By Thomas Semioli

A revered session bassist, sideman, band-member, composer, recording artist, blogger, and photographer, among other endeavors who prolifically doubles on the Chapman Stick: Tony Levin began his musical journey as a classical bassist and tuba player, has been a pillar in Peter Gabriel’s various genre defying ensembles since 1978.

Dig Tony with Peter Gabriel https://youtu.be/05TVDCWRBog

In addition to leading his own groundbreaking bands (Stick Men, Bruford Levin Upper Extremities), Tony was a member of King Crimson for their pioneering latter day studio albums Discipline, Beat, Three of a Perfect Pair, and Thrak and continues to tour with Fripp and company on various anniversary treks.

Dig Tony with King Crimson: https://youtu.be/FhKJgqxNDD8

You also know Tony from his outstanding work on over 500 albums with artists including John Lennon (Double Fantasy), Paul Simon (One Trick Pony) Robert Fripp (Exposure), Pink Floyd (A Momentary Lapse of Reason), Alice Cooper (Welcome to My Nightmare), Lou Reed (Berlin), Todd Rundgren, Seal, Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe, and Carly Simon to name a few.

Tony is also renowned for his “funk fingers” which are modified drum sticks attached to his finger-tips which essentially pound the bass strings a la slap style.

Dig Tony’s “funk fingers” https://youtu.be/aUjXvAPjO5g

In addition to his Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame-worthy career as a bassist, Mr. Levin was among the World Wide Web’s first bloggers wherein he published road diaries of the various tours he participated in – which you can access via his www.papabear.com.

Also be sure to check out Tony’s work on TonyLevin.Com