Queen Dominates As Sky Arts Unveils Nation's Greatest Basslines

A nationwide poll has crowned the UK's most unforgettable basslines, with Queen securing four places in the top 10.

The research coincides with the launch of Greatest Basslines, a new three-part documentary from Sony Music Vision arriving on Sky Arts and NOW on Friday 28 November.

Queen's Another One Bites the Dust took first place, ahead of Michael Jackson's Billie Jean and Queen’s Under Pressure. Voters also named Queen bassist John Deacon the greatest bass player of all time.

Commissioned by Sky, the study surveyed 2,000 music fans to identify the most memorable and influential bass parts. Also in the top 10 were The Chain by Fleetwood Mac, Come Together by The Beatles and Stand By Me by Ben E. King.

Further entries in the wider top 30 include Good Times by Chic, With or Without You by U2 and Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division. Other featured tracks ranged from Radio Gaga and Killer Queen to Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2), Walking on the Moon, I Want You Back, Money, My Generation, Play That Funky Music, You Can Call Me Al, Walk on the Wild Side, Give It Away, Feel Good Inc., Psycho Killer, Around the World, Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone and Temptation.

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, @can't 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 Queen's 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 think bassists are the coolest members of any band, while 63% feel the instrument is underrated. When asked what makes a bassline iconic, 56% pointed to a memorable rhythm and 51% said it should drive the entire song.

The series will delve into the stories behind these landmark grooves, with interviews from musicians, producers and fans, spotlighting the unsung heroes of the rhythm section.

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