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'John Entwistle: An Ox's Tale' Demonstrates Influence of Late Bassist

While bassists can sometimes get lost in the spotlight of frontmen and guitar heroes, one in particular is familiar to plenty of rock fans: John Entwistle. The Who's orginal bassist, Entwistle took up the instrument at a time when the bass guitar had few pioneers and went on to have one of rock's first bass solos with his jaw-dropping performance on 'My Generation.' Seven years after his death, fans still continue to mourn his loss and rock critics continue to increase the importance of his legacy.

Perhaps the best way to gauge Entwistle's influence on his peers and bandmates alike is 'John Entwistle: An Ox's Tale,' a recent documentary narrated by Peter Frampton. Featuring commentary from Pete Townshend, members of Cheap Trick and the Doors and the last interview footage of Entwistle himself, 'An Ox's Tale' manages to not only tell his story, but also the story of the Who and the evolution of the bass guitar itself.

Entwistle had nicknames including "The Quiet One," "Thunder Fingers" and "The Ox." The latter nickname, according to the bassist, came "not from how big I was, but that I had the constitution of one ... I always seemed to eat or drink or do more than the rest of them." Friends and family sprinkle new facts and stories about the Ox throughout the documentary, including what Townshend considers to be the main influence on Entwistle's playing style: his background with the trumpet. And thanks to our friends at Snagfilms, you can learn everything you ever wanted to know about the world's loudest "Quiet One" below, courtesy of our friends at SnagFilms.

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Howard BassMagilla

An Ox's Tale is a great DVD it tells the tale of a great man who changed Bass Guitar playing forever. As mentioned in the article above being (one of) The First to play a solo on the electric bass guitar.
To borrow a few quotes.
It has been said that John did for the bass as Jimi Hendrix did for the guitar and although he is now imitated (or attempts thereof) John was the innovator. I miss him tremendously and each passing day I strive to play much better because of John. John loved to play and it has been sed he would play for the opening of an envelope....
If you enjoy(ed) John and his playing you should pickup a copy of "An Ox's Tale" It will be a great addition to your DVD library.

On a related Music Note.

There is a great Foundation in John's name that supports and makes music available to those that otherwise it would not be possible. Please visit the foundation that is managed by the Great Drummer Steve Luongo and his wife.
The WWW.JohnEntwistle.ORG (note the .ORG)is a great website to read about and learn more and to certainly help support this Great Foundation in John's name. Thank you for taking a few moments to read what I wrote here about a man that certainly changed my life. Buy the DVD and enjoy and my thanks to SPINNER to allow me this means to spread the word.

Thank You

November 07 2009 at 5:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
John Rosenfelder

i love john entwistle!

September 03 2009 at 8:58 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply