John Alec Entwistle October 1944

RockonTour.net
the Single Source for the Concertphile

Who bass guitarist dead at 57

John Entwistle suffers fatal heart attack

John Alec Entwistle 1944 - 2002

by Timothy Tilghman

On the eve of a major tour scheduled to begin the following evening, Who bass guitarist John Entwistle was found dead in his Las Vegas hotel room at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Thursday, June 27, 2002. The Clark County coroner stated the virtuoso bassist died of a fatal heart attack. Steve Luongo, drummer in Entwistle's solo band, mentioned the British musician had been on heart medication.

Entwistle had arrived in Las Vegas before his bandmates to attend the first of eight dates, exhibiting his art collection at Grammy's Art of Music Gallery in the Aladdin Hotel-Casino. Besides being a world class bassist, the musician had an artistic streak. Entwistle designed the humorous cover artwork for The Who By Numbers, released in 1975.

The death of Entwistle came on the eve of a 27 date tour that was to commence at The Joint in Las Vegas at the Hard Rock Cafe on June 28, 2002. The Who tour remained in doubt for a day. On Friday, confirmation came that the tour would continue through September 22nd, ending in Toronto, Ontario. Pino Palladino has been named as the bassist to fill in on short notice.

"The entire Who family is terribly saddened by John's passing," manager Bill Curbishley said. "Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends and the millions of Who fans the world over," he said in a statement. Long-time friend Cy Langston discovered Entwistle in his hotel suite.

Bill Wyman, former bassist with the Rolling Stones for 28 years and a British Invasion peer of Entwistle, called John Entwistle, "a great friend for many years - the quietest man in private but the loudest on stage! He was unique and irreplaceable -- I am shocked and devastated".

Entwistle's untimely death leaves two living original members of the legendary rock band, vocalist Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend. Drummer Keith Moon died of an accidental drug overdose in September 1978. John Alec Entwistle is survived by his son, Christopher Entwistle.

Success Story

John Alec Entwistle was born in Cheswick, a suburb of London, England, on October 9, 1944. Herbert and Maud Entwistle both had musical backgrounds which benefited the young boy. Because of their failed marriage, a portion of his youth was spent with his grandparents. Entwistle shared his birthdate with Beatle John Lennon, born 1940.

Entwistle mastered piano and French horn at a young age. He began playing with The Confederates. He was a member of The Who from the beginning as The Detours, first on trumpet, later switching to bass as the outfit renamed themselves The High Numbers, and again later as The Who.

Entwistle met Pete Townshend in school. Together, the two budding musicians toiled in jazz circles. Reaching the age of 14, Entwistle decided he wanted to pick up the bass guitar. After Entwistle joined The Detours fronted by Roger Daltrey, he suggested they invite Townshend to join the group.

Around 1959 John Entwistle, Pete Townshend and Phil Rhodes started a band called "The Confederates", which would eventually evolve into "The Who".

The Who experienced tremendous difficulty early in their recording career. Climbing above other talented British beat groups was hampered by the complications of struggling with a succession of managers and legal squabbling over the band's initial studio recordings. The stalemate concerning their first album from 1965 was just recently settled by all participants.

Recording "My Generation" in 1965, gave Entwistle the opportunity of his lifetime. His lead bass guitar solo during the bridge of "My Generation" was simply astounding. No one had ever utilized the bass guitar as an instrument in that capacity before The Ox. During the recording sessions, John would have to purchase two new bass guitars to finish recording the single since the bass strings on this model were difficult to replace.

Entwistle's first composition for The Who has turned out to be his most enduring song, "Boris The Spider". Townshend commented later it should have been a single. The 1966 classic remained a favorite stage staple of The Who over the course of their performance career.

Entwistle was equally responsible for the pounding sound of The Who as any member of this bombastic quartet. This point is evident listening to the two Stones covers recorded by The Who in 1967 while Entwistle was away on his honeymoon. Townshend played bass for the double single, and Entwistle's absence is sorely apparent.

Entwistle had been quietly at work for a dozen years on a novel inspired by his career experiences as a member of one of the most influential British bands in rock history, but his project was unfinished. He spoke about the novel in one of his final interviews, describing the book as a fictionalized account of The Who drawn from actual characters and anecdotes over the course of the band's 40-year history.

Trick Of The Light

The Who's Who of the bass guitar will include John Entwistle within the top five names in the annuals of recorded music. 'The Ox' was named the Bassist of the Millennium, as if that should be a surprise to anyone. He was a virtuoso, commanded respect for an instrument that normally displayed a supporting role in music.

The history of The Who is a little confusing. Daltrey, Entwistle, and Townshend were members of The Detours originally. A name change suggestion of The Who was adopted once Keith Moon joined the emerging group. Then briefly, the band released one single in 1964 as The High Numbers. "I'm The Face" premiered burping bass lines by Entwistle.

However, by the time they released their next single, "I Can't Explain", they scored that original hit as The Who. Later in 1996, Entwistle wanted the trio to consider calling themselves TED after their last names. With John's unexpected loss, this current tour may be the last one to feature being titled as The Who.

