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Thursday, 11 July, 2002, 22:16 GMT 23:16 UK
John Entwistle: Your tributes
John Entwistle, bass player for British rock group The Who, has died in Las Vegas.
The 57-year-old died at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on the eve of the band's US tour. The Who were one of the biggest rock bands of the 1960s and 70s, with hits including the massive My Generation, Pinball Wizard and Substitute. Entwistle, who also released a number of solo albums, has been described by commentators as one of the most influential musicians of his time. This Talking Point is now closed. Please read a selection of your tributes for John Entwistle below.
Tristan Flynn, Canada
I'm only 16, but I am a big fan of The Who. John Entwistle still remains unmatched as a rock bassist, and no-doubt will do for a long time. He turned the bass into a lead instrument. RIP John.
You gave us Boris the Spider. Olivia, our 4 year old sings it. You have touched another generation.
Karen Shorter, UK
He was a great man, we both share something of a love of Stow-on-the-Wold. A real community man and the funeral today was moving. Deepest sympathy to the family and friends, and also the fans out there. People of Stow will miss him too!
Kara, USA, Texas
Who are we to complain? We may be missing John, but the roadies in the sky are already setting everything up for the super-group of all time: Moon on drums, Hendrix on guitar/vox, Lennon guitar/vox, and finally Entwistle on bass. If we can't hear them right now, maybe they could filter a couple of new tunes through...
He was a great friend and an all-out good guy. My ex wife will feel the pain of losing him. Go to heaven in your "asbestos suit"!
A very sad day. My first ever rock concert was when I went to see John tour with his own band in 1975. It was the nearest I thought I would get to see The Who!
Since then I've been a massive Who fan, seen them many times, as lately in London Docklands 2001 and John's playing was as brilliant as ever. Any Who fan will tell you he was as key to their success as Pete, Roger or Keith.
Thanks for the memories John.
I hope John REALLY knew how
much he was loved by all.
I send my love to all of his family
and friends.
Ginger
Philadelphia, PA
I feel so shocked. It happened much too soon and it's a great loss for me. I would like to pay my deepest respects to his family and all his friends in these very sad moments. Thank you John for all that you've brought to rock music. We'll miss you and never forget you.
Chris Dearing, USA
Truly the man who turned the bass into an instrument that mattered. Remember, My Generation doesn't have a guitar solo, that's the Ox's bass you can hear! From one bassist to another, God bless you John! I tried copying your bass lines when I was learning and just couldn't do them like you. You were the best. Now you have been taken from us before your time. RIP!
The Who provided much of the shimmering soundtrack of my 70s youth. Thank you, John Entwistle for all the lovely memories. Have a great laugh with Keith, won't you.
I'm in a cyber cafe in Manila crying my eyes out. People are wondering what's wrong with me but they didn't stand at the feet of giants and experience the sonic explosion of music and magic called The Who. John, say high to Keith. Your music will live on in this rock n' rollers heart.
I am 29 years of age, and I have been a Who fan since I was given a My Generation album when I was 9 years old. The sad death of the Ox is a devastating blow to the world. He was unique and I feel privileged that I managed to see him play twice, and just watching him play made my entire body tingle, and even reduced me to tears. Well John mate, thanks, and now rest in peace with Keith. My thoughts go out to John's family, Roger, Zak, Pete, Bob and Who fans the world over.
John and the Who, thanks for the Leeds University gig. It's one of my greatest memories.
To the greatest bass playing influence I've ever had in a 15 year musical career. Thanks for showing us all the way, John.
Sad, sad, sad. Thanks for the wonderful music, Ox!
Peter Benson, UK
It's hard to believe that the people we see as immortal do eventually pass like everyone else. I can't forget listening to the Kids Are Alright soundtrack over and over and the way John played on A Quick One While He's Away. Thank you John.
Take the magic bus, John. Your bass will never be alone. Thank You.
His was the bassline to the soundtrack of our youth. Thank goodness he left us with all those memories and immortal songs before he moved on. Rest in Peace, John.
My first Who concert was in 1978 at the Glasgow Apollo. It was the first concert where the bass player was watched almost as much as the rest of the band. That just goes to show the presence and talent of the man, he will be missed greatly. I listened to Tommy on the way to work today as a mark of respect to the Ox.
The song is over. Now I'm in tears.
John Entwistle will be missed by every rock fan. The Ox revolutionised bass playing, and made it a stand-out instrument rather then part of the rhythm section. The songs he penned, from Boris the Spider to My Wife will continue to keep us smiling for years to come. Thank you John for all the good times! You will be sorely missed.
