John Entwistle: Thunderfingers, The Ox, Bass player of the Millenium

In this video I want to share with you my admiration for one of the greatest bass players of all time: John Entwistle. From his innovative techniques to powerful and memorable performances, John Entwistle has left an indelible mark on the world of music.

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[trajan]

What I think is important is how John Entwistle was the only bass player crowned, Bass Player Of The Millenium, by other professional bass players. Therefore he was influential.

[kevinmcc]

My number one rock bass player who influenced me

[markoliver]

His solo albums are good. I have whistle rhymes and in loving memory.

[littlejimmy]

Your favorite bassists favorite bass guitarist. I discovered the Who as a boy in the late 70's, by the time of their first farewell tour I was a huge fan. Seeing video of the band, I was surprised to see John Enwistle just standing there, bored looking. His hands were a blur a lot of the time, I remember tuning into just the bass line. He used to give me goosebumps a lot.

Like said in the video, he built his first bass as a teenager. I think all of the original British Invasion bands have at least 1 member with PTSD or some other issue having to deal with being born in the shadow of World War II. John had a very dark sense of humor, his solo music is actually my favorite of the Who (Sorry Pete! Your catalogue is amazing too). But, when Pete was working on Tommy; he needed a few songs that featured CSA elements (If anyone calls this a spoiler, you've had 50+ years! Tommy witnesses a murder and develops PTSD) he didn't write them, John did.
That guy had a lot going on, such an immense talent, crazy sense of humor. I cried when I heard the news, I didn't even need to say anything. After work all my friends were already at the bar, they acted like my Dad had died, kind of felt like that.

I would have loved to see what happened if he ever played with SRV, I'm sure the vibrations may have had ramifications for the space time continuum.

[cletusrobinson]

Happy to have seen them at A Warehouse in New Orleans!

[marthaworc]

John Entwistle not only influenced other bass players, but guitarists as well.

[meep]

Love John Entwistle 🖤 Zach Starkey said John died of fish and chips 😂

[rientsdijkstra]

Actually he was one of the first tappers!

[waltermeerschaert]

The Who had a lead singer, a lead guitarist, a lead bassist, and a lead drummer. All banging out as the lead at all times. Maximum R&B.

[chrismorgan]

The Ox was such a badass. I saw the '96 Quadrophenia tour and his bass solo on 5:15 rivaled the likes of Billy Sheehan.

[mrJimCharles]

There are all these comments about how Entwistle wasn't as techically proficient as so-and-so or so-and-so. Actually I see the same comments about Moon on drum videos. Since these guys were technically good but not THAT good, there should be tons of bands that sound like the Who, right?? Makes sense, huh??? Well guess what - there arent any!!! There are absolutely none!! Maybe these guys are better than you think???

[CoudrayatMountI]

As far as I have researched, he never played guitar before playing bass. Is there any documentation that states otherwise?

[torontotonto]

What did he say at about 20:19 about JEs solo on MG?

[goneby]

O ne of three, Bruce and other Paparaldi.

[kurtb]

What's a ''Millenuim?"

[paddymeboy]

I prefer Zep's John Paul Jones myself, he had a bit more groove. And I think he influenced Entwistle, not the other way round: there's a change in E's sound and style on Who's Next, similar to what JPJ had been doing on the early Zep albums.
Entwistle definitely up there though.

[ianlayton]

Never really rated him to be fair. His tone was awesome, but was so much of what he had to offer. He didn't have the technical ability of Jaco or the feel of Jack Bruce, or the influence of people like McCartney.

To me he was style over content, and doesn't reach the levels of players like JP Jones, Geddy Lee etc and nowhere near modern players like Victor Wooten.