Tony Franklin • Plays & Discusses Blue Murder's Heaviest Song

[@mattonbass]

To see you, Carmine, and John reunited for a jam, even if ONLY for KZbin, would bring SO many people profound joy and happiness.

[@FretlessMonster]

I hear ya.

[@MrIgorek13]

@@FretlessMonster Tony I start to established solid financial firm just because of you guys, Blue Murder! Hope be able to pay John any amount asking!

[@JoseBenitez-rj2dl]

This right here!!!

[@hydorah]

If Blue Murder reunited now, they'd clean up I reckon. Proper music is a void!

[@rnt77]

That’s impossible because Carmine is too busy turning down the Beatles, being asked to reform Led Zeppelin, turning down an offer to be Secretary of State, discovering electricity and being told how much better he is than Tommy Aldridge

[@michaelschmidt9708]

Tony, I know the original BLUE MURDER was only a brief supernova but we, the fans, and admiring musos, can never thank you three musketeers enough for making this album. An absolutely incredible piece of art!

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you! I truly appreciate that. It was a rare moment - a supernova as you say - that even we couldn’t replicate. The times, the music, the industry, the music and the musicians. The stars aligned - just for long enough to allow this to happen. 👏🏻🤩🙏🏻

[@michaelschmidt9708]

@@FretlessMonster So true. And thank the gods it did happen. BUT, I still have not given up hope that maybe one day you and John - and if not with Carmine, some other drummer - will bring this music back to the stage. It's not too late for you guys to perform at an extremely high level. Even BM at 90% would be far superior to most any band out there today.

[@mikal]

That's crazy, I didn't realize John was already writing the Blue Murder stuff before the '87 WS album even came out. So he didn't even know the success that the WS album was going to have before he started this. Somehow, that makes the Blue Murder stuff even better to me.

[@FretlessMonster]

Yes indeed. It was a good few months before the album came out. John was hungry to make this album.

[@MrIgorek13]

Totally agreed ❤

[@tubo777]

Blue Murder was on of the best bands ever, very unique style and off the charts musicianship! Thanks for sharing this with us

[@FretlessMonster]

Great!! Thanks so much 👍🏻😊

[@MrIgorek13]

​@@FretlessMonsteryou are living Legends and wish John Happiest Birthday❤ please pass it❤

[@arcarajj]

Funny, Tony pops up on my KZbin now. Last night a shit load of Carmine Appice vids came and he commonly was talking about Blue Murder and then some really cool Blue Murder vids popped up. Carmine, Tony & John are gods and that Blue Murder album was epic and forever in our hearts/ears. It’s a sad way that the three of you are not making new material and touring together, but we all know that’s on John. He’s pulling a Vito Bratta (Guitarist/White Lion) and being reclusive. Tony, your playing is one of a kind. Thank you for being active With your great playing and continuing to be relevant and out on the road. God bless 👍🏼🙏🏼✝️

[@FretlessMonster]

The algorithms brought you here! Haha. Thanks for your great comments. Truly. It’s actually not all on John. He and I have jammed together. He and I may do something but not as BM. We’ll see. It’s a killer album for sure. I think it still holds up. All the best. God bless

[@arcarajj]

@@FretlessMonster👍🏼❤️

[@jamescoderre9595]

Thanks Tony for the play through & back story, what an awesome killer line up Blue Murder was. 😀👍

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks James. My pleasure. I love(d) that band!!! 💙

[@jamescoderre9595]

@@FretlessMonster Any chance of Blue Murder ever getting back together to write new music 😀

[@christianpoint0888]

You guys had lighting in a bottle for that first album ! It sure stood out in that sea of hair metal ! This goes without saying but you have the best resume in rock ! You have played with the greats ! It’s been a pleasure , thank u !

[@MrShockotaco]

Saw Blue murder when they opened for Bon Jovi in Atlanta during the New Jersey tour. I was 3 rows back and became an instant proponent for this awesome trio

[@FretlessMonster]

I loved doing those Bon Jovi shows.

