The Hollywood Press Corps got a chance to meet up with legendary bass guitar player, Chris Wyse. Chris has played with Ozzy Osbourne, Mick Jagger, the Cult and most recently Ace Frehley. Chris played an amazing set of heavy metal with Ace. Here are a few questions that we came up for Chris while he was in Los Angeles with Ace to play one of the coolest venues in LA, the Saban Theatre.
Hollywood Press Corps (HPC):
So how is your latest project with Ace going?
Chris Wyse (CW): Ace recently told me he wants to get us in the studio after we return from the South American tour in March! I know he has a few songs started and it’s really exciting to venture into new original music. Anything can happen!
HPC: What is life like on the road?
CW: The shows have been really great! The fans really appreciate Ace and the bands high energy output. We have lots of fun. The fans have been really excited. It’s always great to tour the USA and it all just feels like home. Life on the road is good. We are all however looking forward to South America. Fantastic crowds down there. This will be my fourth tour of SA.
HPC: Is there anything new with your bass playing?
CW: Recently I have been playing an active Fender P Bass Elite. It has a different vibe than my passive basses and it has been fun dialing in such a powerful preamp on the bass itself.
HPC: How do you select what your next project is going to be?
CW:It all is based on inspiration for writing and playing. This is especially true for my band Owl since I guide the ship. I like to get back to the upright bass usually. Owltheband.net
HPC: Do you ever wish you would’ve played with anyone over the years that you didn’t get a chance to work with?
CW:I think Dave Growl, Zak Wylde and myself would make a sick band. I never played with either but I know Zak some and he’s very funny, such a killer musician. I love Dave’s drumming and talent as well.
HPC: Do you remember who your first guitar teacher was or your first bass teacher?
CW: Steve Harris really is my bass inspiration. As far as Double Bass or Upright Bass I studied classical bass in college with Michael Wicks of the Albany NY Orchestra.
HPC: Who do you think was the best bass player ever?
CW: Steve Harris for his huge impact on bass playing. I’m one of many that love Steve.
HPC: What was it like to be involved with so many legends?
CW:It has been quite the wild ride but I love it and find it rewarding to pour my heart into music. It is also is nice to be trusted by such fame and talent. I have learned so much from all the artists I have worked with. Being in the Ace Frehley Band is quite the honor. Ace is very experienced yet naturally. Always be you.
HPC: Do you have a good Ozzy story?
CW: Ozzy quote-“You are fucking gonna love me Chris because I love the bass loud and I love all the riffs you are throwing in!” That made me smile huge!! I really love Ozzy’s energy. He is an amazing artist and voice!! One of my faves.
HPC: Do you have a good Mick Jagger story?
CW: I was playing upright bass with a bow and Mick sort of did his Mick strut while I was playing. I felt transported to another place. It was great to have that experience to record with him. We drank fine red wine after and chatted for a couple hours over a great dinner.
HPC: What was the ultimate Cult show, where everything just sounded the best?
CW: I recall a show on Jimmy Kimmel on the outside stage in 2012 that felt great. It was in support of “Choice of Weapon”. We hit a new peak and I had some really cool bass bits on that album I loved to play. Playing on TV sounds sterile but this is really like a live mini set. It was fun. I once saw David Gilmour at the Kimmel Show and hung out with my buds The Trailer Park Boys just to hang out. Great show and green room!
HPC: What is one thing that would surprise people to know about you?
CW: I do Yoga and I’m still striving in my bass playing, singing and writing to always get better. I am going back to some of my sonatas from Vivaldi lately with the bow. There are two bows for upright bass. I play German preferred over French bow but play both. I have been teaching bass guitar and upright bass with in depth theory and techniques. It keeps me sharp and open to other peoples taste.
HPC: What does the future of 2017 look like for you?
CW: New Ace original music and more touring! Owl will also have a return with new music!! 2017 will be full of new music!
Thanks for Chris for taking time to answer our questions. It’s so interesting to hear about a professional bass player who plays “Detroit Rock City” and Vivaldi! Check out Chris with Ace Frehley on his Space Invader tour and Chris’s project called Owl!
