His musical career began at age 7, when he started taking piano lessons. He did not enjoy the experience and after joining Acton County Grammar School aged 11, switched to the trumpet, moving to the French horn when he joined the Middlesex Schools Symphony Orchestra. He met Pete Townshend in the second year of school, and the two formed a trad jazz band, the Confederates. The group only played one gig together, before they decided that rock and roll was a more attractive prospect. Entwistle, in particular, was having difficulty hearing his trumpet with rock bands, and decided to switch to playing guitar, but due to his large fingers, and also his fondness for the low guitar tones of Duane Eddy, he decided to take up the bass instead. He made his own instrument at home, and soon attracted the attention of Roger Daltrey, who had been in the year above Entwistle at Acton County, but had been expelled and was working as an electrician's mate. Daltrey was aware of Entwistle from school, and asked him to join as a bassist for his band, the Detours.
The Who and solo career
After joining the Detours, Entwistle played a major role in encouraging Pete Townshend's budding talent on the guitar, and insisting that Townshend be admitted into the band as well. The Detours changed their name to The Who in 1964, and soon became one of the most popular and influential bands of the 1960s and 1970s. Entwistle's bass playing was a distinctive feature of The Who's sound, as he often played complex and melodic solos that complemented Townshend's rhythm guitar. He also wrote some of The Who's songs, such as "Boris the Spider", "My Wife" and "The Quiet One". He was nicknamed "The Ox" and "Thunderfingers" for his powerful and fast bass playing.
Entwistle also pursued a solo career alongside The Who, releasing six studio albums between 1971 and 1981. His solo albums showcased his versatility as a musician, as he played various instruments such as keyboards, brass and percussion. He also sang lead vocals on most of his songs, which ranged from hard rock to pop to comedy. Some of his solo hits include "Smash Your Head Against The Wall", "Too Late The Hero" and "Talk Dirty".
Personal life and death
Entwistle married Alison Wise in 1967, and they had a son named Christopher in 1971. They divorced in 1997, after years of separation. Entwistle then entered into a relationship with Lisa Pritchett-Johnson, a former girlfriend of his friend Joe Walsh. He lived with her at Quarwood, his country estate in Gloucestershire.
Entwistle was known for his love of collecting various items, such as guitars, cars, skeletons and military memorabilia. He had over 200 guitars in his collection, some of which he auctioned off in 2003 to raise money for charity.
Entwistle died on 27 June 2002 at the age of 57 in Las Vegas, where he was preparing for a tour with The Who. He had a heart attack caused by cocaine use and an undiagnosed heart condition. His funeral was held on 10 July 2002 at St Edward's Church in Stow-on-the-Wold.
Legacy and influence
Entwistle is widely regarded as one of the greatest bassists of all time. He has been praised for his technical skill, musical creativity and innovative sound. He influenced many bass players who followed him, such as Geddy Lee, John Paul Jones, Steve Harris, Les Claypool and Flea. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Who in 1990. In 2011, he was voted as the greatest bassist ever in a Rolling Stone readers' poll. In 2020, the same magazine ranked him number three in its own list of the 50 greatest bassists of all time.
Entwistle's music lives on through his recordings with The Who and his solo albums. He is also remembered for his humour, generosity and passion for life. He once said: "I live to play the bass. I'll die with a bass in my hands."
References
[1] John Entwistle - Wikipedia
[2] Leaving Las Vegas: the story of John Entwistle's last hours
[3] John Entwistle - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[4] John Entwistle Biography - Facts, Childhood, Family Life & Achievements
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