In no particular order:
- Roger Waters
- Sting
- Paul McCartney
This seems to be a curious trait common to many insanely talented, egomaniacal Birtish bassists, who are also lead vocalists. I remember reading (I’ll try to find the actual quote) that Sting said something along the lines of “I love playing the bass and singing because that way I create the rails the band is riding on. I’m doing rhythm on the bass and melody with the voice, and they have to follow me.” Let’s not forget Roger Waters’ famous words regarding a Pink Floyd reunion: “No fucking way!” And although Yoko is widely credited with breaking up the Beatles, it was Paul that officially dissolved the Beatles in 1970.
In conclusion, there must be something in the water in Britain that produces superstar musicians that play bass and sing and break up their bands only to go on mediocre solo careers. There’s a reason their names weren’t in the band’s name.
A lead singer / bassist is such a contradiction - the bass is the most subtle component of a band, an understated foundation, while the lead singer in many ways is the most conspicuous member, the group’s personality.
However, if you’re going to sing and play bass, at least be able to do it right live. Sting can’t sing for shit on the first disc of The Police Live! album.