Phil King (musician)
Philip Peter King | |
|---|---|
| Born | April 29, 1960 United Kingdom |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, picture researcher |
| Years active | 1980s–present |
| Known for | Bassist for Lush, The Jesus and Mary Chain |
Philip Peter King (born 29 April 1960) is a British musician primarily recognized for his role as the bassist in Lush. He served as the touring bassist and rhythm guitarist for The Jesus and Mary Chain from 2007 until 2015, having previously toured with them between 1997 and 1998.
Career
In the late 1980s, around 1987, King contributed bass performances to bands such as Felt, Biff Bang Pow!, and The Servants. His work is featured on Felt's compilation album Bubblegum Perfume. He also led Apple Boutique, which issued a single in 1987. King appeared behind the drum kit in the 1987 Primal Scream video for "Gentle Tuesday," although he did not play drums on their studio recordings. Beyond performing, he was employed as a researcher at NME.
Lush (1992–97)
King joined Lush in 1992, taking over bass duties from Steve Rippon prior to the release of their debut album Spooky. His recruitment came after being approached while working as a picture researcher at NME. King has remarked that the band did not require an audition, highlighting the significance of interpersonal rapport when collaborating closely in a group setting.
Lush participated in the 1992 Lollapalooza tour, invited by organizer Perry Farrell. King described this period as an extraordinary opportunity involving extensive touring across the United States. The lineup also included The Jesus and Mary Chain. King remained with Lush until their official dissolution on 23 February 1997.
Post Lush (1997–2010)
Following Lush's breakup, King briefly held positions within the offices of Q, Vox, and NME, and also had a short stint as a film extra.
Between 1997 and 1998, he toured as bassist with The Jesus And Mary Chain. In 1998, he performed alongside Earl Brutus. His collaborations extend to acts such as See See Rider, Welfare Heroine, John's Children, John Howard, Brett Smiley, Jackie DeShannon, and Hangman's Beautiful Daughters.
King resumed his role as bassist for The Jesus And Mary Chain in 2007.
The Fallen (2011–present)
In 2011, Vollwert Records issued Paraphernalia, a release compiling Apple Boutique’s single along with live tracks and demo recordings.
King presented his Junkshop Synthshop performance at The Alibi nightclub in London during 2012.
By 2013, he was playing bass with The Fallen Leaves and guitar alongside Jim Reid. Additionally, King continued freelance work as a picture researcher for Uncut magazine.
Lush (2015–16)
King rejoined Lush for their reunion spanning 2015 to 2016 but unexpectedly departed on 18 October 2016. His exit caused the cancellation of two scheduled shows and necessitated finding a substitute bassist for their final concert.
Lush stated: "We regretfully announce Phil King's departure from the band. Consequently, we will not be performing at the Iceland Airwaves and Rolling Stone Weekender festivals—our apologies to fans anticipating these appearances. We are currently recruiting another bassist and look forward to our concluding show at Manchester Academy on November 25th."