Lurkers can vote
but one vote

I'm going to go with underrated, if only because I think he has a keen sense of what tunes to cover.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoERITopmpE&feature=related

Underrated - I think he had more to do with the Stones' creativity than most people know, and the Glimmers give him credit for.

I vote "underrated" too. He had melodic, inventive bass lines quite often.

I think Charlie's opinion matters most on this question, and while I can't quote him precisely, I recall that he said something to the effect that you don't really notice Bill's playing until he stops and the bottom drops out of the music.  Plus, Bill came up with the riff for "Jumpin' Jack Flash," which alone justifies the underrrated rating.

Edith Grove wrote on Jan 11^th, 2009 at 5:29pm:

Underrated - I think he had more to do with the Stones' creativity than most people know, and the Glimmers give him credit for.

I AGREE THE SOUND HAS NEVER BEEN THE SAME. HE KNEW WHAT TO PLAY AND WHAT NOT TO PLAY, HIM AND THE DRUMMER MR CHARLIE WATTS MADE ONE OF THE BEST RYTHMN SECTIONS OF ALL TIME.

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Funny topic as I was just talking about this very subject yesterday.

While Bill Wyman isn't the most talented bass player on the planet he was indeed the best bass player for the Rolling Stones.  With Daryl we lose a bit of the unpredictability factor we had with Bill.  Daryl is a monster.  No doubt, but you know he's good for a perfect night every night.  With Bill he was more on par with Keith and company in being quirky and again, the right fit for the band.

Underrated.
There is something 'missing' since he left although I love Darryl, Bill had the intertwining STONES vibe down with Charlie and Keef.

The only thing I know it´s I miss him...
He was at his best in the 78-82 era,especially on tour...

:boring

Comeback Bill!!!!!

Brainbell Jangler wrote on Jan 11^th, 2009 at 8:24pm:

I think Charlie's opinion matters most on this question, and while I can't quote him precisely, I recall that he said something to the effect that you don't really notice Bill's playing until he stops and the bottom drops out of the music.  Plus, Bill came up with the riff for "Jumpin' Jack Flash," which alone justifies the underrrated rating.

that's the best explanation...
because i can't put my finger on it.
he seems to not be there, but then you're not really paying attention - because you're too wrapped up in the groove, the feel of the song....
and when you do think about it, you realize that he must be doing something right.
and it's not the same anymore - so that answers the question.

WAY WAY Underrated. He's a fucking great bass player. Listen to When The Whip Comes Down for example- bouncing octaves, impeccable timing, awesome fills etc. I would love to hear how songs like Happy or Tumbling Dice would sound if Bill played on them. The rythymn hasn't been as good without him.

A buddy of mine I've known since 1967 has been playing bass as long as I've known him.  He has the greatest admiration for Bill's work.

Bill is way underrated, he fits The Stones (with Bass playing, along with being there from the beginning) just perfect, his 60's Bass playing inspired a lot of Bass players in rock, & I do miss him as a member of The Stones, it's too bad the flying got in the way, but he wanted to retire from The Stones anyway, he's a songwriter too, & I think he got sick from not getting credit with the Mick/Keith camp, same with Mick Taylor, he never got credit, that's the way it is with some bands, two ego manics take over.

6 people actually voted "overrated"? WTF? :whydontcha :areyoufuckingserious :wtf3

"Ban them.....ban them nowwww.....woooooo".

:aimama :boring

Both! When he left the Stones it was  like chili without the beans. Still satisfying but something fundamental is missing. It has nothing to do with Dary,l I mean he must be great, didn't he play in Madonna's band one tour? Bill Wyman  was self taught and a frustrated guitar player. He tried to emulate all the great early American Rock and Rollers but ended up playing with Keith Richards and Charlie Watts. A great mixture of frustration, influence and great musical peers. Alone who really gives a fuck? With Keith and Charlie, pick of the litter.

wrote on Jan 17^th, 2009 at 2:52pm:

6 people actually voted "overrated"? WTF? :whydontcha :areyoufuckingserious :wtf3

Howe come Darryl was allowed to vote 6 times?

72Tele wrote on Jan 17^th, 2009 at 5:00pm:

Daryl I mean he must be great, didn't he play in Madonna's band one tour?

Do I sense a hint of sarcasm here?  

For me the clincher is the story from the OZ tour in 73 where he was so ill with fever he had no recollection of playing the show, but the tape reveals he was note perfect throughout.  That's talent if you ask me.

Way under rated.  Billy come back to the Stones.  :willya