Born: October 9, 1944, Chiswick, London, England

Died: June 27, 2002 – Hard Rock Hotel, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.

John Alec Entwistle was a British bassist best known as the bassist for the legendary rock band The Who. Entwistle was a founding member of The Who and is revered for his innovative bass playing and his thunderous presence in the music. His bass sound set the Who apart from many other acts and was a defining element of the band’s sound.

Entwistle’s musical journey began at the age of 7, when he began taking piano lessons.  The piano didn’t take causing him to switch to trumpet after which he eventually incorporated french horn as well.  He had a hard time hearing his trumpet while playing with rock bands and that eventually caused him to pick up the guitar, however due to his massive fingers and his love of the low notes played on guitar by Duane Eddy, he finally found his home on the bass.

Entwistle attended Acton County Grammar School where another young musician named Roger Daltrey was one grade ahead of him.  Daltrey, after being expelled from school, would eventually ask Entwistle to join his band, The Detours.  The Detours consisted of Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend and Entwistle and would eventually add drummer Keith Moon to the mix.  This is the band that became known as The Who.

John Entwistle’s bass playing was characterized by its melodic complexity, technical precision, and the use of high-powered amplification. His “lead bass” style, which incorporated intricate runs, rapid picking, and a powerful sound, set him apart as one of the most innovative bassists in rock history. Entwistle’s use of the bass as a lead instrument was particularly evident in tracks like “My Generation” and “The Real Me.”

In addition to his role as the band’s bassist, Entwistle was a prolific songwriter for The Who. Some of his notable compositions include “Boris the Spider” and “My Wife.” His songwriting often showcased a dark sense of humour and added a unique flavor to The Who’s catalog.

Beyond his work with The Who, John Entwistle pursued solo projects, releasing a total of 6 albums: “Smash Your Head Against the Wall” (1971),  “Whistle Rymes” (1972), “Rigor Mortis Sets In” (1973), “Mad Dog” (1975), “Too Late the Hero” (1981).  His solo work allowed him to explore a wider range of musical styles and further showcase his talents as a multi-instrumentalist.  He also released two other albums outside of The Who, 2000’s “Music From Van-Pires” by The John Entwistle Band and “The Rock” by the band “The Rock” (1996).  The Rock was a creation of Entwistle’s featuring Ringo Starr’s son, Zak Starkey on drums.

Tragically, John Entwistle passed away on June 27, 2002, at the age of 57, on the eve of a scheduled North American tour with The Who. His death was attributed to a heart attack induced by cocaine use. Entwistle’s legacy endures through his groundbreaking contributions to rock music, and he is remembered as one of the greatest bassists in the history of rock and roll.