Maybe one of the greatest cases of an overlooked and underappreciated musician is that of Jason Newstead the former bass player for Metallica. The man was never allowed to live up to his full potential in the band and was basically forced to paint by number all of the parts that the rest of the band wrote for him. He could have seriously saved Metallica from being the mediocre band that they ended up becoming if only they had given him a little creative leeway.

I love metallica but I agree with you on that, they were arseholes to Jason.

Samesies with Rob Trujillo nowadays...

Paul McCartney?

I've always thought that Alex Lifeson, Rush's guitarist, was always a tad underrated compared to his two bandmates.

I don't know the inner workings of most of the bands I listen to. But one that comes to mind is The Smashing Pumpkins, but it's more from the other perspective, of having an overly egotistical front man rather than one specific member getting overlooked.

Steve Hanley

Mark E Smith said he was the most original aspect of The Fall and begged him to come back after he left after 20 years in the band.

In fact he still says that letting Steve Hanley leave was his only regret in the bands whole career.

Another bassist...

http://image.blog.livedoor.jp/shubon...2/f263f5bb.jpg

^ This chap, aka Davey Faragher. Had a huge pair of shoes to fill when he replaced Bruce Thomas as Elvis Costello's bassist, and a lot of fans I've spoken to here and there remain unconvinced by him. While his style's a lot more laid back and nowhere near as OTT and noticeable as his predecessor, what they forget is that he's a much better singer than Thomas ever was, which adds a pretty cool new twist to Costello's post-2000 sound. Plus he always does just enough to get the job done, which is alright I suppose.

I love the Pumpkins, but I can agree with this. James Iha's contribution is one of those situations where it is subtle yet totally necessary. He added this kind of etheral edge to the songs that made it distinctly "Pumpkins"...just listen to anything off Adore of the song Stand Inside Your Love...a simple e-bow line in the back but totally vital. Listen to anything new by them without James and it just sounds like it is missing something, imo.

I always respected Jim Morrison...they always wanted to introduce them as "Jim Morrison and the Doors" but he would always get upset and tell them to put just "The Doors".

Couldn't be further from the truth though. In most cases anyway without a proper bass line things sound terrible.