[quote name='shizznit' timestamp='1352900306' post='1869032']
I don't like dragging names through the dirt, but one player who is highly revered that I got to see play at very close range was Billy Sheehan at a clinic that he played with Paul Gilbert in Cardiff many moons ago. I thought his finger technique was appalling, his bass tone was even worse and his timing just plain sucked. I still really don't understand how this guy is such a big influence to some players. Everything he does seems wrong to me.
That said, Billy is a really nice guy to chat to! Very down to earth and very funny.
[/quote]
Personally I think that his live performances are fantastic fun. Great energy and enthusiasm. My favourite gig was a Steve Vai one with Billy on Bass. I don't recall thinking that his timing was out or his technique was bad, but the whole atmosphere was cookin' and immensly enjoyable.
Maybe Michal Anthony is a candidate? I remember a few years ago the separated masters for some bands/songs were 'out there' (was it related to guitar hero?) and a lot of people seemed to be commenting on how sloppy the bass parts were on VH recordings when everything around them was removed.