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Pink Floyd bassist brings wit to Dubai

Guy Pratt can easily claim to have played with the who's who of the music industry. The Grammy award-winning bassist has performed with the likes of Pink Floyd, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Robert Palmer, Elton John, Gary Moore, Tom Jones, Bryan Ferry, and even AR Rahman. Yes, it's true. He played bass on the title track in the Bollywood flick Dil Se. But Pratt is most famous for his association with the legendary Brit rock band Pink Floyd.
While we knew he had authored a book My Bass and Other Animals chronicled on his musical adventures, what we didn't know is that he's an extremely talented comedian. Pratt  now brings his show, The Sideman, to Dubai in which he promises to amuse audiences with tales of life on the road with Pink Floyd, and perform on his vintage Fender Jazz bass as well. We speak to the funnyman to know more.

Why did you decide to bring your show to Dubai?
Because I really wanted to visit Dubai.

Why should people come for your show in Dubai?
They should. Because whenever and wherever I have had my show, everyone has really had a good time.

Music or stand-up comedy. What are you more passionate about?
I love them both equally, for different reasons.

You've been a part of one of the planet's biggest rock bands. In one word, describe your experience of playing with Pink Floyd?
Incandescent.

Any fun incident on stage you would like to share with us?
Come to my show and you'll hear all about it.

How relevant is Pink Floyd's music today?
I really don't know.

Has Pink Floyd's music influenced any of today's bands?
Surely. Quite a few bands sound a bit Floyd-ey.

Do you think millennials would be interested in a Pink Floyd concert?
Well let me tell you. I have spent the last year on tour with David Gilmour (ex Pink Floyd singer/guitarist), and we played to tonnes of millenials.

What's your take on EDM?
Isn't that the new American term for the stuff we've been into for the last 25 years?

What's on your playlist?
Latin and old dub (a sub-genre of reggae).

What are your favourite bands from the current era?
Marina and the Diamonds. Ummm. and that's it.

The most memorable concert you've played?
It was in Venice 1989 (with Pink Floyd).

One musician you would love to jam with?
Pete Townshend (of The Who).

Who's your bass idol?
Bernard Edwards (of funk/disco era band Chic).

Playing in studios or live - which do you prefer?
Playing in studios is a thing of the past. sadly!

What's your pet peeve?
Written interviews.

Something you can't do without.
(Jokes) Moisturiser, or I will dry up and crack into pieces.
michael@khaleejtimes.com