[@SteelTearsJulie]

Ptolemy 🔥 Smokin’ 🔥🔥 vocals, instrumental, stage performance 🔥🔥🔥🔥 I could only find one live performance, found it live in Tokyo… Ty, Tony for sharing 🤘🎸🎶✌️❤️

[@kensurrency2564]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@FretlessMonster]

We were on fire in 1989 - Tokyo. Potent stuff. 🤩👍🏻

[@MrIgorek13]

​@@FretlessMonsterYou are was Insanely on fire❤love you guys!

[@Im_T.O.]

This album is amazing. Had it on vinyl. Metal with a fretless made it so different. Love it.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks for that. I suppose the Fretless adds an unexpected twist. Not often heard in rock. 😜👍🏻🤩

[@jettrink9502]

Best bassist ever ! Loved the Firm and loved Blue Murder ! First album was simply incredible! Cheers from Ukraine

[@FretlessMonster]

You’re very kind. Thank you!!! 🙌🏻🤩 All the best to you in Ukraine

[@scottwhite2757]

Excellent Tony to play Bass with Cozy must have been incredible..🤘🏻

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks as always. Cozy was one of a kind

[@540chevhell9]

I loved that album as soon as I heard it Tony and 34 years later nothings changed. Superb musicianship and incredible energy!! Thank you Tony, always.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much! I love the album too. The stars aligned.

[@thomas3487]

Love Ptolemy...never saw Blue Murder but played the hell out of that cassette. These guys were so good.

[@FretlessMonster]

Fantastic. Thanks so much.

[@RC32Smiths01]

Quite a lot of history with the band, as well as just the song alone! Always love to see it!

[@FretlessMonster]

Great. Thanks for watching

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@FretlessMonster My pleasure !

[@Robbo90125]

Blue Murder such a killer band!!! Just wanna say thank you for being part in that band! It wouldn’t be the same without you! And hey are you ever gonna get that same hairstyle back that you had in the 80s? Haha

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha. Thanks. I won’t be revisiting that hairstyle. 😂😂 There was such a great chemistry between us. A rare moment in time.

[@sydneysheppard4979]

Tony baby!!!! I just found this gem!! Im off twitter an face book...i unplugged permanently...great to see you playing baby blue still!!!! Ill chime in again from time to time...missed being on your friends list..always a pleasure mate!!! Chow🇺🇲🇬🇧😎✌️💪

[@FretlessMonster]

Very cool. I’m glad you found me here. 😊 There’s lots to enjoy!! Cheers!

[@user-pm3tb5wz2o]

Thanks for sharing this.and as always your playing is on another level. another

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you 🙌🏻🤩

[@gavinvalentino6002]

Thank you for being you, and for being involved in the musical & emotional chapters of the soundtrack of my life.

[@FretlessMonster]

Wow. That means so much. Thanks for that. Let’s keep it going 👏🏻🤩😊

[@g-willieb3100]

I fell in love with Johns playing style when he was in Tygers, then of course Thin Lizzy and then IMO he took Whitesnake from a heavy blues-rock band with famous musicians to one of the BIGGEST bands in the world with his writing and playing on the Whitesnake album. After he left i lost track of him (i was stationed in Spain) and stumbled upon a Blue Murder cassette in a Madrid record shop and bought it for about $3US not even knowing it was John, you Tony freekin Franklin from The Firm, and Carmine..... As soon as i put it in the Blaupunkt i had in my Spanish Ford Fiesta and heard the first guitar part in RIOT, i knew i had stumbled on a masterpiece! I absolutely love the chemistry between you and John!!

[@FretlessMonster]

Such a cool story. Thanks for sharing it. Yes John is an incredible talent. And the chemistry between bus was powerful! All the best!

[@tortminator3675]

One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite bands. I’m a sucker for anything with Sykes on it. Me and my friends would absolutely LOVE to see John Sykes play out and release that new sy-ops album he’s hiding.

[@FretlessMonster]

I hear you. There’s more to it than that. And I’m not at liberty to say. I hope he can get the album out for sure. He’s amazing.

