Bruce Thomas Interview

This week we welcome a special guest who, by his own definition, plays bass and writes books. 

In terms of the former skill set, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Bruce Thomas has added his distinctive, highly melodic and punchy bass lines with Elvis Costello & The Attractions, The Pretenders, Suzanne Vega, Al Stewart, Quiver, Billy Bragg, Tasmin Archer, The Roadrunners (featuring Paul Rodgers on vocals) and many more. And, as a writer, Thomas was responsible for bringing to life the definitive biography of martial arts star Bruce Lee entitled "The Fighting Spirit". In addition to having several other literary projects in the pipeline - his latest book, "Rough Notes", was released last summer. This exciting best seller is both an autobiography and a cultural history covering Bruce's entire career in music with a particular focus on his twenty years on, and off, as an Attraction. 

The pair discuss his latest book, complex band dynamics, "that" infamous run-in with Stephen Stills, backstage shenanigans, the gestation of the bass line to "Pump It Up", making musical pilgrimages and explore some intensive gear geekery along the way including the development of Thomas's signature bass called "The Profile".