thank you for this wonderful interview. I love listening to musicians describe their craft. Tony Levin is incredible and the interview felt like I was in the room! Really informative and engaging. Looking forward to more interviews with you at the helm.

[@Doministry]

Woooooow. And Three of The Perfect Pair and Exposure... My favourite as well!!!

[@sspbrazil]

Lucky to get him at all as he always busy! Nice one Warren.

[@drutgat2]

Lovely guy. Good interview.

[@Kineticartist]

my all time favorite bass player

[@Vesohag]

Thank you so much for this interview! I love Tony Levin's work since I started to listen to Peter Gabriel. And was able to listen to him live one time here in Puebla, México a few years ago. Very chill and talented musician!

[@Beatledave7]

Loved it! Thank you both… good luck & enjoy the tours Tony!

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very welcome!

[@hinesification]

That was really great. Thanks

[@liftme225]

I love this musician Levin. Just so unique...and good!

[@dnscs]

Thanks for this great interview with Tony. I've seen him live with Peter Gabriel and loved hearing him open up about his many bands and projects.

[@mattdelany6799]

He is similar to Alex Lifeson in that he puts sugar on the track. Whatever “it” is, he has it. He is 76 years old here. Amazing. Sharp as a tack.

[@wyattfox4850]

Thanks guys for a great inner-view sharing all you have...Great to know Tony better after all these years. Hope to see you soon.

[@gr500music6]

What a smart guy. Great interview!

[@bschir]

Great questions! Joy

[@drpangloss6725]

A great musician and a great Man. Followed him since early '70s. Enjoyable conversation!

[@JT-si6bl]

Tony. He opened my perspective, and honed my attention. I owe you sir.

[@TheWriter86]

Great interview. Thanks for sharing. Tony is the man.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@provocase]

That was a great, informative interview! Great and one of a kind musician and a very kind and open person. I had the honour of seeing him play during Gabriel's So! tour back in the day... was baffled by his funk sticks then... hearing Tony and Manu Katché playing live was like pure honey for the ears and soul! Thanks for posting this, Warren!

[@PieCompanyGuitarsdotcom]

YES !!!

[@terrydoyle]

Wonderful interview

[@liquidsolids9415]

This was a fascinating interview. Thank you so much!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@Bring_MeSunshine]

Oh, I can't resist... I really wanted to see the Discipline, Beat,Three of a Perfect Pair era Crimson, live, but never got the chance - regrets. But I finally got to see KC with 3 drummers, at St Davids hall, Cardiff, with all those fantastic, classic, Red, Larks Tongues..., and Court... revitalised tunes, and it sounded excellent, sonically, performance and passion. I'm so glad Tony was there

[@geoffbeauchamp5861]

Great interview....well done

[@brusselslover9333]

Great interview!

[@rodnattrass7021]

Fantastic!

[@thomaspacker2626]

Saw them on the Discipline tour.Phenomenal and impressed with his openness to provide what’s needed in so many ways! Kudos on the incredible interview with the remarkable questions and answers!

[@darrellfarnsworth2714]

Wonderful discussion 👏

[@magneticpitch]

terrific interview of an amazing musician! loving this episode.. cheers!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@stanls265]

Learning the tune "Breathless" was a great day for me, something very special. We played it in the fusion group I was in around St. Louis at the time and people really enjoyed it.

[@Chuin37]

Thank you for this, Tony has been one of the more fascinating bassists in music yet today is the first time I ever heard him speak.

[@onthatdirtroad]

Levin is so next level.... Your channel is fantastic.

[@richfox1255]

Thanks to both of you for such a thoughtful conversation.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks for watching

[@wietzejohanneskrikke1910]

This was absolutely wonderful. Thank you.

[@Producelikeapro]

You're very welcome!

[@chrismannion3418]

Great interview and so glad to hear him tell his story. A great musician, he appears in so much of my collection. Seen him live, and he comes across as a down to earth, one day at a time guy. Wonderful to see /listen to. Thank you

[@tone9930]

Loved this!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@Nick_Barre]

Super closing comment from Tony-crediting your great questions. Thanks for the great interviews Warren. You're in my top 4 music channels along with a Rick Beato, your pals at Anderton's, and That Pedal Show. Keep up the great work. Best wishes to you.

[@Ballacks101]

Loved the interveiw. Very excited to hear that there might be a new PG album on the horizon. We've been waiting for so long.

[@Producelikeapro]

Me too!!

[@RinnRuannan]

Tony Levin is one of my inspirations whenever I'm playing bass guitar, every time. Wonderful interview. Thank you for this.

[@jodylowe8476]

i remember seeing toni when i was a kid. one of those iconic dudes that always caught my attention.

[@afitzsimons]

The joy in watching Tony prance around the stage with Peter Gabriel on Solsbury Hill.

[@Producelikeapro]

Absolutely

[@Producelikeapro]

Saw him the other day with his band the Stick Men, it was amazing!

[@frededelmaier3022]

What a great interview ... What a humble guy Tony is!! WOW Had a brief opportunity to meet him at a NAMM show while he was demonstrating the Chapman Stick!

[@abrackas1]

Love his work with Liquid Tension Experiment. Legend!

[@johngalt5411]

The Bruford/Levin group releases are magical; one studio and one live. And also Cloud About Mercury with David Torn. Amazing stuff.

[@KordTaylor]

What a great interview! Tony is amazing and so cool that you would do this. ❤️

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@bugmanuk]

Nooo way! This is incredible.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much!