John was the glue in the Who. His solid bass playing allowed Pete to really grow as a guitar player. The Real Me and How Can You Do it Alone are my own favourites. And the French horn on Overture. So sad.
Ken Larson, USA Today, I will close my eyes and imagine the dizziness I felt trying to follow your fingers as they breezed across the fret board. This is truly the end. We will miss you forever and be eternally grateful for the love and talent you gave us. Rest in Peace.
My husband got me hooked on the Who, and took me to see them in Denver last year. I always got a kick out of seeing John so calm on stage, while the others jumped around. I love to come home after a night out and put on "The Kids are Alright" and dance around watching those silly boys! My deepest sympathies to family and friends of the Ox. Denver is thinking of you today.
John was the best. My daughter and son-in-law are taking his death very hard. They loved him very much.
One of the most memorable evenings of my life was spent watching and listening to John play that bass on the Who Quadraphenia tour. The best bassist ever! What a loss. Deepest sympathy to family, friends, Roger and Pete.
Lisa and Joe Palisi, Virginia, USA
John Entwistle was a huge influence on me as a young bass player. He was clearly one of the best of his generation and has yet gone unmatched. No one has taken the instrument to the places he has. His technique was absolutely unique unto himself. One could only hope to borrow bits and pieces from him as I have in my own playing. He showed that the bass could be more than just the anchor, it could also be the kite. Every Who song has a distinct punch to it thanks to John. When asked what he thought of the Broadway version of 'Tommy' he was quoted as saying "we played it hard". We'll miss you John. Rest in peace.
I saw them in February at the Albert Hall. I took my daughter to see the greatest band ever, and it was brilliant. Now I can't believe John has gone. It feels like I've a close friend, even though I never met him. I hope they have bass guitars in heaven.
A stone pillar in a monumental rock band. Gone but not foprgotten.
It was My Generation, heard when I was growing up in South Africa, that first turned me on to a lifelong passion for rock music. I now work in the music business. I will miss him. The Who rule!
I saw The Who play in Houston on their "farewell" tour. When they opened with My Generation, John's famous bass runs literally sent chills down my spine. He was an amazing, trend-setting bass player and a true rocker. This is devastating news to me because the loss is irreplaceable. God bless you John.
Mark London, USA
John and I met in 1988 - he was a real gentleman, and a hell of a musician. Thanks for the tip, Ox. One of these days, I'll take the QE II and visit your country. No more airplanes for you. Give our love to Keith.
I met John and Lisa at Casa Rafaels in Cabo San Lucas Mexico a couple of years ago. They were both very gracious, and accommodating to the crazy drunk Americans. I am so very sad for his family and friends. Rock on John!
Dan Christie, USA
We will miss 'The Ox' - a kind soul who always gave autographs at his shows and was nice enough to sign one of his bass guitars that I bought at a charity auction. LONG LIVE ROCK!
I am totally devestated. After touring as the bassist for Who's Who over the last three years playing all The Who classics, I managed to meet John in a South London gallery last September. After telling him about the tribute his reply was "Can't you think of anything better to do?" And my thoughts then and now is "No". God bless you John. Many thanks for all you've done.
What I can say? I'm totally devastated by the news of Entwistle's death. But I'm sure the Ox will be part of the big band that now is playing in heaven.
My little sister and I saw John about a year ago
in the Beatles tribute "A Walk Down Abbey Road".
The show (in Kettering Ohio, USA) was great.
We managed to get backstage and meet him. I thought
it was great that he took time for fans (my sister
being a Who fanatic). We were planning on going
to see the Who on tour. This news came as a shock.
When we met him I knew his talent as a bass player
was matched by his charisma and like I said, his
openess to his fans.
He will be missed.
You were the greatest bassist in
rock'n'roll history. Although you
hardly moved on stage, we noticed you were the greatest.
Alan Cornforth, UK
I am extremely saddened by the death of John Entwistle. I was hoping to see The Who this summer. But I am fortunate to have seen them on the last night of their 2000 tour at the Royal Albert Hall. He will be missed by all.
Deeply shocked - I was about to buy tickets to the September gig in Dallas. Surely the best bass player of all time and a member of the best rock group of the 60s and 70s.
Arthur Taylor, USA/ UK
Rest in peace John and know that there will always be that
Great Gig in the Sky
I saw John perform at the Concert for New York. He was a great musician and a gentleman. He will be missed.