[@redknightprez]

​@FretlessMonster Tony...please tell JS that the world is waiting for good music again...and we need it now more than ever. Would love to see you guys put that lightening in a bottle again!

[@marcelorojas5461]

Thanks Tony, from Chile, you are a friend, thanks for sharing. You are a legend!!!

[@FretlessMonster]

Truly appreciate that. All the best to you in Chile! 👍🏻😊

[@ontplates]

Loved this album when it came out. Me n my bro listened and dissected every song. Ptolemy was for the solo junkies no doubt about it...haha. I personally liked the title track Blue Murder, had a nice crunchy riff, felt great to play and the harmonics were a nice touch. Thks for this vid man, luv ur style, brings back awesome memories

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks for your great comment. I love hearing these things from back then. I still love this album.

[@darkbluebossa]

So cool that you shared a Blue Murder story, Tony. I love BM and it´s kind of frustrating that we have little info about John Sykes, one of my fave guitar players. So, please share more stories in the next videos.

[@FretlessMonster]

Appreciate that. I love sharing this stuff.

[@Famsoares74]

Impossible not to sing !!! Very melodical and super heavy!!!!

[@FretlessMonster]

Right? I was singing along in my head. Very heavy.

[@ronforeman2556]

'We were just on a trajectory, goin' somewhere, and we weren't gonna stop until we felt like comin' back!" -- Tony Franklin, describing the early days of "Blue Murder." Well, Tony, we long-suffering fans are still waiting for John Sykes to come back and finish what you started all those years ago. At this point, I'd crawl on my belly across broken glass if it would help John see the long-promised "new" album through to fruition. But certainly you all don't necessarily the occasion of new material to justify hitting the road to play a few sell-out dates. Sigh!

[@FretlessMonster]

Ah I know you’re not alone. I wish I had news for you.

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha. I liked that trajectory comment too. All unplanned 😂😂👏🏻👏🏻

[@Hipoporita]

Mystical indeed... I always wondered where John's inspiration came from for Ptolemy & Valley of the Kings. So out there as the themes for a rock song. You and John and Carmine, truly a match made in Rock Heaven🎸🌟🤩 Still dreaming of Blue Murder reunion...💙💙💙

[@FretlessMonster]

Not 100% sure where he first learned about the subject matter. Great stories for songs.

[@fspdg]

Man, thanks for sharing this piece. Ptolemy is by far my favorite song from the album, and it is so... Unbelievably awesome... to see and hear this from you 33 years later. Much appreciated! Keep shredding!

[@FretlessMonster]

Great. Thanks so much. It’s fun to play it. It’s a jam!

[@mattdalley9938]

That was always my favorite track on the album. I just heard it on the radio the other day. What a great song! What a great bass tone. You da man, Tony!

[@FretlessMonster]

Great. Thank you. Nice to hear that it’s still being played. Love this song.

[@garyunsworth726]

I absolutely love your fretless style Tony i loved it with Blue Murder and The Firm and i still love it now

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you so much.

[@hdr96k]

That is such a fantastic song. One of my favorites on the album.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you. I humbly agree.

[@SteelTearsJulie]

Smokin’ Not only did go, you ran with it 🔥🔥🤘🤘 Awesome. Ty, for the ride 🤘🎸🎶 you’re always amazing…. now I’m gonna go look up the song, give it a listen. Rock on Tony 🤘🎸🎶✌️❤️

[@FretlessMonster]

Great. Thank you!! Enjoy! And turn it up!! 🔥🤩

[@klaytonmayeaux8966]

This song is one of my favorites from the album along with Valley of the Kings and Billy. It's such a dark & foreboding groove! I thought it was even more underrated than some of John's other songs.

[@FretlessMonster]

It’s a hidden heavy gem. Definitely a highlight on the album.

[@martynmiles9778]

Don't forget Tony Martin wrote valley of the king's

[@senemorcaykalyoncu6369]

AWESOME AWESOME ...TONY IS THE MAN, WHEN YOU WANNA HEAR SOME REALLY GOOD FRETLESS STUFF WHICH HAS DEPTH, PUNCH, CHARACTER AND ORIGINALITY...

