Posted on 04/05/2020 7:27:48 PM PDT by DoodleBob
On April 7, Hachette Books will release British writer Paul Rees's new book, "The Ox: The Authorized Biography Of John Entwistle". The book is described by the publisher as "the definitive, no-holds-barred biography of John Entwistle, THE WHO's legendary bass guitarist."
It is an unequivocal fact that in terms of rock bands, THE BEATLES, THE ROLLING STONES and THE WHO represent Year Zero; the beginning of all things, ground-breakers all. To that incontrovertible end, Entwistle remains an enigmatic yet undeniably influential figure, renowned as much for his immense talent as for his gloriously oversized-seeming character. However, unlike his fellow musicians, Entwistle has yet to be the subject of a major biography. In the years since his death, his enduring legacy has been carefully guarded by his loved ones, preventing potential biographers from gaining close enough access to write a definitive account of his extraordinary life — until now. For the first time, and with the full co-operation of the Entwistle family, "The Ox" shines a long overdue light on one of the most important figures in rock history.
Drawing on his own notes for an unfinished autobiography that he started before his death in 2002, as well as his personal archives and interviews with his family and friends, "The Ox" gives readers a never-before-seen glimpse into the two very distinct poles of John Entwistle. On the one hand, he was the rock star incarnate — larger than life, self-obsessed to a fault, and proudly and almost defiantly so. Extravagant with money, he famously shipped vintage American cars across the Atlantic without having so much as a driver's license, built exponentially bigger and grandiose bars into every home he owned, and amassed an extraordinary collection of possessions, from armor and weaponry to his patented Cuban-heel boots. But beneath this fame and flutter, he was also a man of simple tastes and traditional opinions. He was a devoted father and family man who loved nothing more than to wake up to a full English breakfast, or to have a supper of fish, chips, and a pint at his local pub.
After his untimely death, many of these stories were shuttered away into the memories of his family and friends. At long last, "The Ox" introduces us to the man behind the myth — the iconic and inimitable John Entwistle.
Chris Entwistle, John's son, said: "The first, last and only authorized biography of Dad. Meticulously researched, interviewed and written. Often funny, sometimes painful. It's a 'warts 'n' all' insight into the life of John 'The Ox' Entwistle."
You can read a book excerpt at this location.
I was going to start that video and listen to it while I fixed something to eat. Once I started watching it I couldn’t stop.
Astounding talent! And he was no spring chicken there.
I struggle to decide who was better: The Ox or The Fish. Both are sadly missed.
The amazing thing is how Keith Moon didn’t lose it.
The drumming continues on well after his kit is completely destroyed.
That’s a rock legend! :)
“It is an unequivocal fact that in terms of rock bands, THE BEATLES, THE ROLLING STONES and THE WHO represent Year Zero; the beginning of all things, ground-breakers all.”
That’s not the way I remember it.
saw that the other night.
they rocked!
Isle of Wight might be the single greatest concert ever.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMS47w8hAZ8
and Rabbit
I saw Yes less than a year before Chris Squire’s death, which was 5 years ago. He and Steve Howe both still had it.
I love the Beatles and the Who, but I think the Stones are the most overrated band in history. They should either be replaced by the Kinks in that line-up, or at least make it four. Jagger and Richards combined couldn’t write one song as good as 70% of Ray Davies’ work (Jagger couldn’t write a lyric as brilliant as “Lola” or “Apeman” if you put a gun to his head and gave him 20 years to work on it). Plus the Kinks’ songs hold up much better decades later, as testified by the fact that they are far and away the #1 band currently used in licensing of tracks for movies, TV and commercials.
Smash your head against the wall!
(Other than that, it was a great show - Mark Farner, Randy Bachman, Billy Preston...)
Wow! A man of his word. He really did die before he got old. I was thinking of the other guys in the band, who I think are still around (except Keith).
Some of their later escapades were though. It's too bad they couldn't have confined themselves to making music. Although, their renegade image was all part of their success, I guess.
I"m just not sure how dying young by drowning in your own puke is considered a marker of success.
Thank you for posting this!
It’s SO nice to read something besides coronavirus crap..
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