[quote name='Doddy' post='1099741' date='Jan 23 2011, 03:38 PM']The thing with the guys you mention,is that although they all have great chops,they have all played their share of 'simple' basslines. Many of their bass parts are not always as complex as they may appear (Claypool in particular).[/quote]
Once again the word 'context' is of vital importance. All of those artists have a huge back catalogue of material, played solo or as part of a band (playing their own material) or a band playing as a session player, at Music industry shows (where they are expected to demo gear and it goes without saying that they will be trying to show that gear in a good light...
Some people like complex music. Not just the musicians playing it, but the audience themselves.
Bass is not just a backing instrument. Bass is not just a solo instrument. Every player lies somewhere on the continuum between these two extremes, and at different times and in different contexts their position can and will vary. Which is as it should be!