Celebrating the Legends of the Low End: NAMM and Bass Magazine Announce 2027 Awards Honorees

Black Sabbath's Geezer Butler, Red Hot Chili Peppers co-founder Flea, Stone Temple Pilots co-founder Robert DeLeo, funk pioneer Bootsy Collins, Stevie Wonder bassist Nathan Watts, and pioneering bassist Meshell Ndegeocello to be celebrated at the 2027 Bass Magazine Awards

CARLSBAD, Calif., Nov. 10, 2026 — NAMM (The National Association of Music Merchants), the largest global nonprofit music trade organization, and Bass Magazine, a leading publication dedicated to the instrument and the artists who define its sound, today announced the honorees for the 2027 Bass Magazine Awards Show, returning as part of the official NAMM Show experience.

The 2027 Bass Magazine Awards, with global audio powerhouse RCF serving as title sponsor, will take place on Thursday, January 28, 2027, at the ACC Arena at the Anaheim Convention Center as an official on-campus event during the NAMM Show.

The annual celebration will recognize seven legendary artists whose contributions have transformed the art, innovation and cultural impact of bass: Black Sabbath's Geezer Butler, Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stone Temple Pilots co-founder Robert DeLeo, funk pioneer Bootsy Collins, producer, songwriter and composer Meshell Ndegeocello and Stevie Wonder bassist Nathan Watts, and a very special surprise recipient will all be receiving Lifetime Achievement Awards and performing that evening.

Together, these honorees represent the extraordinary range of the instrument, from the foundational riffs of heavy metal and the explosive energy of alternative rock to the sophistication of R&B, soul, funk, jazz and pop. Their playing, songwriting and artistic vision demonstrate the bass' power to drive a song, define a genre and become an unmistakable voice in music history.

"Every one of these honorees has left an unmistakable mark on music," said Jon D'Auria, Editor-in-Chief of Bass Magazine. "They are true stewards of our instrument who have blazed a trail all of their own."

"These artists have helped shape the sound of modern music and inspired generations of musicians to pick up an instrument and find their own voice," said John Mlynczak, NAMM President and CEO. "They demonstrate the extraordinary creative possibilities of music making, and celebrating their contributions during The NAMM Show brings our global music community together to honor their legacies and inspire the next generation of music makers."

The 2027 Bass Magazine Awards will continue the tradition of bringing together legendary musicians, emerging talent, industry leaders and fans to celebrate the instrument's past, present and future. The evening is expected to feature special guests, live performances and surprise collaborations celebrating the global bass community.

The partnership between NAMM and Bass Magazine reinforces The NAMM Show's role as a global gathering place for the music products industry and the artists, performers, creators and communities that bring music to life. By recognizing the musicians who have helped shape popular music, the awards highlight the relationship between artistry, instrument innovation, music making and the industry that supports it.

Previous Bass Magazine Awards honorees have included Sting, Justin Chancellor of Tool, John Patitucci, MonoNeon, Mohini Dey, Les Claypool of Primus, Mike Dirnt of Green Day, Marcus Miller, Laura Lee of Khruangbin and Blu DeTiger. Past celebrations have brought together celebrated bassists and special guests for performances that showcase the instrument's remarkable range across musical styles.

Tickets for the BMAs can be purchased HERE.

For more information about attending The 2027 NAMM Show, visit https://www.namm.org/thenammshow/attend.

For more information about Bass Magazine, visit https://bassmagazine.com/.

Media Contact:
Josh Vittek
760-505-5674
[email protected] 

SOURCE NAMM