Perhaps the only band to really have a positive influence, both spiritually and musically on an otherwise decadent industry and music scene. Long live The Who!
John will be sadly missed. Say hi to Keith, Jimi, Janice, Jim, John & whoever else has gone to the great Rock 'n' Roll heaven in the sky. The band up there is looking pretty good now.
Steve, USA
A great player in a great band. His legacy will live on those joyous singles and defining albums.
The world lost a great man today. John Entwistle was not only a great musician, but also a great human being. God Bless You John. May you rest in peace. To John's family and bandmates, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
So untimely, so sad. Thanks for the memories. Say hello to Keith. Here's to you! Salud!
One thing is for sure, the rock band in heaven is a lot better now .Thank you John.
I don't know what to say - I'm too emotional
now. I still have his video on "How to
play bass" - and what a video it is.
Wherever you are John, you will always
be someone very special in my heart - rest
in peace.
Tom Rafferty, Philadelphia, USA
John Entwistle, John Thaw, Dudley Moore, Spike Milligan...2002 has taken England's finest. Rest in Peace Ox, you will be sadly missed.
Just very, very sad that another of the "greats" passes at such a relatively young age.
The world isn't fair really, is it? The most well-mannered guy on the planet has been taken when he so didn't deserve to be. Rest in peace John, every mod on the planet will shed a tear for you tonight, mate. You'll be missed.
Gianni, USA
Goodbye old buddy. Glad I got to know you when I did. Say hi to Keith.
Only God knows: fanfare for a great bassist. RIP John Entwistle - you always stay in our minds.
Terrible news... he will be greatly missed, The Who have been a part of English musical culture for nearly 40 years. What a shame this should happen... I'm shocked.
To John's family, Roger and Pete, I'm so very sorry. Your music has meant a great deal to me and all your fans around the world. John's sense of humor and pure musicianship helped define The Who as a band, and also a musical era.
John, ya' done good. Cheers.
So shocked. He was simply the most stunning bassist ever, and a vital part of one of the greatest bands. We saw him once in 1996 and he was effortlessly virtuoso - something of a godlike presence on the stage. Immovable object will be sorely missed
John is the reason why I decided to dump my 6-string and pick up the 4-string. RIP
I am bereaved at the loss of the great John Entwistle. I can only hope that Pete and Roger will pay tribute to their mate by touring as scheduled. The US loves you John.
Goodbye John, you will be missed
Tom Hutton, USA
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr Entwistle. Such a shock, too young to go now. Mr Entwistle, please say hello to Keith Moon! He's still very much missed as you will be too.
God rest "The Quiet One". This is a sad day. My prayers go out to his family and friends. Peace!
So long, John, I will miss you. I always admired your work and thought you got less credit than deserved.
I've had the fortunate pleasure of sharing a few drinks and laughs with John in Cabo San Lucas, at Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo Cantina; he was a true gentleman and artist.
I know I will not be alone in missing him; and I feel honored to have crossed paths with one of rock and roll's greatest bass players.
RIP John, you've been not only such a terrific bass player, but also a gentle and kind person towards everyone around you. My prayers are with your family and friends. You're missed but never forgotten.
Jim Orlopp, USA
When I first wanted to play bass many years ago, I decided that I could do it if I could just learn to play like John Entwistle. Well, I couldn't. No one ever could. The word "greatest" is so overused when things like this occur. But the truth is that John Entwistle truly was the greatest bass player ever. And what drives this point home is that it didn't take his passing to make people realise this fact. It was understood even during his life. RIP, John. And thanks for the gift of your music that will live forever.
I spent a lot of time as a kid in total awe of John Entwistle. When I should have been doing school work, I would instead sit for hours in my parent's basement, trying to make my bass sound like his futilely. Frankly, up until now, I had sort of lost touch with that time of my life. The news of his passing hit me like punch in the stomach. Thanks, John, and goodbye.
No words can decribe the feeling I had at the news of John's passing. He was my favourite bass player of all time, and The Who my favourite group. The song is over for John on this earth now, and we are all the poorer for it.
John was the reason I picked up the Bass Guitar. The Who were the band that helped me through my tough teenage years. Today I am deeply saddened...I will miss him. Thank you John.
Mel Huang, Scotland
I put off going to see The Who for a long time. I finally got tickets to this summer's show at The Garden. I was so excited about getting to see John play. I don't know what to do now. Well thanks for the great riffs John !!!!!
