3. Flea
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Another one of the most versatile bassists on the planet, one Michael Balzary is willing to play with anybody, anywhere. He rose to stardom with the Red Hot Chili Peppers (his work on its version of Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground” is exceptional), but has taken his slap, funk/rock bass work to the stage with the likes of Jane’s Addiction, Johnny Cash and Tom Waits. Not to mention, Flea is also one of the great characters of rock and his stage presence – whether fully clothed or sporting a single sock – is truly a sight.