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John Entwistle Quotes

Powerful John Entwistle for Daily Growth

About John Entwistle

John Alec Entwistle, famously known as "The Ox" or simply "Entwistle", was born on September 9, 1944, in Chiswick, London, England. He is best remembered as the bass guitarist for the iconic rock band, The Who. Entwistle's love for music began at an early age, playing the piano before switching to the double bass during his teenage years. His musical influences ranged from classical composers such as Elgar and Bach to jazz greats like Charlie Mingus and Duke Ellington. In 1964, Entwistle joined The Who, initially as a session musician but quickly becoming an integral part of the band's sound and identity. He is credited for writing several notable songs for The Who, including "My Wife", "Heaven and Hell", "Boris the Spider", and "Baba O'Riley". His innovative basslines were instrumental in shaping the unique sound of The Who, earning him recognition as one of the greatest bassists in rock music. Entwistle was also known for his on-stage antics, often engaging in humorous skits with fellow band member Keith Moon. However, his off-stage life was marked by struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, which would eventually lead to his death in 2002. Posthumously, Entwistle's contributions to music were honored. In 1996, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Who. His influence can still be felt today, with modern bassists citing him as an inspiration for his unique approach to playing the instrument. John Entwistle's life and work continue to resonate in the world of rock music.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Music is my mistress, and she plays a mean second fiddle."

This quote by John Entwistle suggests that music is his primary passion or love ("my mistress") and he finds it incredibly important or enjoyable ("plays a mean second fiddle"). In other words, even though there may be other things vying for his attention (the "first fiddle"), music remains his top priority. This metaphor also implies that John Entwistle is particularly skilled at playing the bass guitar, much like how one might excel at their chosen profession or hobby.

"I'm basically an introvert. I don't enjoy being in the public eye."

This quote suggests that John Entwistle, a member of the rock band The Who, was an individual who preferred solitude over social interaction. Despite his professional role as a performer, he found being in the limelight or the public eye uncomfortable and unenjoyable.

"We're not political at all. We don't have an agenda. We just play music and try to make people feel good."

This quote by John Entwistle, a member of The Who, emphasizes that their band's focus is primarily on creating music and evoking positive emotions in people, rather than pursuing political or ideological agendas. They view their role as entertainers who strive to bring joy and escape through their music, rather than making statements about societal issues or advocating for specific causes.

"The bass is a rhythm instrument. You don't play it like a violin or a guitar. It's not meant to be fiddled around with all the time. Its job is to keep the beat and to give it some flavor."

John Entwistle, bassist for The Who, emphasizes that the primary role of the bass in music is as a rhythm instrument, providing the foundation and structure for the song's beat. Unlike melodic instruments like the violin or guitar, the bass should not be used to improvise extensively but rather to maintain rhythm while adding flavor and depth. This statement highlights the importance of the bassist in a band's overall sound.

"I've always thought that rock music was about having fun, letting off steam and being as loud as you can."

This quote by John Entwistle emphasizes the core essence of rock music – it's about enjoyment, expression, and amplifying energy. It underscores the idea that rock music is a means to release pent-up emotions and express oneself in an exuberant, high-decibel manner.

I don't mind doing the Who tours when they come along but I want to get out there and play.

- John Entwistle

Mind, Play, Doing, The Who

We'll open for anyone, we are just looking to play.

- John Entwistle

Play, Looking, Anyone, Just Looking

I mean, Eighteen years old is the age of consent in Europe and you can go anywhere and do anything you like. In America, it is dumb. At eighteen you should be able to do anything that you like, except get married.

- John Entwistle

Old, Eighteen, Like, Get Married

We were gradually playing larger venues and in the early days PA systems were kind of non-existent. So to play loud, we had to use louder equipment. The PA systems back then didn't mic the instruments - only the vocals.

- John Entwistle

Play, Larger, Early Days, Vocals

I have got an anthology album out. The American version has got the same mixes but the European version, I remixed them in the studio and added a couple of things that I have always wanted to add.

- John Entwistle

Always, Add, Studio, Anthology

That was the producer who produced a couple of my solo albums. He produced my second, third and fourth solo albums. It was his project and I just joined him on it. I sang on one and played bass on another one.

- John Entwistle

Couple, Albums, Joined, Produced

I set myself up to be a bass guitarist and bass players get a lot more work than people like me.

- John Entwistle

Like, Players, Set, Guitarist

I got a couple on per album but my problem was that I wanted to sing the songs and not let Roger sing them.

- John Entwistle

Problem, Couple, Wanted, Per

We have nine hungry Rottweilers on the farm.

- John Entwistle

Hungry, Nine, Farm

So by the time I taught myself the bass guitar at the age of 14, my hands were already pretty nimble.

- John Entwistle

Hands, Pretty, By The Time, Nimble

This band makes sure that we have whole sections of stuff that are free form so that they don't know what we are doing next, that is the fun part of playing. You are playing something that you haven't ever played before.

- John Entwistle

Doing, Next, Sure, Sections

With bass, especially bottom end, the vibration has to happen on stage otherwise the feel is wrong. This is why you can't scale the equipment down too far.

- John Entwistle

Happen, Bottom, Otherwise, Vibration

I deep sea fish a lot.

- John Entwistle

Sea, Deep, Lot, Fish

The first eight songs we were using someone else's monitors and it is hard to follow the changes when you are jamming if you can't hear those who you are jamming with.

- John Entwistle

Changes, Follow, Using, Jamming

What I feel I am doing now is giving to the people exactly what they paid for but never actually heard before.

- John Entwistle

Doing, Feel, Before, Exactly What

I supply the music for Vampires, which is a new series that's coming out.

- John Entwistle

Music, New, Which, Vampires

I am writing a book and that takes third place of importance.

- John Entwistle

I Am, Writing, Third, Importance

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