[@FretlessMonster]

🙏🏻🤩

[@danriley5848]

I will never forget the first time that I heard the album I was blown away by what you guys created, amazing.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much. I love that album.

[@canyoncarver]

I bought the vinyl when it came out and still put it on the turntable. It's one of few of my albums NOT arranged in alphabetical order, but always on display for quick access. Furthermore, I am planning on getting the gold BM logo resized and transferred onto a small water-slide decal. The idea is to place it on the headstock of the blue burst Les Paul kit I built. It's an hommage to a band and a guitar wizzard that have informed the way I play guitar for over 30 years... EVH being the other master behind my passion and dedication to making glorious noise. These two cats are my guitar godfathers. Also make sure to check out John's two more recent tunes, both real rippers!

[@tomtom4730]

such a shreddy song, very awesome bass playing.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you so much. It’s an intense song for sure. 🤩👍🏻

[@jasoncornell1481]

I feel as though me bass playing has been bollocks lately, but I suppose that I should just carry on and sort it out. anyway, cheers for the wonderful inspiration and lessons on the improvement of me playing! Love from Stoke-On -Trent! 👍🎸🇬🇧

[@FretlessMonster]

Just keep on. We all go through those periods. That’s the time to keep pushing through it.

[@jasoncornell1481]

@@FretlessMonster 👍🎸🇬🇧

[@ArtbyPaulPetro]

I feel SO incredibly fortunate to have seen Blue Murder live in a small club in New Haven CT (Toad's Place) and no shit you guys blew the fucking roof off that place! I can still vividly hear your hilarious bass solo where you broke into "If I only had a Brain" from The Wizard of Oz haha

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha. Thanks for that. Such great memories. I got a shirt from Toad’s Place. Fantastic days!!

[@totigerus]

I love Blue Murder so much it hurts.

[@FretlessMonster]

Ouch. Thanks!!

[@dannywest9510]

Valley of the Kings is still one of my top songs to listen to

[@FretlessMonster]

Nice! Thanks so much.

[@chosenone7584]

Love Blue Murder. 3 extremely talented artist. Love watching your video's. John's playing and singing incredible.

[@FretlessMonster]

Great! Thanks so much

[@vlassisnikas7634]

Way to go Mr. Franklin. Keep on rocking. Blue Murder were amazing. Your bass lines on "It's too late" demo are epic. R.I.P. Cozy Powell and Ray Gillen.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you! Digging deep with Too Late. Yes RIP Cozy and Ray.

[@toddstropicals]

I remember the song, I've just not heard it in so long I'm going to look it up and listen! I do recall my old drummer Steve and I, our jaws dropped. And then Steve looked at me and said "looks like your going to need a fretless bass!"

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha. I love that. Yeah check it out. It’s ferocious!

[@Michael-bl4no]

Killer bassist! Love Blue Murder

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you!! (I love Blue Murder too!)… 😂🤷‍♂️👏🏻

[@jandvadams]

I remember when you in The Firm. That's what caught my attention to your playing. Of course, when Blue Murder came out and I got to listen to it, I was blown away. Blue Murder was lightening in a bottle. I love that whole album. It's fire. This song is a crusher for sure. I love John's playing. I think he is a very underrated guitar player. I also think you should receive more recognition for your work. You're incredible. I love Jellyroll as well. When the song breaks down to the love can break your heart section, you play some of the most beautiful bass lines.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you so much. I truly appreciate that. I love that band. I sometimes use the same phrase - lightning in a bottle. We had a unique and powerful chemistry. 🔥🤩

[@dwaynewladyka577]

That was totally awesome! Cheers, Tony! 👍👍✌️

[@FretlessMonster]

Cheers. Thanks Dwayne.

[@drloqutis2492]

Just went back and listened to it, what a great riff and band. I would love t see you guys do it today!!!

