John Entwistle

Nicknamed “the Ox,” the Who’s John Entwistle embodied (and may well have invented) the classic rock-bassist persona: a quiet, strong, and even-keeled presence anchoring the more dramatic antics of wildman drummer Keith Moon, brooding songwriter and guitarist Pete Townshend, and charismatic frontman Roger Daltrey. His distinctive trebly, wall-of-cabinets, "lead bass" sound set a much-copied precedent for bass players in the 1960s and beyond. Entwistle’s 1971 album, featuring his patented dark humor and spare melodicism, was the first solo outing from a Who member. While recording and touring faithfully with the Who, Entwistle took advantage of the group’s temporary breakups and hiatuses to release solo records, and to play with Ringo Starr’s supergroup in the ‘90s as well as his own John Entwistle Band. Entwistle had a fatal heart attack one day before the Who’s giant 2002 world tour.