Robert Sledge

Robert Sledge is a bassist, best known for his work with Ben Folds Five. Robert played a Hamer Explorer Bass throughout the early years of Ben Folds Five. It was use

Robert Sledge is a bassist, best known for his work with Ben Folds Five. Robert played a Hamer Explorer Bass throughout the early years of Ben Folds Five. It was used on their eponymous debut album. He later switched to a Fender Jazz Bass to record Whatever and Ever Amen, while playing his Gibson Les Paul bass in live shows from that time to the present. He also plays an upright string bass for several songs. Before playing with Ben Folds Five he was bassist for the band Toxic Popsicle. After Ben Folds Five broke up, Robert Sledge performed for one summer with the short lived rock group "Nut Magnet" a band comprised of Robert and former ex-squirrel nut zippers Tom Maxwell and Ken Mosher. He later joined the band International Orange, as a songwriter and bassist. International Orange broke up in 2004.

He was the only member of Ben Folds five that was able to stand at all times (although Ben Folds would often stand during intense song performances). He is known for his use of a Big Muff distortion pedal and love of mincemeat pie.