John Hassall (musician)

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John Hassall

Background information
Birth name John Cory Hassall
Born February 17, 1981 (1981-02-17) (age 27)
London, England
Origin London, England
Genre(s) Alternative rock
Punk rock
Occupation(s) Musician, songwriter
Instrument(s) Vocals, bass guitar
Years active 1999–present
Associated acts The Libertines, Yeti
Website www.yetiintelligence.com

John Hassall (born 17 February 1981, London) was the bassist for The Libertines.[1] He now performs with his own band, Yeti.[2][3] He has been described by Dirty Pretty Things bassist Didz Hammond as "...a fucking class bass player. Top grade. Top drawer."[4]

Contents

[edit] Early life

Hassall was inspired to play music when he rummaged through his parent's record collection and found a copy of the The Beatles' Revolver.[citation needed] He has said that when he discovered the Beatles at age 13 was the first time he fell in love.[5] He went on to buy their entire discography in chronological order, roughly two a year. He claims that if it weren't for The Beatles, he wouldn't be playing music today; their records made him pick up the guitar.[citation needed]

[edit] The Libertines

While at Highgate School, where he attended lessons with Johnny Borrell of Razorlight, John joined a band and ended up playing bass. John himself has stated that he prefers playing the bass to the guitar as he finds it to be a more "meaty" instrument[citation needed]. He played in various bands for a few years, but none of them worked out until he met Pete Doherty. Doherty and Carl Barât had already founded the Libertines, but were in need of a bassist and drummer.[6] It is said that Doherty was intrigued by Hassall not only for his talent but because he had 'proper' equipment (such as a Rickenbacker bass and decent amps).[7] To play the drums on their first recording session, the trio hired Paul Dufour. The complete Libertines played various London gigs over a 2-year period, but during the middle of 2001 Paul Dufour left for financial reasons[citation needed] and Hassall left the band to go to college. He was hired to rejoin them on bass when they were signed by Rough Trade just before during December 2001. He continued to play with the band until they disbanded at the end of 2004.[8]

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Persondata
NAME Hassall, John
ALTERNATIVE NAMES
SHORT DESCRIPTION English musician, songwriter
DATE OF BIRTH 1981-02-17
PLACE OF BIRTH London, England, UK
DATE OF DEATH
PLACE OF DEATH