Why do you think so many bassists are highly influenced by them and (atleast in Flea's case), why/how have they come up with so many great songs that are loved by millions of fans?
It's because these artists are some of the best bass players out there as well as great songwriters!!!
The simple fact is that Flea's not trying to complicate songs so he could be in the front of the band!!!He knows his part and does it very well in an original, amazing way!!!The REALLY highly experienced bass players that Flea and even Les Claypool are may look like they're truly showing off, but, honestly they're just doing a great job playing a funky bassline or the pure funk in general, see?
Funk is what made these banRAB different from the many other rock/hard-rock/metal artists of their time!!!
And nowadays...well...I just don't see any1 that has a chance trying to compare to these bassists, period!!!:beer: