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Twelve years later: Remembering The Ox.

It's officially been 12 years since John Entwistle left this planet and, yet, the thunderous roar of his bass still echoes through the minds of millions; as if he was still here shredding.

I still remembering, as a young guitarrist, attemplting to learn Who songs. I always felt something was missing, like I was playing the song correctly but it just sounded empty. It just needed something else. ...Then I picked up my bass.

That's when I realized: The Who would have never been The Who, without The Ox. Basslines that not only served the song, but worked in cohesion with Moon and Townshend to take it to a whole 'nother level. It's absolutely no wonder why he's often recognized as one of the greatest, if not, THE greatest bass player in rock music.

I guess the reason I write this thread is because I'm still dumbfounded by his style, his power and his contribution to what a "Rock Bassist" can/should actually do. He's one of those players whose technique is unorthodox, his approach is different from the norm and, still, twelve years after his death, he's still inspiring and impressing us.

If anyone would like to share their experiences, thoughts, or comments about anything from his tone, to his composition, to simply the man himself, go right ahead! I know that I will take this day to blast some Who tracks, and finally attempt to learn 5:15.

Keep at it, Thunderfingers. We'll see you again someday.
 
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The only experience I ever had with him was seeing him in a pub once.
Never saw him play however.
He sure had quite an influence on many players I gather from reading this forum and others.
 
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Saw the 'oo twice in 1971. I was 17. That first show was the BEST rock concert I've ever been to. Live at Leeds on meth (don't know what they were using in those days but it had to be a stimulant.)

Saw them after Who's Next and it was good but Moonie was more subdued and the sequencers kind of sucked the life out of some material.

Ox's tone was amazing, it hit! you! in! the! chest! The other three would be going berserk but he just kept laying it down.
 
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Long Live The Ox!

Ox.jpg
 
He was so massively influential in so many ways, took bass tone and its role in popular music in such a new direction and spawned so many other stylists.

But no one ever played like him, and unfortunately many are unaware of just how incredible he sounded as none of the studio recordings he did with The Who do his live tone justice.
 
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No doubt the greatest bass players in rock of all time. I always admired his style and still do when I watch YouTube videos of the Who and his band as well. He explained on one video that he was playing a lead bass. It was hard to grasp as this is something that comes from within and can't be taught. Imitated but never duplicated. RIP Ox.:):cool::bassist: