John Entwistle. If it weren't for him, none of the subsequent players would've had a forum to shine. Most likely the first "lead bass" player in the history of rock,(Check out his work on the Who's first album released in 1965 for confirmation.Example : The instrumental from that album, "The Ox" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L7XiZlalvs). No one was doing that kind of stuff at the time. If his work doesn't shine as much now it's due to the fact that so many after imitated him. But John did it without any of the posturing which was to come, and even in his latter years he still had it. And without even breaking a sweat. The Who lost any teeth that they had left when he died. Even Pino Palladino, the Who's current bassist shows respect by not even trying to replicate Entwistle's parts live :
From The Royal Albert Hall, 2000, bass solo from 5:15
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEJMQDksG80
That and Paul McCartney doesn't get his due as a bassist either.
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