Greg Norton discusses his signature Reverend bass and his time in Hüsker Dü

Greg Norton, the current bassist for Ultrabomb, reflects on his time with legendary punk rock band Hüsker Dü and the inevitability of their breakup. Norton believes that the dissolution of the band was unavoidable, although the sudden end came as a shock. He regrets that they did not have the chance to release more records and make a lasting impact on the music scene, but he acknowledges the abrupt nature of their split in 1988.

After leaving the music business in 1991, Norton returned a decade later and eventually joined Ultrabomb in 2022. While focusing on his current projects, Norton still holds Hüsker Dü close to his heart. He appreciates the opportunity to have worked with such talented songwriters as Bob Mould and Grant Hart, likening their dynamic to the legendary partnership of Lennon and McCartney. Norton recalls fondly the moments when he was in awe of Mould’s guitar prowess, drawing comparisons to Jimi Hendrix in the punk rock genre.

Norton is currently immersed in the release of “Hüsker Dü – 1985: The Miracle Year,” a live recording that captures the band’s vibrant energy and spirit. Rediscovering this footage after nearly eight years was an exciting experience for Norton, who feels grateful to have this piece of their history preserved. The concert showcases the band at the height of their creativity and offers a comprehensive look at their music from various albums, including New Day Rising, Candy Apple Grey, Zen Arcade, Metal Circus, and Everything Falls Apart.

Reflecting on their live performances, Norton reveals that Hüsker Dü often used shows to experiment with unreleased material and engage with their audience by introducing new songs before they were officially recorded. This methodology resulted in confusion among fans who expected to hear tracks from recent albums but were treated to previews of upcoming releases. Norton views this approach as a way to generate excitement and curiosity among concert-goers.

When discussing his bass playing style during his time with Hüsker Dü, Norton explains that he preferred a straightforward approach without relying heavily on effects pedals. He recalls experimenting with an MXR Distortion box to add a subtle buzz to his bass tone, enhancing the overall sound of the band. Despite their eventual breakup, Norton’s tenure with Hüsker Dü remains a significant chapter in his musical journey, and he continues to cherish the memories and experiences shared with the band.