BY RASHAD GROVE • JANUARY 4, 2019

One of the architects of Funk music is renowned bassist William “Bootsy” Collins. His work with George Clinton’s Parliament-Funkadelic, as a member of the James Brown backing band The JB’s, and his solo discography are a major influence in shaping Black music. Bootsy’s music has been heavily sampled by Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Outkast, Timbaland, Childish Gambino and just about everyone else since the birth of Hip-Hop. But Bootzilla will be hanging up his bass as he prepares to retire from live performances. In a Facebook post, he announced that due to health reasons he will no longer be able to perform live.

“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!!!”

But don’t think that this is the end of the road for the 67-year-old bass prodigy Mr. Collins has plans to become a coach for up-and-coming musicians and “will continue to funk from the studio.” He assured his fans that he will release new music in 2019.

We wish Mr. Bootsy Collins all the best.

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