A founding member of Humble Pie, this British bassist was a key figure in the development of hard rock and blues-rock in the late 1960s and 1970s. He's known for his dynamic stage presence and melodic bass lines.
As the founding member and bassist of iconic rock bands Humble Pie and Spooky Tooth, Greg Ridley left an indelible mark on the music industry. With his powerful, driving rhythms and influential songwriting, Ridley helped shape the sound of two of the most beloved and respected bands of the 1960s and 1970s.
Born Alfred Gregory Ridley on October 23, 1947, in Carlisle, Cumberland, England, Ridley's music career began in the early 1960s with stints as a guitarist for bands such as Dino and the Danubes and the Ramrods.
In 1963, Ridley teamed up with Mike Harrison to form The VIPs, a blues-based band that would eventually evolve into Art and then Spooky Tooth with the addition of American keyboardist Gary Wright in 1968.
In 1969, Ridley was approached by Steve Marriott of the Small Faces to join a new band, Humble Pie, alongside guitarist Peter Frampton and drummer Jerry Shirley. This lineup would go on to release two albums, As Safe As Yesterday Is and Town and Country, before signing with AM Records and adopting a harder-edged sound.
Ridley's powerful bass playing was instrumental in shaping Humble Pie's distinctive sound, and his deep baritone vocals provided a rich contrast to the higher tenors of Marriott and Frampton. He also made significant songwriting contributions to the band's repertoire.
The band's double album, Performance Rockin' the Fillmore, featuring a legendary live recording, cemented Humble Pie's place in rock history and showcased Ridley's formidable talents as a bassist.
Greg Ridley's influence on rock music extends far beyond his work with Humble Pie and Spooky Tooth. As one half of the revered rhythm section with drummer Jerry Shirley, Ridley helped shape the sound of classic rock and paved the way for generations of bassists to come.
Ridley's legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians to this day, and his contributions to the world of rock music remain unparalleled.
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