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John Entwistle Obituary
Entwistle, a founding member of the band, stood out because he played without emotion, a stark contrast to the antics of lead guitarist Pete Townshend and lead singer Roger Daltrey.
The group was scheduled to play at the Hard Rock Hotel-Casino on Friday, the first date of a three-month, nationwide tour. The Vegas show was canceled but the rest of the tour was undecided, said Beckye Levin of promoter Clear Channel Entertainment.
"I was told he passed away in his sleep last night," Levin said, breaking into sobs during a telephone interview.
Who manager Robert Rosenberg said he was "saddened and shocked."
There was "nothing suspicious" about Entwistle's death, Clark County fire spokesman Bob Leinbach said.
The group, founded in London in the early 1960s, was part of the British rock invasion and the voice of a new breed. Their concerts were literally explosive – a fusion of audacious acrobatics, martial precision and high octane rock 'n' roll that blew away audiences and left the stage and their instruments a smoldering wreck.
The group's albums included "My Generation," "Happy Jack," "The Who Sell Out," "On Tour: Magic Bus," "Live at Leeds," "Who's Next," "Meaty, Beaty, Big and Bouncy," "Quadrophenia," "Odds and Sods," "The Who by Numbers," "Who Are You," "The Kids Are Alright," "Face Dances," and "It's Hard."
They also made the groundbreaking rock opera film, "Tommy," starring Ann-Margret, in 1975.
The group's wild exploits were legendary. During a concert at the Rikki Tik Club in England in May 1966, Townshend smacked Entwistle in the head with his guitar; a year later, drummer Keith Moon, at the close of the band's performance on "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour," detonated a flash bomb that destroyed his drum set, stunned guests and damaged Townshend's ears.
Moon – the band's original drummer – lived life on the edge, right up until his untimely death in 1978 in his London apartment at age 31 from an overdose.
The remaining members of the band retired in 1982 after a concert in Toronto, but they reunited and had toured frequently in recent years. They gave a rousing performance at last year's "Concert for New York," which raised funds for the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks.
They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.
Copyright © 2002 The Associated Press
41 Entries
Harry Simpson
June 27, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us. Godspeed.
Barbara Ott
June 27, 2012
R.I.P. John...music has lost one of it's truly great legends. You will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the Entwistle family.
Teresa Tario
September 14, 2009
I grew up listening to John and The Who. Unfortunately I never saw the band perform live. I remember Dave Hlubeck of Molly Hatchet telling me the fond memories he had had of John while his band was on tour in England. Rock-n-roll has lost an incredible legend. R.I.P John
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" My Babies " Thanks to the Ox.
L. Chambers
September 12, 2009
You were always nice enough to sign all my bass guitars no questions asked.
You will always be missed.
L.H.Chambers Detroit Michigan.
tom lozupone
July 13, 2002
thank you for all the great songs, performances, and lasting memories of your life that you gave to all people in all walks of life. your life will be celebrated and listened to forever. now go give moon a hand setting up the drums.
sincerly,
tom lozupone
Mat Connor
June 30, 2002
John and his mates put on a performance that was ,without question, the highlight of the "Concert for New York City". He took part in an event that provided us all with some measure of healing in the midst of a difficult time. His talent and wit have provided us with joy for decades. Now, dedicated members of The Who Nation find themselves in need of healing once more. Thank you John for all you've given us. We're forever in your debt.
Danny Ferguson
June 29, 2002
You were the best! You got me through so many hard times, whe I was a 16 year old in Baldwin Park California. My life was defined by Live at Leeds, and Who's Next.
Danny Ferguson
[email protected]
Eric Collins
June 29, 2002
Rock's greatest rhythm section is now gone. Like most fans, I reached for the music, but it was John's solo albums such as "Whistle Rhymes" and "Rigor Mortis Sets In" (yes, sad irony in the title now) which I turned to, rather then the 'orrible 'oo. "Peg Leg Peggy" made me laugh all over again. "Apron Strings," what a cool song. Just a very talented man I'll miss a great deal. Bye Ox.
Cory Goodman
June 29, 2002
An inspiration for my generation.
The Boss on Bass will be missed by this Bassist and all WHO follow.
BEA GARRISON
June 29, 2002
I saw you at the Dodger stadium and when Mama's Got A Squeeze Box started I thought the stands were going to collasp from everybody jumping up and down! Needless to say I've never forgotten that day and smiled a long time after that day every time the memory came to mind. I miss you already. Love Bea
reno white
June 29, 2002
never heard of the ox, but a very
common name in history, good luck
to the sister and all the family.
what a better place to make more
of your own kind of music than up
there with the angels and harps...
NEIL
June 29, 2002
THE SONG IS NEVER OVER OX! IT HAS JUST BEGUN TO BE HERD BY PEOPLE OF A NEW GENERATION. SADLY MISSED IN MASS
Kay Graham
June 29, 2002
Go home brother!
