Why Bass? with Donivan Blair

Jay Bentley-Bad Religion

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Jay Bentley is the bass player and a founding member of Bad Religion. Jay shares his journey from a young guitar player to a prominent bassist in the punk rock scene. He discusses his musical influences, the evolution of his playing style, and the dynamics of being in a band. Bentley reflects on the challenges of live performances, the impact of technology on music, and the creative process behind songwriting. He emphasizes the importance of individuality in music and the learning experiences that shaped his career. Donivan and Jay discuss the evolution of their musical gear, the pursuit of the perfect tone, and the dynamics of live performance. They talk bass technique, the fluidity of musical expression, and the impact of personnel changes within bands. Jay shares his challenges and the realities of touring, particularly focusing on equipment issues and the importance of sound management. He shares insights on his personal gear preferences, the dynamics of working within a band, and the critical role of sound engineers. #jaybentley #badreligion #mxr #jimdunlop #schecterguitars

Bad Religion

Epitaph Records

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Unleash the full force of your guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks, and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop

For 50 years, Schecter Guitars has pushed the limits of craftsmanship, innovation, and tone—building instruments trusted by players who demand more from their sound. This milestone celebrates a legacy forged on stages and in studios worldwide, while looking boldly ahead to the next era of performance-driven design. Have your mind blown here. Schecter Guitars

Bad Religion
Quiet Riot
The Clash
Circle Jerks
Wasted Youth
Randy Rhoads
Steve Soto
Minor Threat
Junkyard
Rick Ocasek Epitaph
Mesa Boogie
Ampeg
Orange
Crate
High Watt

Mentioned in this episode:

Jim Dunlop

Why Bass? is brought to you by Jim Dunlop/MXR. Head to https://www.jimdunlop.com/

Schecter Guitars

Why Bass? is sponsored by Schecter Guitars. Head over to Schecter for all your guitar needs. https://www.schecterguitars.com/

Rob Marchant/ Riverboat Gamblers

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Rob Marchant the bassist for Slowride, Saboteur, Drakulas, Riverboat Gamblers and is one of Donivan’s best friends. In this episode Donivan and Rob discuss the beginning of Rob’s bass playing as a young punker and his love for Mani from The Stone Roses/Primal Scream. Rob shares the story of joining Texas legends The Riverboat Gamblers and the two share their love for the undisputed champion of bass guitars, the Fender Precision.

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Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop

Riverboat Gamblers
Spear Music
Course of Empire
True Widow
Team Mortgage
Bad Nerves
Zero Boys
Vicious Circle
Hagfish
Afghan Wigs
Dan McCarthy
Stone Roses
Jesus Lizard
Talk Talk
Tears for Fears
No Means No

Mentioned in this episode:

Schecter Guitars

Why Bass? is sponsored by Schecter Guitars. Head over to Schecter for all your guitar needs. https://www.schecterguitars.com/

Jim Dunlop

Why Bass? is brought to you by Jim Dunlop/MXR. Head to https://www.jimdunlop.com/

Eric Bootow

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Eric Bootow, the creator of the Punk Rock Bass Players Community shares his journey as a bass player Fourth In Line, Jugheads Revenge and creating PRBP, an online community for punk rock bass players to communicate, trade gigs and support one another. In this conversation, Donivan and Eric delve into their experiences growing up in the punk rock scene, discuss the influence of iconic musicians, the impact of family on their musical journeys, and the challenges of youth culture, including violence and conflict. The two explore the creation of a supportive community for bass players, highlighting the importance of positivity and connection in the larger music world. The dialogue highlights the power of music to inspire and unite individuals, showcasing the vibrant community that has emerged around their shared passion.

Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit.

Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop

Punk Rock Bass Players Community
Fourth in Line
Metallica
Anthrax
Suicidal Tendencies
Bauhaus
The Cure
Black Flag
Iron Maiden
Guns N' Roses
Motley Crue
Slayer
Duff McKagan
Rickenbacker
Dead Kennedys
Doa
The Damned
The Adolescents
Social Distortion
Face to Face
Guttermouth
Voodoo Glow Skulls
The Bronx
Queens of the Stone Age
Municipal Waste
Dwarves
No Means No
Carl Alvarez
James Jamerson
J.J.
Pink Floyd

Mentioned in this episode:

Schecter Guitars

Why Bass? is sponsored by Schecter Guitars. Head over to Schecter for all your guitar needs. https://www.schecterguitars.com/

Jim Dunlop

Why Bass? is brought to you by Jim Dunlop/MXR. Head to https://www.jimdunlop.com/

Joe Principe

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0700

On this first episode of ‘Why Bass?’ We welcome Joe Principe of Rise Against!

The two discuss Joe's journey through the his music scene, particularly the Chicago punk and thrash. Joe discusses his unexpected start in music, the influences that shaped his career and the vibrant community that fostered originality. They talk about the politics of dancing and mmmmm feelin’ good and why Lars Frederiksen from Rancid doesn’t want to talk about bass. Joe and Doni highlight the importance of personal connections, how live music experiences shape a musician and the unique characteristics of the Chicago music scene.

Donivan and Joe have been friends and fellow bass nerds for 26 years. They also share a brother in guitarist Zach Blair. Enjoy!

Our partners help make this show happen! Please give them a visit.

Unleash the full force of you guitar and bass set up with our friends at Jim Dunlop. Jim Dunlop offers the absolute BEST in pedals, effects, picks and strings and more. Go to Jim Dunlop

Rise Against
Papa Roach
88 Fingers Louie
Good Riddance
The Offspring
Fat Records
Hopeless Records
Screeching Weasel
Naked Ray Gun
No Use For A Name
Daily Grind
Floyd
The Vindictives
Anti-Flag
Minor Threat
The Damned
SNFU
D.R.I.
Operation Ivy
The Descendents
Alkaline Trio
AFI
MXR
Jim Dunlop

Mentioned in this episode:

Jim Dunlop

Why Bass? is brought to you by Jim Dunlop/MXR. Head to https://www.jimdunlop.com/

Schecter Guitars

Why Bass? is sponsored by Schecter Guitars. Head over to Schecter for all your guitar needs. https://www.schecterguitars.com/

Introducing Why Bass? with Doni Blair

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:25:00 -0700

Ruinous Media would like to welcome Why Bass?

Why Bass? Is a podcast that shifts the focus from a bass players history and curriculum vitae to that age old question - why would anyone want to play the bass guitar? Donivan Blair asks this question with bassist’s of all styles and ranges on each episode and allows the guest to tell the audience in their own words who inspired them, why they chose the instrument and their gear of choice.

‘Why Bass?’ Is hosted by Donivan Blair who does not understand why anyone needs more than four strings and has been obsessed with the bass guitar since 1985. He started the punk band Hagfish with brother Zach in 1991, left their hometown of Sherman, TX and never looked back. Touring the world with Only Crime and Armstrong led him to joining the Toadies in 2008. Donivan knows why he plays the bass but is curious to find out why others have decided to follow this particular yellow brick road.

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Jim Dunlop

Schecter Guitars

Mentioned in this episode:

Jim Dunlop

Why Bass? is brought to you by Jim Dunlop/MXR. Head to https://www.jimdunlop.com/

Schecter Guitars

Why Bass? is sponsored by Schecter Guitars. Head over to Schecter for all your guitar needs. https://www.schecterguitars.com/