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Band invites bassist to solo and his fast, funky fingers earn him 5 million views on YouTube
They invited him to do a solo, but nobody knew he was going to rock out this hard!
Johndel Callora
01.16.20

In a band, the most underrated member of them all is often the bassist player.

Part of the reason is because people think they have the easiest instrument. As it turns out, that’s not always true. If you don’t believe us, consider this video… it just might change your mind about bassists.

YouTube Screenshot
Source:
YouTube Screenshot

The bassist’s name is Larry Williams of the Mike Wheeler Band.

Williams and his band were playing a show in Westmont, Illinois when he got the chance to showcase his skills. During an instrumental break, the band told him to step forward and do a solo. Needless to say, his bass solo captivated the audience—his funky, energetic style and his intricate bass lines went on for about three minute!

YouTube Screenshot
Source:
YouTube Screenshot

The video was posted in 2012, and has the band performing their rendition of the song, “That’s What Love Will Make You Do,” originally written by the Jerry Garcia Band in 1997.

As he plays, Williams keeps busting a move the whole time!

YouTube Screenshot
Source:
YouTube Screenshot

The song kicked off with a minute-long instrumental, which then led to the verses. But when Williams’ solo came in, it entranced people with its quick transitions, note-to-note precise bass slaps, palm mutes and staccatos.

Eventually, it becomes full-on percussion with all his taps and slaps! Just by watching it, you can really see how complicated those riffs are. His skills were beyond insane especially considering it was done live. The groove was endless.

Screenshot: Enjoying the moment
Source:
Screenshot: Enjoying the moment

Busting his mini-dance moves while playing with his bass guitar seamlessly, Williams showed off his incredible skills while literally having the time of his life on that stage. I bet even the people listening were drawn into grooving with him all throughout his funky bass adventure!

Though it goes without saying, Williams is definitely in love with playing bass!

The video of the full performance of the song was posted on YouTube about seven years ago, and the cut version where only Larry Williams’ bass solo was highlighted was posted by YouOriginal two years after. The latter went viral, gaining internet fame and hitting a total of 4.6 million views and 57,000 people hitting like on the video.

Screenshot
Source:
Screenshot

Most of the reactions from the comment section was how they admired Williams’ skill and control over the bass guitar. Others compimented him as the “Jimi Hendrix of bass,” and others asked fellow YouTubers to do reaction videos to it! One person even said: “My feet are doing involuntary movements” from listening to the clip.

What makes the video even more interesting is that Williams is a lefty!

Screenshot: A close up
Source:
Screenshot: A close up

What amazed the people even more was the fact that he played a five-stringed bass guitar inversely—a right-handed bass flipped to play left-handedly. He didnt even bother restringing the instrument!

According to some bassists, it’s a nearly impossible feat to play the bass that way without making modifications. Despite all that, Williams still totally nailed it and made it look effortless!

Screenshot: Ending it with a bang!
Source:
Screenshot: Ending it with a bang!

Although the clip itself was a YouTube sensation until now, the Mike Wheeler Band remains underrated. As the three-man band continues to play gigs throughout America, Larry Williams’ artistic showmanship with his bass guitar continues to thrive. Fans will continue to love him, the band, and their funky rock style that would make your feet sway to the beat.

Congratulations to Larry Williams and the whole band! Check out the full video below:

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