Although The Who are considered to be Modfathers, the band only flirted with the Mod movement in England during the early 1960s. Just like The Kinks, their stage attire and their music delivered on vinyl singles The Small Faces may deserve the Mod title more than these two distinctly British rock bands.

Original Who drummer Keith Moon passed away in September 1978. The ironic cover of Who Are You was released within weeks of Moon's tragic death. Moon was depicted on the album cover seated in a chair with the words NOT TO BE TAKEN AWAY printed on the backrest.

The remaining Who members decided to carry on as a band and invited drummer Kenney Jones from The Faces to join. The new Who took the stage on May 2, 1979, in London at the Rainbow Theatre comprising Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, Pete Townshend, John Rabbit Bundrick on keyboards, and Kenny Jones on drums.

This arrangement lasted barely three years before Townshend announced he wanted to end The Who in 1982. The Who were under contract to deliver two more studio albums when Townshend decided he wanted out of their commitment. Rumors circulated the band was recording a new effort in 1983, but Townshend pulled the plug on the project.

When The Who regrouped in 1989 for a 25th Anniversary Tour of the U.S. and the U.K., Jones was not seated behind the drums. That position was now filled by drummer Simon Phillips. This tour also featured two unique 20th Anniversary live performances of their classic rock-opera, Tommy.

Townshend was invited to perform at the 1996 Prince's Trust in Hyde Park, and he in turn asked Daltery and Entwistle to join him. For this benefit concert, Quadrophenia was reprised on stage for the first time in 23 years. Drummer Zak Starkey, was welcomed behind the drumkit for this performance.

The success of that gig lead to six dates at Madison Square Garden, which then progressed into a Fall 1996 US Tour. Still running strong, The Who conducted their first European tour in 16 years. Starkey's drumming solidified the modern Who sound. The Quadrophenia tour finally culminated with a 1997 summer US tour.

Entwistle's outstanding bass playing is reflected in many classic Who recordings: "My Generation", "Pictures Of Lily", "Magic Bus", "The Real Me", "5:15", "Long Live Rock", "Another Tricky Day", and "Cry If You Want". His ability to complement a Townshend composition actually propelled many of their most powerful rockers.

Entwistle's penchant for humorous lyrics and razor-sharp wit can be found in several of his own Who compositions: "Boris The Spider", "Heaven And Hell", "My Wife", "Postcard", "Success Story", "Trick Of The Light", "You", and "One At A Time". Whether he handled lead vocals himself or occasionally gave Daltrey the task, an Entwistle song usually required cranking up the volume.

His bass playing live on stage with The Who was unparalleled. Entwistle did not earn his other nickname, Thunderfingers, without good reason. Watching his fingertips assault his bass guitar neck fret was always entertaining and inspirational.

The Who were inducted into the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. The remaining trio were joined on stage by the late Keith Moon's daughter, Mandy, to receive their award. Jones' last appearance with The Who was at Live Aid Wembley Stadium on July 13, 1985.

In an amazing moment, The Who usurped the Stones during the filming of The Rolling Stones Rock'n'Roll Circus in 1968. Their performance of the Townshend mini-opera "A Quick One, While He's Away" was released in The Kids Are Alright rockumentary from 1979.

Back On The Road

The Who have a history of performing at benefits and festivals. The British veteran rockers appeared at the Monterey Pop Festival, Woodstock, Live Aid, and a charity performance of Tommy. Recently, The Who donated their musical muscle to support the Bridge School and Maryville Academy in 1999, the in 2000, as well as the Teenage Cancer Trust in 2000 and 2002.

It was his involvement through charitable performances that motivated Townshend to once again invite his Who colleagues to join in on a few dates in 1999. The Who premiered an unplugged performance at the Bridge School Benefit concerts in Mountain View, California, during the Halloween weekend. Two blistering dates in support of the Maryville Academy took place in November.

Those 1999 dates produced the live double disc From The Bush To The Blues. 2000 also saw the release of The Who BBC Sessions. A major US summer tour was very successful with dates stage in the U.K. later that Fall. Their last date at the Royal Albert Hall promoting the Teenage Cancer Trust was released on DVD. The Who even contributed guests voices on "The Simpsons" television series.

The Concert for New York City from October 2001 became their modern crowning achievement as a band. The Who were regarded as having stolen the show at Madison Square Garden. This would be Entwistle's last global audience. The Who had hoped to contribute a new studio cover recording on the Sun Records 50th anniversary edition, but pulled out of the project. The band received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001.

The Who were active early in 2002 with five dates in England. The long rumored Who studio reunion album was firmly planned for the Fall. Townshend had finally committed to recording with The Who again. The Ultimate Collection, a double disc set, just released was selling briskly before John's shocking death.

Tour rehearsals began officially on June 10th in London with additional guitarist Simon Townshend. Two new compositions were practiced for performance. Entwistle's final rehearsal session was held on June 14th. The first two dates in Las Vegas and Irvine have been postponed.

