Phil Lesh (Grateful Dead), John Entwhistle (Who) and Jack Bruce (Cream) were all highly-trained musicians and could play other instruments.

Phil Lesh is actually an Avant-garde composer.

Like Paul McCartney, they probably decided to buck-up and do bass because nobody else wanted to.

They all amused themselves by inventing counter melodies and lead improviation, not just rhythm bass.

There have been louder and more raucus bass players in Rock Music, but none better than those three.

Odd, but Phil Lesh, like Jack Bruce, also received a liver transplant.