The Ox himself at CBS studios in 1966. In typical Who fashion, this display shows their blatant disregard for the well-being of their instruments. Just don't step on the neck of those Rose Morris Rickenbackers!

John Entwistle may have appeared subdued compared to the windmill and mic-lasso hijinks of his band mates, but that is because he was laying down some of the most dynamic and  crushing bass-lines ever known to man. Before the Ox bass players were thumping quietly behind front men and holding down the rhythm. That is a tried and true approach and definitely appropriate for most situations, but playing in a band with
the likes of Keith Moon, Pete Townshend and Roger Daltry could never fall under the categorie of "most situations!"

John introduced walking, harmonic countermelody and ripping, fuzz-bass tones to the masses. It is hard to imagine bass players like Matt Freeman or Cliff Burton would be playing the way they did without the influence of the mighty Ox. While Pete Townshend was breaking guitars Entwistle was breaking ground.

 

Ed Cox
Tagged: Guitar History