Postcard

> Pete's Diaries: 28 June 2002. The Ox has left the building - we've lost another great friend. Thanks for your support and love. Pete and Roger. < This was Pete and Roger's personal comment posted on Pete Townshend's website.

A June 14th post by Townshend revealed his enthusiasm for the impending tour. Rehearsals at his Oceanic Studios in West London were exceeding expectations. Sessions conducted over five days had been taped. Townshend was pleased with the progress on a Daltery composition, "Certified Rose". He was excited about playing new material live. He also mentioned his "Good Looking Boy", a 1995 song he wrote about Elvis Presley, being polished for performance on this tour.

Some form of formal taping was arranged for June 15th to address their tour sponsorship deals. Simon Townshend, younger brother of Pete, was added to the line up on guitar to resurrect Who gems for this tour. The Who Ultimate Collection, recently released on MCA Records, leaped onto the US sales charts, generating a buzz for Townshend and company. He even mentioned his vision on what a future studio Who album might sound like.

The final Who performances conducted with John Entwistle were five dates in the U.K. this past winter. The Who appeared at two Teenage Cancer Trust benefit concerts held at the Royal Albert Hall in February 2002. This was their second contribution in support of the Teenage Cancer Trust. Their November 2000 date has been released on DVD. I caught both Royal Albert Hall concerts and was blessed with having Entwistle sign my February 7th stub, which was on my birthday.

Initially, The Who announced 20 dates for their 2002 summer jaunt across North America. Then, another seven dates were put on sale to extend their tour into September. All 27 dates were considered in jeopardy until a statement was released confirming The Who tour would continue with Pino Palladino handling bass guitar. The first two dates were to be rescheduled during the tour.

The North American summer tour will now commence on July 1, 2002, at the Hollywood Bowl. Pino Palladino performed on Townshend's 1985 solo album White City - A Novel. Palladino's studio bass credits include working with Oleta Adams, Joan Armatrading, Tony Banks, Paul Carrack, Peter Cetera, Phil Collins, Melissa Etheridge, Don Henley, Elton John, Gary Numan, Paul Rogers, Seal, Rick Springfield, Tears for Fears, and Paul Young.

14 years ago to the day on June 27, 1988, Entwistle performed at Baltimore's Hammerjacks Concert Hall, since demolished for PSI.net Stadium. The Ox kindly signed my ticket stub after the concert. He also signed my stub from a Washington, D.C. date with Rat Race Choir from November 15, 1987. The last time I saw him solo was with the John Entwistle Band at A.L. Gators on February 3, 1996. I paid $25 to see The Who in Auburn Hills, Michigan, on June 27, 2000.

Another coincidence was catching Entwistle on July 17, 1995 as a member of Ringo Starr's Third All Starr Band, and again in 2001 on that same day as the bass guitarist for A Walk Down Abbey Road at the same venue. Next to Chris Squire of Yes, hearing John Entwistle play bass guitar live on stage was an invitation to rock out to his bass vibes!

> With a couple of brand new songs in the list, not pretending to be hits, but rather showing that we are still creative in our own unique way, I believe there will be something surprising and special for everyone who comes to see us this year. < Final remark from Townshend's June 14th post.

Thunderfingers was my favorite member of The Who. John may be gone, but his music plays on.

Entwistle Who Songs: Boris The Spider * Whiskey Man * I've Been Away * Doctor, Doctor * Heinz Baked Beans * Medac * Silas Stingy * Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde * Fiddle About * Cousin Kevin * Heaven And Hell * My Wife * When I Was A Boy * Postcard * Success Story * 905 * The Quiet One * One At A Time

Entwistle Who compositions for Daltrey: Someone's Coming - 1967 * Had Enough & Trick Of The Light - 1978 * You - 1981 * It's Your Turn & Dangerous - 1982

Miscellaneous Who Recordings: The Ox - 1965 instrumental * In The City - 1966 composed with Keith Moon * Dogs - 1968 * Summertime Blues - 1969 * To The Chop - 1975 solo recording * Twist And Shout - 1984 live * Dig & Fire - 1989 * Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting) - 1991 * Dig - 1991 live * Cousin Kevin Model Child - 1998 * After The Fire - 2000 live

Entwistle Albums: Smash Your Head Against the Wall - 1971 * Whistle Rhymes - 1972 * Rigor Mortis Sets In - 1973 * Mad Dog - 1975 * Too Late the Hero - 1981 * The Rock - 1996 * Left for Live - 1999 * Music From Van-Pires - 2000

John Entwistle solo: 15 Nov `87 - Washington, DC <> 27 Jun `88 - Baltimore, Md <> 13 Aug `94 - Columbia, Md w/Daltrey sings Townshend <> 17 Jul `95 - Vienna, Va w/Ringo Starr & His Third All Starr Band <> 03 Feb `96 - Rivera Beach, Md <> 17 Jul `01 - Vienna, VA w/A Walk Down Abbey Road

RockonTour Issue #10
Mitt Namlitt CyberSnews@yahoo.com