Bootsy Collins Retires From Playing Bass in Concert

Bass guitar icon Bootsy Collins says he'll no longer be bringing the funk on the four-string during live performances. 

The former James Brown and Parliament Funkadelic bassist says the made the decision after a conversation with his doctor concerning some medical issues with which he's been dealing.

"Doc said too much pressure on my inner ear and right hand," Collins wrote in a Facebook post. "I had to make up my mind, so I did."

He added that he'll "continue to funk from the studio," in addition to concentrating on coaching up and coming musicians. 

"I know you got questions, and I don't have answers," he added. "Maybe one day, you too will understand."

It's unclear if Bootzilla is planning to continue to performing like just without a bass in his hands. The bass master has no live dates announced for this year. 

He concluded with a note of optimism, saying 2019 "will be the funkiest year of them all."

Collins' last album, World Wide Funk, was released in 2017.

Photos: Getty Images