John Hassall

John Hassall (born 17 February 1981) was the bassist with punk / garage rock revivalists The Libertines and has his own side-project band, Yeti, which he will be focussing on now The Libertines are on an indefinite hiatus.

Related Topics:
17 February - 1981 - Bassist - Punk - Garage rock - The Libertines - Side-project - Yeti

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John was inspired to play music when he rummaged through his parent's record collection and found a copy of the Beatles' Revolver. He went on to buy their entire discography in chronological order, roughly two a year, at this point he was practically obsessed, and claims that if it weren't for The Beatles, he wouldn't be playing music today, their records made him pick up the guitar.

Related Topics:
Beatles - Revolver

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While in secondary school, John joined a band, and ended up playing bass. John himself has stated that he prefers playing the bass to the guitar as he finds it to be a more "meaty" instrument. He played in various bands for a few years, but none of them really worked out, until he met Pete Doherty. One day Pete came round to John's mother's house after a mutual friend had told him about John's musical talent. It is said that Peter was intrigued by John not only for his talent but because he had 'proper' equipment (such as a Rickenbacker bass and decent amps). The following day, Peter came round to his house again, but this time, along with his friend Carl Barat, and the three had a jam session. The band was almost complete, to play the drums, the trio hired the services of one Mr Razzcocks, a drummer told them he used to play with the Sex Pistols, and also claimed to be in the region of 70 years-old. The now complete 4 piece played some gigs, but John left the band somewhere during the middle of 2001 to go to college. He was invited to rejoin them when they were signed by Rough Trade just before Christmas 2001, on the strength of one gig where they played without a bass player, during which the drum kit fell over and guitar strings broke. He continued to play with the band until their disbandment at the end of 2004.

Related Topics:
Pete Doherty - Rickenbacker - Carl Barat - Sex Pistols - 2001 - Christmas - 2004

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