[@FretlessMonster]

You’re not alone in that sentiment apparently 👏🏻🤩

[@aaronkristo858]

Such a unique style. You are an incredible talent Tony. You bring something special to every situation you enter.

[@FretlessMonster]

I truly appreciate that! Thanks so much!!

[@kennethhacker3014]

Good sound Tony ..! It's a very busy song and think that's what makes it soo killer ..thank you sir...

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@barackmycat9448]

I have learned (after 50 yrs.) the players that make their playing look simple are the best of all. You have some awesome tricks that are not easy on top of that.

[@FretlessMonster]

Ah thank you for that. As I often say, it takes a lot of hard work to make something look easy! 🤷‍♂️🤪🙏🏻

[@MrBlackskye]

Hi Tony...loved your work w this & The Firm. I saw you when Blue Murder & Kings X played w Billy Squier in late '89 at the Brady Theater in Tulsa. Great show, both you & King's X waaaay solid!!!! 🤙🏼🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you! That was a crazy tour. Unusual bill. Love the King’s X guys.

[@atquinn1975]

Ptolemy is an awesome song, like so many off that album!

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much!!!

[@Erkki_Mela]

An absolute favorite from the record!! 🔥🔥

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you! Me too!! 😊👍🏻

[@GBD867]

Happy New Year 2024. I wish all best.

[@FretlessMonster]

Happy 2024.

[@trulyintense6613]

Stupid good! Absolutely luv Blue Murder!🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much 👍🏻🤩

[@trulyintense6613]

@@FretlessMonster at some point in the near future, I will be releasing a cover version of “Billy” that we did many years ago. I’m working on a remix & master of it. If there’s any way to get it to you I would luv the opportunity to share it with you!

[@tomyost3959]

Ya man. Realy cool , this is Majortom formerly of Miss crazy , sounds great ,

[@FretlessMonster]

Cool!! Thanks so much. Hope you’re good

[@elzippo488]

Dam now you make me want to piece together a fretless PJ. Thanks for breaking down the mechanics of that one.

[@FretlessMonster]

They’re fun to play. Do it.

[@philosophicalutopia9297]

Tony, thanks. Happiest Holidays from NY! Great playing. Rocknroll!

[@FretlessMonster]

Happy Holidays. Thanks so much

[@philosophicalutopia9297]

@@FretlessMonster you bet my friend.

[@lion5150]

Good thing is alway there. Tony, please put them all together. I’m begging you with true mind.

[@FretlessMonster]

I think the time has passed. The party is over but at least the party happened.

[@lion5150]

@@FretlessMonster If you say No it’s no. But you still have that skill of bass playing. Please listen to my voice and my friends.

[@FretlessMonster]

❤️❤️

[@bigwhisky6157]

Valley of the Kings is still, to this day, one of my favorite songs!

[@FretlessMonster]

Love that. Thanks so much.

[@ZRATAN69]

I know blue Murder will Not reunite, At least we have the memories and the music..😎🎸🎼🤎

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks for your nice comment. Some people are not so understanding 🤷‍♂️🤪🤩

[@lightnintrucker]

Baby Blue sure has to some amazing harmonics. I just got a 5 string Dingwall Super J, a fretted bass. And I absolutely love it!

[@FretlessMonster]

Yes she’s rich in tones and harmonics. Glad you found a bass you’re happy with too!

[@lightnintrucker]

@@FretlessMonster what are your thoughts on Dingwall basses?

[@DrTomoculus]

Thank you for the upload. By the time Blue Murder came around, I was so deep into King's X, I couldn't see anything else. "Ptolemy" kicks ass! John has such a great voice, one would think it would be enough he's such an awesome guitarist. Sorry for missing Blue Murder the first time around. (I've been a fan of you since The Firm.) :D

[@FretlessMonster]

No apologies necessary! Glad you caught onto us. We were in a zone. John is an immense talent for sure. And King’s X is 🔥

[@DrTomoculus]

@@FretlessMonster I just watched a performance in Tokyo of "Billy" and "Ptolemy". (20/8/1989) Zone? You were creating your own portal! :D Really sorry I missed you guys. I honestly saw very little of you on "Headbanger's Ball" , and I watched that quite regularly. I may have seen "Valley of the Kings" once. Just once.

