June 4, 2025 – Austin, TX

 

In an unexpected but electrifying twist, tech billionaire Elon Musk has announced the launch of a global bass guitar competition, offering a $1 million grand prize to the world’s most talented bassist. The competition, officially dubbed “Bass Wars: The Low-End Legacy,” is set to begin later this year and has already stirred massive buzz across both the tech and music communities.

 

Musk made the announcement via X (formerly Twitter), stating:

“Everyone focuses on the lead guitar. It’s time we gave the bassists their moment to shake the Earth. Let’s find the funkiest fingers on the planet. $1M prize. Global stage. Let’s groove.”

 

According to sources close to the Tesla and SpaceX CEO, the idea was born during a late-night jam session at his Texas ranch, where Musk reportedly picked up a bass guitar for the first time and was “blown away” by how underappreciated the instrument is in popular culture.

 

The competition will be open to musicians of all ages and nationalities, with online submissions kicking off in September. Participants will be asked to submit a 60-second solo performance highlighting creativity, groove, and technical skill. A panel of celebrity judges — rumored to include Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Thundercat, and even Bootsy Collins — will evaluate the entries, with finalists performing live in a televised event slated for early 2026.

In typical Musk fashion, the finals are expected to be held in a futuristic venue — possibly aboard a repurposed SpaceX Starship prototype — though organizers have yet to confirm.

 

Music industry veterans have praised the announcement, with Questlove calling it “the most unexpected and possibly most impactful music event of the decade.”

 

While some critics dismissed the move as a publicity stunt, others say it could inject new energy into the world of instrumental performance. “For once, it’s not about flashy solos,” said jazz bassist Esperanza Spalding. “It’s about groove, tone, and presence — and I’m here for it.”

 

Musk ended his announcement with a final message to aspiring players everywhere:

“Slap it, pluck it, thump it — just make it groove.”