Farewell then Ox. A giant amongst musicians and a friend to his fans. A man who always had time to stop and talk at the stage door. RIP. The bass run in 5.15 will remain forever in my memory and heart.
I feel as though I've lost a close friend and part of my youth. Thanks for the memories and the music. RIP Ox.
David Woloszyn, Cincinnati, OH
Entwistle has been the most influential and inspirational exponent of the bass guitar for almost four decades. His legacy will live on in the hands and minds of musicians the world over. He is, without doubt, irreplaceable.
Farewell John, our thoughts and hearts go out to your family and to everyone associated with The Who. The quiet man who made the bass sound like a Vulcan Bomber taking off. What a great gig in the sky!
Whilst I may not have been their most ardent fan, I can honestly thank John for influencing me (and others like me) to take up the bass guitar. This man's death is a sad loss to us all, he will be sorely missed. But we must take heart, that Great Band In The Sky just got a whole lot better with this new member.
RIP John.
Peace.
John was the anchor of The Who. While Keith flailed around like a man demented, Roger paraded and Pete churned out the band's trademark maximum R&B, it was John Entwistle who held the band together. He had perfect pitch and, as the band tuned up, Pete would say "Give us an A, John", to which Entwistle would reply "Eh?" He was brilliant, and he will be missed by music fans the world over. Farewell, mate.
Barry, Milton Keynes, UK
Utterly devastating news. John was the greatest bass player of the rock era. His style was truly unique and was vital to The Who. The band were going to be in our town this summer (Columbus, Ohio) and I had tickets. I am thankful they were so incredibly great at the NYC Sept 11 Benefit Concert. May the Ox rest in peace.
He was the bass player par excellence - having been fortunate enough to have seen The Who play many times over a thirty year period, they truly were Maximum R'n'B and a lot of the sheer power came from John's deft and inventive bass playing. When in the big arenas the screens homed in on that amazing playing hand operating more like an octopus than anything else - you truly knew you were watching the world's greatest bass player. Thanks John - commiserations to his family and friends, and of course Pete and Roger - it's unlikely the rock world will see your like again.
I heard the news while driving home from work today. I'd left work early for the weekend and I was pretty happy about it. I listened to the radio report and I felt the life and energy fall away from me. I'm shocked, I'm saddened, I'm devestated, I'm a fan. Goodbye John, what else can I say?
Dave Sommerville, Wales
You leave us, John, knowing that your skills touched the lives of millions. No matter what band name was on a label an Entwistle contribution was ALWAYS instantly recognisable and ALWAYS had impact. Thanks.
Dear John! With your music I've grown up, I've and learned and I have yearned. Rest in peace!
I spent last evening with my 16-year-old twin sons mourning John Entwistle. We were to see The Who in concert together on July 29th. It was to be a full circle celebration for us on the influence the greatest rock band in history has had on my life. Now . . . the Ox is gone. RIP - John Alec Entwistle!
He didn't have to hop on stage like the others, his professionalism and gift for his instrument brought him a great deal of respect. A true hero to millions. Cheers John.
Erik Backes, Germany
Hope I die before I get old....Eve of a major US tour, opening an exhibition of his own artwork in Las Vegas. Talk about going out on a high note. I think I share with thousands of others in saying God Bless you John. 15 years old, jumping around your bedroom to the bass solo on My Generation...it doesn't get much better than that.
He will be missed.
People can try, but no-one will ever be able to play the bass solos in My Generation or 5.15 like John could. I feel numb that he's gone and he will be sorely missed by all Who fans around the world. Bye John.
Tom Gainer, England
Terrible news. It seems so unfair. Just as The Who seemed to be enjoying it again. Saw you in '96 and 2000 John, quite simply the best! Rest in peace.
A piece of me died today. Part of my youth left with John. The music, the lyrics and the aura of The Who and John's unique guitar riffs helped mould me. I will miss you, John, but am pleased that you will now be able to join Keith and start jamming. Rest assured, the thunder we hear is simply you adjusting your amp. God bless you.
As a life-long fan of The Who, I'm so sorry and sad to hear of the loss of a great contributor to Rock & Roll. He was the only bassist who could make the bass guitar sing...goodbye, John
The Who were the greatest rock'n'roll outfit of all time and John was the rock on which that greatness was built. His musicianship was without equal and without his constancy we could never have enjoyed the dramatics and awesome power of Pete, Keith and Roger. To the end he was truly brilliant as his performances on the Kids tour 2000 so wonderfully demonstrated. A very sad loss.
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