Bootsy Collins announces retirement from live performances

(January 3, 2019) He is one of the rare artists who is so iconic, that he is identified by a single name. Say “Bootsy” and everyone knows you are talking about William “Bootsy” Collins. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer who made his name as part of the Parliament-Funkadelic universe, has announced on Facebook something that his fans will surely be sad to hear: his retirement from live performances.

Time has come for Me to tell all our Funkateers that I will Not be Playing Bass in Concerts anymore. I have decided to become a Coach for up & coming Musicians. I know u r Disappointed just think for a moment how I feel. Doc said to much pressure on my Inner-Ear & Right Hand. Yeah, I had to make up my Mind so I did. 2019 Sheriff Ping Ping Ping will continue to Funk from the Studio but Not Live playing Bass on Stage. I know u got question & I don’t have answers, maybe one day u to will understand. Just remember; That This Year will be the Funkiest Year of them All. Watch for it. Bootsy baby!!!

The Cincinnati, Ohio born Collins first broke out in the late 60s as a teenager with his local band The Pacemakers (which also included future Spinners lead singer Philippe Wynne). They were such a talented act that the great James Brown hired them to be his backing band, known as the J.B.’s, and Collins recorded and toured with Brown for several years and a string of hits.

After leaving Brown’s band in the early 70s, Bootsy moved to Detroit and joined forces with George Clinton and made history as the iconic bass player on the seminal albums of Parliament and Funkadelic. He also formed his own offshoot act, Bootsy’s Rubber Band and scored with several hit albums and the #1 song, “Bootzilla.”

Collins stretched out his work in the 80s and 90s, working with other artists, while occasionally releasing his own music. He has continued to work regularly ever since, both recording and performing live in various groups. Most recently, he issued the 2017 album World Wide Funk to critical acclaim. He has been a rare artists who has remained both relevant and active for nearly five decades. And his work as a bass player is revered by both fans and artists alike.

Fans will no doubt miss Bootsy Collins as a touring artist, but his affirmation that he’ll continue to work in the studio will give the millions of funkateers something to look forward to.

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