A multi-hyphenate musician's story

Tony Levin is far more than a bassist. He's played with Peter Gabriel, Alice Cooper, and King Crimson, and is now touring with BEAT while writing his memoirs.

His first bass cost 180 dollars

In the 1960s, Levin bought a used Fender Precision bass in New York for $180 after seeing someone play one at a show. He used it for many years.

“Don't buy a new one; buy a used one.”

Playing without overthinking

Levin doesn't analyze his playing style. When he hears music, he lets instinct take over rather than thinking consciously about technique.

“I just let the bass player take over.”

Surprising instruments in his collection

Beyond his many basses, Levin owns a cello and plays it on his own albums when nobody can stop him. A barn fire in Woodstock destroyed most of his collection.

The Chapman Stick changed everything

With Stick Men, Levin plays a 12-string Chapman Stick with six guitar and six bass strings using touch-style technique. With BEAT, he switches to his five-string Music Man.

The 1976 choice that changed everything

In July 1976, Levin was called to play on Peter Gabriel's album in Toronto. Gabriel then offered him a choice: tour with him or stay as a New York studio player.

He chose the road over the studio

Levin chose live performance over studio work because he wanted to be challenged musically and step outside business as usual. This led him to King Crimson.

Meeting Adrian Belew and Bill Bruford

In 1980, Robert Fripp invited Levin to a studio session with Adrian Belew and Bill Bruford. Levin's jaw dropped at their unique playing and felt he needed to rise to the occasion.

“My jaw dropped.”

Playing with Steve Vai now

With BEAT, Levin plays alongside Adrian Belew and Steve Vai. He's no longer shocked by their abilities but feels challenged to be fresh and unique enough to belong.

Rejection hurts, but musicians deal with it

Levin has been rejected from bands and tours throughout his career. Being a musician means putting your deepest self into something that others may not want.

“Being a musician often entails being in situations where you're not wanted. When you're rejected, it hurts.”

Steve Gadd taught without words

At Eastman School of Music, drummer Steve Gadd mentored Levin by example, teaching him about good timing and feel through subtle observation rather than instruction.

He doesn't think about his reputation

Levin doesn't worry about how people perceive him. He's grateful to play good music with good musicians and considers himself lucky to have that opportunity.

“I'm very aware of how lucky I am to be playing really good music with really good musicians.”

Peter Gabriel taught him humility

After 40 to 50 years with Gabriel, Levin credits him with teaching humility through actions like making tea for everyone and talking to the person in the corner at meet-and-greets.