Phil King, English bass player

Born Philip King on April 29, 1960, in the vibrant musical landscape of London, England, Phil King is a distinguished English musician whose bass lines have underpinned some of alternative rock's most influential bands. While widely recognized for his foundational role as the bassist for the iconic 'shoegaze' band Lush, his career tapestry is woven with contributions to several other notable groups, including a significant long-standing association with The Jesus and Mary Chain.

A Core Member of Lush

King joined Lush in 1991, becoming an integral part of their distinctive sound alongside Miki Berenyi, Emma Anderson, and Chris Acland. Lush carved out a unique space in the early 1990s, blending ethereal melodies with often noisy guitar textures, a style frequently associated with the 'shoegaze' and dream pop movements. Phil King's bass playing provided a crucial anchor, contributing to acclaimed albums such as 'Spooky' (1992), 'Split' (1994), and 'Lovelife' (1996), which solidified their legacy. His time with Lush saw the band achieve critical acclaim and a dedicated following before their initial hiatus in 1998.

Beyond Lush: Diverse Musical Endeavors

Beyond his prominent role in Lush, King's musical journey extends to a variety of other notable projects. Prior to joining Lush, he was a member of the indie-pop band The Servants, contributing to their album 'Disinterest' (1990). He also lent his talents to Revolver, an English shoegaze band, during the early 1990s, and later played with The Apple Moths. These diverse engagements highlight his versatility and enduring presence within the alternative music scene, showcasing his adaptability across different sonic landscapes and his consistent demand as a skilled rhythm section player.

The Jesus and Mary Chain Connection

A significant chapter in King's career involves his long-standing association with the legendary Scottish alternative rock band, The Jesus and Mary Chain. His initial involvement as their touring bass player spanned from 1997 to 1998, a period following Lush's initial departure from the scene. Demonstrating his reliability and continued relevance, King re-joined The Jesus and Mary Chain's touring lineup in 2007, a role he has maintained ever since. This enduring partnership underscores his consistent contribution to live performances for a band renowned for its influential blend of noise-rock and melodic pop, adding a stable rhythm section to their often intense and dynamic sound during their global tours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Phil King

Who is Phil King?
Phil King, born Philip King, is an English musician, primarily known as the bassist for the shoegaze band Lush and as a long-standing touring bassist for The Jesus and Mary Chain.
What bands has Phil King played in?
He is most famous for his work with Lush and The Jesus and Mary Chain. Additionally, he has played with The Servants, Revolver, and The Apple Moths.
When did Phil King join Lush?
Phil King joined Lush as their bassist in 1991, contributing to their major albums until their initial hiatus in 1998.
Is Phil King a permanent member of The Jesus and Mary Chain?
Phil King has been the touring bass player for The Jesus and Mary Chain since 2007, having also toured with them from 1997 to 1998. While a consistent and crucial part of their live performances, he is typically described as a touring member rather than a core, permanent studio member.
What is Phil King's birth date and place?
Phil King was born on April 29, 1960, in London, England.