The names of few bassists ove… Read Full Bio ↴Tony Franklin is the FRETLESS MONSTER!
The names of few bassists over the past two decades have become more synonymous with the fretless bass guitar than that of Tony Franklin—the Fretless Monster!
In January 2006, Fender proudly introduced the Tony Franklin Signature Model Fretless Precision Bass® guitar, the design of which the renowned bassist played a prominent and hands-on role in (Franklin juggles his professional music career with his numerous artist relations duties for Fender Musical Instruments Corporation and his role as a clinician for Fender and SWR). It’s quite a distinctive instrument; Franklin used the original in his work with Jimmy Page, Paul Rodgers, Whitesnake, Blue Murder, numerous sessions and his own successful solo career.
A born performer who first took the stage at age 5, Franklin got his big break in 1984 as bassist in stellar supergroup the Firm, with guitar legend Jimmy Page, vocalist Paul Rodgers and drummer Chris Slade (AC/DC, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band). Franklin’s signature fretless growl was a distinctive and instantly recognizable element of the band’s first hit, “Radioactive.”
After two hit albums with the Firm, Franklin subsequently performed with Blue Murder (John Sykes, Carmine Appice), David Gilmour, Kate Bush, Whitesnake, Donna Lewis, Pat Travers and many others. An in-demand session bass ace, he has appeared on more than 150 albums. Franklin has released two solo albums, Brave New Tomorrow and Wonderland. To view Franklin's Select Discography, click here.
Further, Franklin’s exemplary chops have been called on for dozens of television credits, including Late Show With David Letterman, Beverly Hills 90210, The Rosie O’Donnell Show, Good Morning America, Top of the Pops (U.K.), VH-1, MTV, Don’t Forget Your Toothbrush (Finland), dozens of Japanese programs and more.
Other Musical Accomplishments include: Sony's release of "Tony Franklin: Not Just Another Pretty Bass", in January 2006 - Tony's first Sample Loop Library. In 2001, Tony was the Musical Director for the GuitarPort by Line 6. He was responsible for coordinating musicians (including Lee Sklar, Jason Bonham, Simon Phillips, Gregg Bissonette and others), and organizing recording studio sessions. He created over 100 cover tunes, operated Pro Tools, and wrote and recorded more than 30 jam-along original tracks for the product.
In November 2007, Fender proudly introduced the "Tony Franklin FRETTED Precision Bass® guitar, modeled after Franklin's trusted P Bass that he has been using for session and live work for many years.
Even with a new instructional DVD, song licensing and a bass instrumental album in the works, Franklin says he has only just begun … For more info, please visit: www.tonyfranklin.com and Tony's profile on www.fender.com
Desire
Tony Franklin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I knew for sure, I knew for sure
Always knew it was them or me
I wanted more, more and more
It's all right, it's O.K.
None of them people gonna take it away
They don't know like I know
And I can't stop 'cause it drives them crazy
It drives them crazy, 'cause I won't be cool
It's too late baby
It's the same old desire
Nothing has changed, nothing's the same
Burning like fire
Don't you ever take my name in vain
Always moving, somewhere else to be
Moving on, moving on
Scream at you and you scream at me
Right or wrong, right or wrong
It's all right, it's O.K.
No one's ever gonna take us away
'Cause they don't know like I know
I gotta keep rockin', 'cause it makes me crazy
It makes me crazy, who needs to be cool
Life's amazing
It's the same old desire
Crazy train, crazy train
Burning like fire
Don't you ever take my name in vain
It's the same old desire
Nothing has changed, nothing's the same
Burning like fire
Don't you ever take my name in vain
The song "Desire" by Tony Franklin is a passionate declaration of his obsession with music, his unwavering dedication to his craft, and his refusal to be swayed by the opinions of others. The song catapults the listener into the world of an artist who has always known what he wanted to be and is willing to do whatever it takes to get there. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and desperation as he sings about the burning desire that drives him, and the feeling that time is running out to achieve his dreams.
The refrain "It's the same old desire" reflects the artist's belief that despite the passing of time, his desire to create and perform music has never wavered. He acknowledges that life may have its ups and downs, but the one constant is his burning passion for music. He dismisses anyone who tries to tell him otherwise and asserts his individuality by singing "who needs to be cool?"- a clear indication that he values authenticity over conforming to society's expectations.
This song is an anthem for anyone who has ever had a dream or a passion that they have relentlessly pursued. It encourages you to hold onto that fire within you and never give up, no matter how many people try to bring you down. "Desire" is a powerful and relatable song that reminds us all of the importance of chasing our dreams and being true to ourselves, no matter what anyone says.
Line by Line Meaning
I always knew what I wanted to be
I had a clear idea of my life goals and aspirations from a very young age
I knew for sure, I knew for sure
I was absolutely confident in my vision of what I wanted my life to be like
Always knew it was them or me
I understood early on that I needed to put myself first and be ambitious to achieve my dreams
I wanted more, more and more
I had an insatiable hunger for success and achievement
It's all right, it's O.K.
I'm not bothered by what other people might think, say or do regarding my life goals
None of them people gonna take it away
I won't let anyone stand in the way of my vision and my success
They don't know like I know
Others don't understand the drive, motivation and ambition I possess to achieve my goals
And I can't stop 'cause it drives them crazy
My persistence and determination makes others envious or annoyed, but I won't stop
It drives them crazy, 'cause I won't be cool
Others are bothered by how passionate and driven I am, because they can't relate or compete
It's too late baby
I'm too far ahead of others, they can't catch up to me or understand my level of ambition
It's the same old desire
My burning hunger for success and achievement hasn't changed over time
Nothing has changed, nothing's the same
Despite external factors, I still have the same passion and urgency to succeed
Burning like fire
My ambition and motivation to succeed is like an unstoppable flame inside of me
Don't you ever take my name in vain
Don't dismiss or belittle my goals and aspirations or I'll stand up for myself
Always moving, somewhere else to be
I'm constantly striving to achieve my next goal or reach a higher level of success
Moving on, moving on
I don't dwell on past successes or failures, I'm always focused on my next move
Scream at you and you scream at me
Others might not understand or support my goals, and that can cause tension or conflict
Right or wrong, right or wrong
I'll pursue my goals even if others question or criticize my choices, because I believe it's the right path for me
No one's ever gonna take us away
I won't let anyone else, or any circumstance, prevent me from achieving my goals and dreams
I gotta keep rockin', 'cause it makes me crazy
My passion and drive to succeed is what keeps me moving forward, even if it may seem crazy or unlikely to others
It makes me crazy, who needs to be cool
My burning drive for success is more important to me than fitting in, being liked or being seen as 'cool'
Life's amazing
Despite the challenges and difficulties of pursuing my goals, I still find the beauty and wonder in this journey
Crazy train, crazy train
My passion and drive for success may be seen as a wild or chaotic ride, but I'm still on board
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: John Osbourne, Randolph Frank Castillo, Zakk Wylde, Ian Fraiser Kilmister
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind