Sky Arts Reveals the Nations Greatest Basslines and Queen Reign Supreme

Thursday 27 November 2025

Sky Arts Reveals the Nation's Greatest Basslines - and Queen Reign Supreme

The UK's most iconic basslines have been revealed in a new nationwide poll, with Queen's unmistakable grooves claiming four of the top 10 spots. The research celebrates the launch of Greatest Basslines, a brand-new three-part documentary series from Sony Music Vision launching on Sky Arts and NOW on Friday 28 November.

Topping the list is Queen's Another One Bites the Dust, followed closely by Michael Jackson's Billie Jean and Queen's Under Pressure. Queen bassist John Deacon was also voted the greatest bass player of all time.

The research, commissioned by Sky, polled 2,000 music lovers to uncover the most memorable and influential basslines in music history. Other standout tracks in the top 10 include The Chain by Fleetwood Mac, Come Together by The Beatles, and Stand by Me by Ben E. King.

Also making the top 30 are genre-defining hits such as Good Times by Chic, With or Without You by U2, and Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division.

Legendary bass player Peter Hook, (New Order, Joy Division) said: Basslines are the heartbeat of so many iconic tracks. I'll always remember a guitarist asking me, cant you just play root notes on this one?! My answer....NO! Greatest Basslines is a celebration of those grooves that have shaped music history, so no surprise to see Queens Jon Deacon leading the charge. Another one bites the dust. This shows how deeply Basslines resonate.

The study also found that nearly half (47%) of respondents believe bassists are the coolest members of any band, while 63% feel the instrument is underrated in popular music. When it comes to what makes a bassline iconic, 56% said it's all about a memorable rhythm, while 51% believe it should drive the entire song.

The new Sky Arts series from Sony Music Vision Greatest Basslines will explore the stories behind these legendary grooves, featuring interviews with iconic musicians, producers and fans, and celebrating the unsung heroes of the rhythm section.

Greatest Basslines launches 28 November at 9pm on Sky Arts, Freeview and streaming service NOW

Each episode of Greatest Basslines is authored by a legendary bassist, offering a personal take on the instrument's influence across genres and generations:

Episode 1 - authored by Peter Hook (Joy Division, New Order) will air Friday 28 November at 9pm.

Episode 2, authored by Melissa Auf der Maur (Hole, The Smashing Pumpkins), will air Saturday 29 November at 9pm.

Episode 3, authored by Nate Mendel (Foo Fighters), will air Sunday 30 November at 9pm.

The Top 30 Basslines, as voted for:

Another One Bites the Dust - Queen

Billie Jean - Michael Jackson

Under Pressure - Queen

The Chain - Fleetwood Mac

Radio Gaga - Queen

Come Together - The Beatles

Stand By Me - Ben E. King

Killer Queen - Queen

Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2) - Pink Floyd

Walking on the Moon - The Police

I Want You Back - The Jackson 5

Money - Pink Floyd

With or Without You - U2

Good Times - Chic

My Generation - The Who

Love Will Tear Us Apart - Joy Division

Play That Funky Music - Wild Cherry

You Can Call Me Al - Paul Simon

Walk on the Wild Side - Lou Reed

Give It Away - Red Hot Chili Peppers

Feel Good Inc. - Gorillaz

Psycho Killer - Talking Heads

Around the World - Daft Punk

Papa Was a Rollin' Stone - The Temptations

Temptation - New Order

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