Bassist Dave ‘Phoenix’ Farrell has always been the backbone of Linkin Park’s sound. Since the band’s formation in 1996, Farrell has helped steer the group through a diverse range of musical styles—from nu-metal to alternative rock, with influences from hip-hop, electronic rock, and beyond. With a lineup that includes two guitarists, two vocalists, drums, and a DJ, the band has always incorporated a mix of live instruments and electronic elements.
Following the heartbreaking loss of Chester Bennington in 2017, Linkin Park has continued to evolve, announcing a new lineup and working on fresh material, including their upcoming album From Zero. Through all the changes, Farrell has remained a steady presence, refining his bass tone to cut through the mix with precision and purpose.
In a recent interview with Bass Player, Farrell shared his approach to songwriting and bass playing: “When I’m approaching writing, it’s never so much about what the bass will be doing. It’s more about what I can do to best serve the song. Maybe the bass will be best coming from a keyboard or a sample, or my bass guitar that’s tweaked through distortion pedals. It’s different for each track, but I never want to play something simply for the sake of being heard.”
Farrell, who alternates between using a pick and his fingers on his signature StingRay and P-Basses, has mastered the art of playing with intensity while also knowing when to sit back and lock in with the rhythm section. New tracks like “Heavy Is The Crown” and “IGYEIH” show off his energetic bass lines, while “Casualty” demonstrates his ability to groove with drummer Colin Cunningham.
Describing his role in the band, Farrell likens it to a basketball team: “Linkin Park is a basketball team where somebody has to grab the rebounds, and that’s my role. I’m not battling to shoot three-pointers, or rack up 30 points a game. But the bass is essential to the team. It holds down the foundation.”
Farrell’s approach to the bass is all about supporting the song and providing a solid foundation, never for the sake of attention. His commitment to the music and his band’s collective sound has made him an integral part of Linkin Park’s legacy.
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