[@DrTomoculus]

@@FretlessMonster This being the performance kzbin.info/www/bejne/iprJeIajhrSVpJo

[@phillippitts6294]

I worked a blue murder show, they opened for Bon Jovi . John Sykes was in catering, had a nice conversation with him. He showed me his little acoustic he was using for warming up . Got all 3 guys autographs. Carmine and Tony were just as friendly as John . Only other person like that was Billy Duffy of the Cult . Super nice man.

[@FretlessMonster]

Great to hear. The Bon Jovi shows were very special for us. They treated us well. Some of our earlier shows.

[@Commtech72]

Do you now wear shoes? 😂 Would love to see a reunion of blue murder.

[@FretlessMonster]

I only went shoeless in 1989. Not since then.

[@justinandsheba]

Fantastic man. I want a fretless just so I can do those sliding harmonics!!

[@FretlessMonster]

They’re fun! And useful. 🤩👍🏻

[@vhernandesv]

Fantastic Tony!

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you!!

[@b.scottfarthingsworth]

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥great song and album, John read this and get off the toilet and do this

[@FretlessMonster]

😂😂😂

[@sticksandbones6987]

Hi Tony! I'm a drummer not a bass player. When I was a kid in the late 80's my friend had the BM cd and I listened to it but never really got into it. I guess I was too wrapped up in other bands at the time. Anyway for whatever reason I recently started learning note for note (and all the awesome little ambiances if you will) the tune "Blue Murder." I've always dug Carmine's playing and that song is killer... But bro... Your bass playing!!! Off the fucking hook man! I'm pretty sure you're my new favorite bassist! Incredible player and incredible showmanship! Plus you seem like a chill dude as well! Just wanted to say cheers from a new fan! Really dig your stuff bro! Cheers!

[@FretlessMonster]

I truly appreciate that! We had a powerful chemistry in that band. It really brought out the best in all of us. Thanks again Cheers TF

[@SourSnatch]

Rock On!!!

[@jonathanrichard6881]

Tony Long Time Don't see!!! Hope all is well !! Cheers Mate!!! 🌠🌠🌠🔥🎸🎸🎸🎧

[@FretlessMonster]

Cheers! All is good 🙏🏻🤪🤩👏🏻

[@jonathanrichard6881]

Tony remember we met in Lake Charles, La. and took pictures at the Casino. Im only on KZbin now days. I still record in my home Studio. I am working with Warren Huart.. I play Drums and have a New Sakae Drumset. Recording with Bands from LA to Nashville to London. Blessed to know You ,Warren and Carmine Cheers!🤩💖✌🙋💂🎩@@FretlessMonster

[@jeffpotts6187]

Ptolemy was my favorite song on that album. I used to play to it all of the time. Turn up the distortion, flip on the chorus, and get a nice, beefy rhythm guitar sound. Blue Murder was one of my favorite groups at that time. I forgot all about frickin' Whitesnake when I discovered Tony and Carmine had joined up with Sykes. Whitesnake had two good albums (Slide it in and 87), and after that they sounded pathetic). Blue Murder had all the gravitas, sound, and talent. It's a shame that it'll never be again.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks for that. Yeah the stars aligned for this one album. The moment is non-repeatable - but at least it happened! 👍🏻🤩

[@serenehamilton8186]

" Something like that 😀 " 😀💙💙💙💙💙

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha yes indeed. 🤷‍♂️😂

[@S-dr7jx]

Cadillac with The Firm 🔥🔥🔥

[@FretlessMonster]

I love that song! And live it went to another stratosphere 🤩🔥

[@user-ib9zm5kf3m]

Tony Franklin good luck. Благодарю за рассказ и отличное исполнение. Всех благ Вам.

