John Entwistle
John Entwistle, born John Alec Entwistle on the 9th October 1944 in Hammersmith, London, was raised in Chiswick, Middlesex. An only child, his parents’ early divorce significantly influenced his reserved personality. His father, Herbert, played the trumpet, and his mother, Maud, played the piano, exposing young Entwistle to music from an early age.
At age seven, he began taking piano lessons but found the experience unenjoyable. Upon attending Acton County Grammar School, Entwistle switched to the trumpet and later to the French horn, playing in the Middlesex Schools Symphony Orchestra. During his second year of school, he met Pete Townshend, and the two formed a jazz band, the Confederates. However, Entwistle’s interest shifted to rock and roll. Struggling to hear his trumpet amidst the noise of rock bands, he transitioned to the guitar and ultimately to the bass due to his large fingers and admiration for the low tones of Duane Eddy.
Entwistle crafted his first bass guitar at home, showcasing his resourcefulness and determination. His talent caught the attention of Roger Daltrey, who recruited him into his band, the Detours, marking the beginning of Entwistle’s illustrious career.
The Who: Foundation and Evolution
Entwistle played a pivotal role in shaping The Who. He encouraged Pete Townshend to join the Detours, which then included drummer Doug Sandom and frontman Roger Daltrey. By 1964, the band adopted the name The Who (briefly performing as The High Numbers).
Nicknamed “The Ox” for his strong constitution and “Thunderfingers” for his rapid bass-playing style, Entwistle brought innovation to the band. He was the first in the group to adopt Marshall stacks, setting a precedent for rock amplification. This innovation contributed to The Who’s reputation as the “loudest band on the planet,” a title cemented when they hit 126 decibels during a 1976 concert.
Musical Style and Legacy
Entwistle revolutionised bass guitar playing, utilising pentatonic lead lines and a distinctive treble-rich sound. His pioneering technique influenced countless musicians and earned him accolades, including being named the greatest bass player ever in a 2011 Rolling Stone readers’ poll and ranking third on the magazine’s 2020 list of the “50 Greatest Bassists of All Time.”
While primarily a bassist, Entwistle’s contributions extended to other instruments, including the French horn, trumpet, and piano. His horn arrangements enriched The Who’s albums, notably on tracks like “5:15” and throughout Tommy.
Songwriting and Solo Work
Although Pete Townshend was The Who’s principal songwriter, Entwistle’s compositions brought a darker, more humorous edge. Key contributions included:
- “Boris the Spider” (1966)
- “My Wife” (1971)
- “Success Story” (1975)
- “Trick of the Light” (1978)
Frustrated by limited opportunities to sing his own songs, Entwistle became the first member of The Who to release a solo album, Smash Your Head Against the Wall (1971).
Personal Style and Influence
Known as the “quietest man in private but the loudest man on stage,” Entwistle’s reserved demeanor contrasted with his on-stage dynamism. His fashion sense also left a mark; he was the first to wear the Union Jack waistcoat, later adopted by Pete Townshend as a signature look.
Entwistle’s humor often clashed with Townshend’s introspection, but his creativity was indispensable to the band. He designed the cover for The Who’s By Numbers album (1975), showcasing his artistic versatility.
Later Years and Legacy
Entwistle continued experimenting with technology, incorporating bi-amping and creating elaborate setups like the towering “Little Manhattan” rig. His dedication to innovation influenced rock music’s technical evolution, and his impact persists through both his music and the countless artists he inspired.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with The Who in 1990, John Entwistle remains a towering figure in rock history, remembered for his technical mastery, groundbreaking sound, and enduring influence.
