I was all set to fly out this monday, to visit some old friends and catch a concert by "The Who" at the Hollywood Bowl.
I got the news at work, and a legend has passed on. He passed away today, as a result of a heart attack. He was 57, and no doubt being a chain smoker led up to this.
He had many nicknames, such as "The Ox", "The Quiet One", but the one I felt was fitting for him was "Thunderfingers". I've seen "The Who" perform a couple of times, much to my enjoyment. But one of the best memories I have of the bass player was back in March of '96.
John Entwhistle was on a solo tour with his own band, and I saw him at a local dive here in Phoenix, called "The Mason Jar". It was small, holding about 150 people max. But I got there early, and had a front row seat by the stage. (When he first took to the stage that night, he peered out into the audience, and quipped: "Looks like we've stumbled into someone's living room"!)
This guy was more than a bass player, for he could also use the bass as a lead instrument, a far cry for the usual pluckings one may associate it with.
He was also a good song writer, songs like "My Wife, I've Been Away, Boris The Spider, Success Story" are but a few I mention at this time. He also found ways to tinker the instument to create unique sounds, as well as loud distortion which was appropriate given the song it was purposed for.
At any rate, people like this are called a legend for a reason. And his style was one of a kind, with or without "The Who".
Long Live Rock!
**UPDATE**
I just found out today (6-28-02) on Yahoo that the band will tour with the blessings of the Entwistle family. And they kick off the tour at the Hollywood Bowl! Looks like I am going!
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