[@FretlessMonster]

🤩👏🏻❤️

[@exluna-scientia]

Was just learning Ptolemy on guitar and I'm going to say the main riff is not as straightforward as it seems, at least I was hearing it slightly differently in my head. And then went to learn and listened closely and was like "ooooh" :) Should I try learning it on a fretted bass, hmm? Can't play fretless to save my life 😂 Thank you so much Tony for these videos!

[@FretlessMonster]

Ah. Yes it’s definitely not straightforward! 🤩😊 While it sounds great on the Fretless, you can still have fun with it on fretted. 👍🏻😊

[@verminfawlty-arat.5650]

Fantastic....Tony Franklin is a master of the fretless bass... Great band... Great Songs Great players......most bands,just don't have the chemistry the original Blue Murder had......

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much!! We definitely had a powerful and natural chemistry.

[@larschriss619]

Love Blue Murder!!

[@FretlessMonster]

(Me too!)… 😂👍🏻

[@jamescotton9269]

Love every song on the album amazing band.I have to ask did you play with appear on the Video for Give Blood? Playing with Pete Townsend and Simon Phillips?The Deep end.

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much. I believe the Give Blood video was Pino Palladino

[@troyevitt2437]

Blue Murder inspired me to go fretless as a metal bassist. I was gonna take the frets off my Steinberger L-2 but I found a trade-in deal on the same model minus the frets, PLUS a string so I traded an L-2 for a fretless L-2/5.

[@FretlessMonster]

Nice!! I’m happy I could provide the Fretless “spark” like Jaco did for me! Cheers!

[@troyevitt2437]

@@FretlessMonster B/M played my area after you left. The bass player played fretted. Never understood how Sykes thought he could make THAT work.

[@hydorah]

Sounds great! love the north Arab / moorish kind of thing around 5:27 ish. Really great lines Tony. You boys as Blue Murder deserved more than you got, I think. A fair bit of mismarketing perhaps?

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much. There were many elements and factors.

[@crimfan]

Sykes took those moments that Jimmy Page had in Zeppelin like "Kashmir" and turned them up to 11. The middle part of "Still of the Night" is another example. I really love the fretless in hard rock, too... I play fretless and the things you did really inspired me and opened me up to doing things like using a pick when the song called for it.

[@FretlessMonster]

Totally agree on your comments about John Sykes. He’s an amazing talent. Fretless is perfect for rock! 👏🏻🔥 Funny how some people still frown upon me using the pick! 🤷‍♂️😂

[@crimfan]

@@FretlessMonster You and Carmine were no slouches, either. A band is never better than its rhythm section and you guys absolutely rocked. As to a pick on a fretless, I mostly don't use one but the fact that the two Tonys---you and Tony Levin---used picks on fretless gave me "permission" to do it.

[@LorenScott69]

Awesome!!

[@bAgRiMoIrEsS.4]

Ultra cool !!

[@FretlessMonster]

Thank you 😊

[@pine3737]

I love it! I have played my best fills saving the groove! (and my ass!)!

[@FretlessMonster]

I love that

[@beornthebear.8220]

I love John's main lead in Ptolemy. It's dissonance hits me.

[@FretlessMonster]

I hear ya. Totally agree

[@philstone3859]

Coolness

[@FretlessMonster]

🤩👏🏻

[@andreirlmeier]

No discussion, monster it , master it

[@FretlessMonster]

👏🏻👏🏻🔥🔥🤩🤩

[@butchjones3497]

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@FretlessMonster]

🤩🔥👍🏻👍🏻

[@TheTruthseeker59]

the fretless monster!!

[@FretlessMonster]

🤩🤩🔥🔥👏🏻👏🏻

[@roentgen571]

Jeez, Tony, if I could play like anyone in the world, it'd be you. And I'm a fan of Geddy, Billy Sheehan, and Steve Harris. lol

[@FretlessMonster]

That means so much. Thank you 🤩🔥

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

i think john can give a lot of people a run for the $$$ i heard white snake solos and was like holy shit. john sykes. is pretty bad ass. 👍👍👍

[@FretlessMonster]

Haha. Yes indeed. His tenure in Whitesnake was the only time they had one guitar. Amazing player.

