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| Tim Commerford | |
|---|---|
| Name | Tim Commerford |
| Occupation | Musician |
Tim Commerford is an American bassist and backing vocalist known for his role in alternative rock and rap rock bands. He gained prominence with a commercially successful group associated with the 1990s and 2000s alternative scenes, later co-founding other notable projects spanning genres from industrial to progressive metal. Commerford's public persona includes outspoken activism, high-profile incidents, and collaborations with musicians across rock, hip hop, and experimental music.
Commerford was born in the United States and raised in a family that relocated during his youth, spending formative years near Los Angeles and Atlanta, Georgia. He attended local schools before immersing himself in the Southern and West Coast music scenes influenced by artists associated with Motown Records, Stax Records, Sub Pop, and regional touring acts such as R.E.M. and Jane's Addiction. Early exposure to touring musicians and festivals like Lollapalooza, Warped Tour, and South by Southwest shaped his musical aspirations alongside contemporaries from scenes represented by Epitaph Records and Interscope Records.
Commerford rose to prominence as the bassist for a band that blended alternative rock, funk, and hip hop, alongside a vocalist and a guitarist who became well-known in the 1990s and 2000s. That group achieved major label success on Epic Records and charted on the Billboard 200 with albums produced by figures linked to Rick Rubin and Brendan O'Brien. After lineup changes involving members associated with Rage Against the Machine, Commerford helped form a supergroup with musicians from Soundgarden, Audioslave, and Pearl Jam contexts, performing at venues such as Madison Square Garden, Glastonbury Festival, and Rock am Ring. He later co-founded bands exploring heavier and experimental textures, connecting with artists from Ministry, Nine Inch Nails, and Tool circles, releasing records on labels like Epic Records, Interscope Records, and independent imprints.
Throughout his career Commerford toured internationally, appearing on television programs including Late Show with David Letterman, Saturday Night Live, and MTV's Total Request Live, and at award ceremonies such as the Grammy Awards and MTV Video Music Awards. He has been credited on studio albums, live recordings, and compilations alongside producers who worked with U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Metallica. Collaborations extended to guest appearances with artists from Beck, Korn, Rage Against the Machine, and experimental projects featuring members linked to The Mars Volta and Nine Inch Nails.
Commerford's bass playing features syncopated grooves, aggressive fingerstyle, and use of distortion effects akin to techniques employed by bassists from Funkadelic, Parliament, and Primus. His stage presence and sonic approach drew comparisons with players associated with The Who, Led Zeppelin, and Black Sabbath session traditions. On stage he has used instruments and gear made by manufacturers such as Fender Musical Instruments Corporation, Warwick GmbH & Co. KG, Ampeg, Mesa/Boogie, and effects from companies linked to artists signed to Boss Corporation and Electro-Harmonix. Recording sessions involved studios affiliated with engineers who have worked for Abbey Road Studios, Sun Studio, and Electric Lady Studios.
Outside his principal bands Commerford collaborated with musicians from Rage Against the Machine, Korn, Slipknot, and System of a Down in side projects and guest features. He participated in benefit concerts with artists associated with Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Alice in Chains, and Soundgarden and engaged in studio work with producers tied to Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, and Dr. Dre lineages. His projects also bridged to experimental and electronic artists connected to Aphex Twin, Squarepusher, and Trent Reznor-adjacent circles, contributing to crossover releases on compilations from labels like Sub Pop and Wax Trax!.
Commerford became widely known for high-profile onstage protests and public behavior that intersected with political debates involving figures such as George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and issues debated in forums like Congress and media outlets including CNN and Fox News. Notable incidents included interruptions at televised award shows and concerts, which drew commentary from cultural critics at publications like Rolling Stone, Spin (magazine), and NME (magazine), and responses from musicians associated with Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello, and Billy Joel. He supported causes promoted by organizations partnering with artists such as Rage Against the Machine and Green Day at rallies similar to protests during Democratic National Convention events and charity benefits tied to Live Aid-style movements.
Commerford has lived in metropolitan areas including Los Angeles and maintained ties to music communities in Atlanta and New York City. His personal network includes friendships and collaborations with musicians linked to Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and producers associated with Rick Rubin and Steve Albini. Interests outside music align with cultural figures from film and art scenes connected to David Lynch, Wes Anderson, and galleries in Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Museum of Modern Art. He has been featured in documentaries and interviews alongside directors and journalists connected to VH1, BBC, and HBO programming.
Category:American bass guitarists Category:Living people