Bass Players Converge on VW

(PALO ALTO, CA) Angered at what they call "the continued ignorance of marketers and advertisers," a coalition of bass players assembled in front of VW's Electronics Research Laboratory here, demanding that Volkswagen also offer a free bass with its new cars. The carmaker is currently offering a free guitar that can be played through a vehicle's sound system.

"We know what people say, we hear the jokes," said Geddy Lee, spokesman for the group, "We know they always say 'bass players can't get laid,' or 'how many bass players does it take to screw in a lightbulb,'" but this has gone too far!"

VW's current crop of TV ads, produced by ad agency CP+B, feature guitarist Slash of Guns and Roses and Velvet Revolver fame, as well as the actor Christopher Guest, reprising the role of Nigel Tufnel from the film "This is Spinal Tap." Both guitarists are playing First Act guitars, which are plugged in to the car as they loudly play solos.

"Guitarists get all the glory," said Lee, "They get the better hotel rooms, the limelight, the solos. Unless you're Flea, out there running up and down the stage, jumping and mugging for the audience, no one is paying the bassist any attention. Volkswagen has taken this inattention to a new level and we are sick of it."

So, how many bass players does it take to screw in a lightbulb?

Jill Spokeshack of CP+B answers, "I didn't write this joke, so please don't blame me, but the answer is 'None. Who wants to see a bass player in the light?'"

VW officials were unreachable for comment at press time.