[@joemartucci4786]

New subscriber & bassist here. Always loved your playing very distinctive. Blue Murder was such a great band. You make playing a fretless so effortless lol I can usually tell if you're on a track or not. Anyway what kind of strings are you using & are there position markers on your basses on the side of the neck?

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks so much and welcome aboard! I’ve been using DR Sunbeams for over 30 years. They’re rounds. Love them. I just have the side dot markers. No lines.

[@joemartucci4786]

@@FretlessMonster thanks for the reply. Normally I use roto sound round wounds but a buddy of mine who owns a music store gave me a set of DR neons to try I'll have to slap em on & try them out. Although I think pink neon strings on a blue music man bass might look funny but ....why not lol. Also I've been using SVTS forever what rig do you use? Sorry about all the questions.

[@oliveroneill1388]

Just about got away with it . Great song too

[@FretlessMonster]

Love the song. Fun to play. I suppose Fretless wouldn’t be the obvious choice. It was the only choice for me 👏🏻🤩

[@MaTuTaM1]

Maestro!!!...what great bass lines for great songs...what happened to Sykes????...being such a great guitarist, singer and songwriter, I would have expected a more prolific career.

[@FretlessMonster]

He released a bunch of solo albums. Not sure if you’ve heard those. Plus a lot of touring with Thin Lizzy.

[@prismblue8514]

Question for all the people who comment here...I've noticed that Tony always ( I think) has his 1st finger in a position that he's going to play a minor scale. Does Tony play a Major scale in this fingering position? ( I was taught to play your first finger on the root when playing a minor scale. And use your middle finger when playing a Major scale ( 2nd finger 3rd major and pinky 5th) Yes, you can jump frets to make a major scale in Tony's 1st position. Tony doesn't seems to stretch out his fingers. Looks easy.. I know it's not. Thoughts anyone?

[@FretlessMonster]

It does vary occasionally, but I usually start the scale with the same fingering you mentioned. It falls under the fingers best that way. 👍🏻😊

[@MrIgorek13]

Tony please excuse me but Happiest Birthday to John❤ i loved BM much better than WS❤i meet David and Snakes after White Nights Festival in my native Saint Petersburg ❤have such a great party after. Friend of mine was organized WS tour❤

[@FretlessMonster]

Thanks for that. Happy Birthday to John. I’m sure that was a wild party back then! 🙃 All the best.

[@MrIgorek13]

@@FretlessMonster we love you guys infinite!

[@user-qt1rr5tk9i]

The swan song was completed

[@FretlessMonster]

That’s right. I think it was worth the wait. What do you think?

[@iainholmes2735]

Tony, enjoyed the vid. Quick question: of all the guitarists you have played with who was the loudest. Cheers!

[@FretlessMonster]

Ha! Interesting question. Never thought about it. Probably - though not 100% sure - John Sykes.

[@iainholmes2735]

@@FretlessMonster I'm not really surprised. What a fantastic guitarist. I saw a KZbin clip of Blue Murder earlier today and it got me wondering. Cheers for all your great music. Best regards. Iain. Herts

[@FretlessMonster]

Great. Yeah John is amazing. I loved that band.

[@waynesmith6325]

Blue Murder got screwed by the Grunge wave.....if you guys had come out in the early 80's you'd have been HUGE IMO!!

[@FretlessMonster]

Well… the BM album came out in 1989. Grunge didn’t hit until 1991. There were other factors though.

[@waynesmith6325]

@@FretlessMonster True but MTV at that time was shifting it's demographic to other genres they were pushing, then bam Grunge hit. LOVE you Guys I saw Valley of the Kings Video in College on VH1 and was HOOKED!!

[@cymro6537]

So glad that I've _finally_ learnt how to pronounce the song , 'Ptolemy' - with a silent 'p' Thanks. 👍🤘 Or should that be, 'Pthanks' 🤔

[@FretlessMonster]

😂😂👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