The late Richard Allen “Dickie” Peterson may be considered the first heavy metal bassist – as per the opinions of Eric Clapton and Neal Peart, among others who were there.

As lead singer and anchor of the mighty San Francisco power (and that’s an understatement) trio Blue Cheer, Peterson’s persona as a performer and bass player exuded the sheer force and attitude of hard rock in its earliest incarnation.

Though they never topped their ’68 debut slab, Vincebus Eruptum, and consequent reunions in the ensuing decades were more exercises in nostalgia, Peterson’s decidedly primal approach to the instrument set the bar, however high or low, depending on musical disposition!

Dig Dickie and Blue Cheer on their classic rendition of “Summertime Blues” https://youtu.be/YXcYZsqkZ-g