NAMM and Bass Magazine have named the honorees for the 2027 Bass Magazine Awards. The show takes place Thursday, Jan. 28, 2027, at the ACC Arena in the Anaheim Convention Center.
Seven artists will be honored: Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath, Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stone Temple Pilots co-founder Robert DeLeo, funk pioneer Bootsy Collins, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Nathan Watts, longtime bassist for Stevie Wonder. One more recipient will be a surprise. According to the announcement, put out by NAMM, each honoree will get a Lifetime Achievement Award and play that evening.
Geezer Butler helped found Black Sabbath and became its principal lyricist. He first joined Ozzy Osbourne in a band called Polka Tulk in 1968; the group adopted the Black Sabbath name in early 1969. He has also played with GZR, Heaven & Hell, Deadland Ritual, and Ozzy Osbourne.
Flea has made 13 albums with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He put out a solo album, Honora, and also played in Atoms for Peace and recorded with Alanis Morissette. His Silverlake Conservatory of Music turned 25 in 2026.
Nathan Watts has played bass for Stevie Wonder for 52 years, on stage and in the studio. Since 1994, he has also served as Wonder’s musical director. Born in Detroit, Watts has played on a dozen albums with Wonder. He has also worked with Paul McCartney, the Pointer Sisters, the Jacksons, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight, Lionel Richie, and Sergio Mendes.
Meshell Ndegeocello plays bass, writes songs, sings, composes, and produces. Her work spans more than three decades, and she has won several GRAMMY Awards.
Tickets are on sale now through Opendate. Registration for the 2027 NAMM Show is open too. Details are at namm.org/thenammshow/attend.