Gene Connell
June 29, 2002
Absolutely the greatest bass player in rock ever, and totally irreplaceable. Rock on Ox!
Leah S
June 29, 2002
The World Will Never Be The Same
cuz
We Won't Get Fooled Again
but we're
Talkin' Bout My Generation
why he's gone
I Can't Explain
Johnny, We Hardly Knew Ye
drive it on, Thunderfingers
Ron Toms
June 29, 2002
A major loss for Rock 'n Roll.
Arguably the greatest bassist ever.
Ted Blackmore
June 29, 2002
There's no substitute for my generation, the kids are alrtight computers make great tools but we won't get fooled again.
Janice Houghton
June 29, 2002
"How many friends have I really got?"
One less. R.I.P. John.
george bott
June 28, 2002
My sympathy to the Entwistle family.
Another great performer passes on.
The Who will continue to perform
but a dimension will be missing.
Neil G
June 28, 2002
I am very, very sad with the news on the Ox. I must say that he has left an amazing imprint on the rock & roll world and the soundtrack of many of our lives. His music will last well into the future and I have many amazing 5:15 bass solos for reference when I have kids. John was the foundation of one of the most important rock & roll bands in history. The Who have been on a roll in these past few years and the band will never be the same. I would just like to say thank you to John Entwistle, you have provided the world with an unbelievable talent and love for music. My prayers are with you and your family. Long Live Rock.
tom hood
June 28, 2002
Rocking in heaven to young to have passed will be missed by all simply the best.
Tony
June 28, 2002
The Ultimate bass player ever, I was shocked and then very saddend, especially to hear that they will play without him. Nobody can fill his shoes, EVER. You are truley missed John
Chester Gilmore
June 28, 2002
Some of the all time greastest songs:" Magic Bus,My Generation,won't get fooled again and Tommy. John. we will miss you and your input into one of the greatest bands of the "British Invasion"
karen polvinen
June 28, 2002
your music will live on forever
Janice Payne
June 28, 2002
Thank You for the "Thunder" and for all you gave, inspiring us musicians and the music world.
God Bless You, Your Family, Friends and all "Who" love you... "Rock On"
:::==={o }pknMama
Janice Payne
The Mick
June 28, 2002
Jimi Hendrix on lead guitar,
George Harrison on rhythym guitar,
John Entwistle on bass,
Keith Moon on drums,
Jim Morrison lead singer, backed up by Janis Joplin.
Heaven is Rockin tonight
Tim Burnsio
June 28, 2002
Well spoken Tommy Two Tone Ryan. Rock out!
Elaine Ricci
June 28, 2002
As a longtime Who fan, I am saddened by the news of John's passing and am still in shock. With his awesome talent, he set the standard for rock bassists. We will miss him. Rest in peace, John!
Ryan
June 28, 2002
SUMMERTIME BLUES
The Ox / The Anchor/ Thunder fingers
He was known by a lot of alias's.
Easily the worlds finest Bassman.
I met John in 79 months after the death of his best friend Keith.
A huge vision in Bearskin and sporting the Gold spider chain on his neck, extending his hand and pen to me.
The "Quite One" Always content to avoid the spotlight.
The Rock World mourns the passing of a Giant.
God Bless Johnny "Twinkle"
Edward Ingraham
June 28, 2002
You simply were the "Greatest". You will be sorely missed but never forgotten.
Calvin Huggins
June 28, 2002
Godspeed John, you will be missed.
Stuart Pendleton
June 28, 2002
The rock band in Heaven just got the best bass player that the world had to offer.....
Eric Ries
June 28, 2002
I can't help but believe that perhaps the greatest bass player in the history of rock 'n' roll goes into the hereafter with a wry smile and more than a little satisfaction for a job well done on this Earth. This is a guy whose delightful solo efforts, after all, included the wonderfully dark LP "Rigor Mortis Sets In."
bob self
June 28, 2002
a wonderful guy, player..........
thanks for it all, john....
Angelo Antidormi
June 28, 2002
To the man they called "Thunderfingers" and "Ox", may you rest in peace. We will remember you always - The Greatest Bass Player to ever live on Earth.
Steve Bontempo
June 28, 2002
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and most of aLL ALL WHO CAME IN CONTACT with this great artist. I have followed the Who since they came to my High School in 1968 and have loved them ever since. Steve Bontempo
Debbi Cummings
June 28, 2002
When I first saw the Who in 1971, you stood out, even with Roger & Pete on the stage! Your musical talents will be sorely missed....
John Gavnik
June 28, 2002
You were the standard for bass players around the world, you will be missed!! Rest in Peace, my condolences to Roger, Pete and your family.
William M. Vail, Jr.
June 28, 2002
To the Entwistle Family:
I was very sorry to hear of John's passing.
He will be remembered as one of rocks greatest bassists.
Rock on, John!
Donald Shilow
June 28, 2002
To the Entwistle family
I am sorry for your loss. John's contribution to the world of music will never be forgotten.
Mr and Mrs Donald Shilow
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