A TRIBUTE TO NORMAN WATT-ROY

Bombay-born and London-bred, Norman Watt-Roy has forged a fearsome reputation, both live and in on record, as one of the world's all-time great bass players.

Coming to prominence through his work on Ian Dury & The Blockheads (the effervescent, 16th note melody that drives Dury's 1979 UK #1 hit single "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick" remains one of THE best bass performances committed to tape), Norman also appeared on Nick Lowe's classic "Jesus Of Cool" LP, The Clash's "Sandinista" and "Cut The Crap" albums, provided the original bass lines to Frankie Goes To Hollywood's global mega-hits "Relax" and "Two Tribes", as well as lending his powerhouse talents to sessions for Rachel Sweet, Jona Lewie, The Selecter, Wreckless Eric, Madness & Nick Cave.

The last decade has seen him continue to work tirelessly with The Blockheads and veteran British rhythm 'n' blues guitar slinger, Wilko Johnson, as well as stepping out to front his own outfit — Norman Watt-Roy & Friends — in support of his first solo album "Faith & Grace".

Authentic Tone and Classic Style

Between 2009 and 2013, Norman was most often seen using his original Bass Centre Blockhead — a meticulously reliced custom replica of the famous pre-CBS 1962 workhorse that was his main recording and stage bass from the mid-'80s onwards.

Th new 2022 Blockhead model revisits this concept, foregoing the forensicto deliver a pristine, strikingly beautiful and affordable instrument that combines cool retro style, a classic Badass hi-mass bridge, authentic tone, pro-grade fit and finish, an expert set-up, and astonishing value for money.

The BBM Blockhead Features

The Personal Touch

All Bass Collection and British Bass Masters instruments are re-strung and set up prior to despatch by Chris Ward, long serving Bass Centre guitar tech since 1984. Accordingly, you can choose which gauge and type of Elites Strings you prefer and specify set-up requirements (please use the "Comments" field when you check out).

NORMAN WATT-ROY

The original Bass Centre Blockhead Bass was custom made in the Czech Republic in the spirit of the pre-CBS 1962 shoreline gold Jazz Bass (pictured above) that had been Norman Watt-Roy's main recording and stage bass from the mid-'80s, as well as being informed by the great man's own exacting specifications. The superb replica featured a super-slim '60s profile neck, alder body, rosewood fingerboard, Seymour Duncan pickups, Leo Quan Badass Bass II bridge, aged reverse tuners, and a roadworn, period accurate finish for the complete 'been there, seen it, done it' look.

Two versions of the Blockhead were built for Norman, one with a script logo and one that more closely replicated the original's distressed look featuring the Bass Centre's Bass 'C' headstock brand.

From 2009 to 2013, with Norman's original retired from active service (and ultimately sold in 2012), the Blockhead was the powerhouse musican's constant companion for live performances with the Blockheads and veteran rhythm 'n' blues guitar slinger Wilko Johnson, as well as when stepping out to front his own outfit — Norman Watt-Roy & Friends — in support of his debut solo album "Faith & Grace", yet another milestone in the storied career of one of the UK's premier bass stylists.