John Entwistle was born on October 9, 1944, in Chiswick, London, England. His parents, Herbert and Maud Entwistle, were both music teachers. He had two older sisters, Sheila and Vera. Entwistle was educated at Acton County Grammar School in West London. He showed an early interest in music, playing the trumpet and piano. He also took up the guitar and drums.
Entwistle began playing in bands while still in school. He joined a band called The Detours, which later became The Who. Entwistle became known for his powerful bass playing and distinctive style. He was also an accomplished songwriter, contributing such classics as “Boris the Spider” and “Whiskey Man. ” Entwistle’s career with The Who spanned four decades.
The band was one of the most successful rock groups of all time, selling over 100 million records. Entwistle died of a heart attack on June 27, 2002, at the age of 57.
General Info
Full Name
John Entwistle
Date Of Birth
October 9, 1944
Died
June 27, 2002, Paradise, Nevada, United States
Height
1.82 m
Profession
Record producer, Film Score Composer, Film producer, Actor, Bassist, Music Arranger, Singer, Songwriter, Baba O'Riley, Who Are You, Behind Blue Eyes
Education
Acton High School
Nationality
British
Family
Spouse
Maxene Harlow
Children
Christopher Entwistle
Parents
Queenie Johns, Herbert Entwistle, Baba O'Riley, Who Are You, Behind Blue Eyes
Accomplishments
Music Groups
The Who, Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, Baba O'Riley, Who Are You, Behind Blue Eyes
Movies
The Kids Are Alright, John Entwistle Band: Live, Classic Albums: The Who – Who's Next, The Who & Special Guests: Live at the Royal Albert Hall, The Who Special Edition EP, Who's Better, Who's Best
Would wear military or police uniform tops on stage in the early days.
5
Calmly continuing to play bass onstage, whilst his bandmates proceeded to demolish their equipment.
Quotes
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Quote
1
He [Keith Moon] didn't play [drums] from left to right, or from right to left, he'd play forward; I've never seen anyone play like that before or since.
2
I can't stand rap....people who can't sing do rap....you can sing rebellion as well as talk it....Hitler would have been in a rap band.
Facts
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Fact
1
He was considered for bassist in the Moody Blues when they were looking for new one.
Entwistle earned the nickname, "The Ox", not due to his temperament or size, but because of his constitution; he had the reputation of being able to party the most of any of his band mates, even (especially) the legendary Moon. Many found the broad-shouldered bass-player intimidating, and he was often thought of as a larger man than he actually was (being about 6 feet even, the same height as The Who guitarist Pete Townshend).
4
Behind Pete Townshend, he was the second-most prolific songwriter in The Who. His songs were known for a dry sense of humor and insightful wit.
5
Played bass guitar, piano, trumpet and French horn
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He was awarded the 1997 Laurence Olivier Theatre Award for Outstanding Musical Production of 1996 for Tommy, performed at the Shaftesbury Theatre with Pete Townshend.
7
Elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of The Who) in 1990.
