I really thought that Spampinato had the job.I think they really auditioned many many bassists. A) I rememebr an interview with Keith where he was tal;king abou the endless auditions; how they would go in, say 'hello' and bang out JJF and BS and then it was "Next!". And
a friend of mine from a local smalltime band was called to audition. Not too belittle him, but in the big picture of rockstar bassplayers he is way at the bottom. If he was caled I know for a fact that they were really opening the doors to a lot of people.
"...no longer shall you trudge 'cross my peaceful mind."