On This Day in 2002, The Who’s Legendary Bassist John Entwistle Was Found Dead in a Las Vegas Hotel Room
via Music Factoids / YouTube
Discovery and Cause of Death
On June 27, 2002, John Entwistle, the bassist for The Who, was discovered dead in his hotel room at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas at age 57. Known by nicknames like “The Ox” and “Thunderfingers,” Entwistle had earned a powerful reputation among rock fans and musicians. The Clark County medical examiner ruled that his death resulted from a heart attack triggered by cocaine use, worsened by existing heart disease.
Entwistle was the only member of The Who with formal musical training, studying French horn and trumpet before moving to bass guitar. He earned a reputation for using a high‑treble sound, often powered by his massive Marshall amp setup called “Little Manhattan.” His melodic and rhythmic approach made him one of rock’s most innovative bassists. In a 2011 Rolling Stone readers’ poll, he was voted the greatest bassist of all time.
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Final Tour Plans
Entwistle passed away just one day before The Who was set to begin their 2002 U.S. tour, marking a shocking end to the band’s lineup. Despite the sudden loss, Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey decided to continue the tour. Welsh bassist Pino Palladino stepped in for Entwistle, and just two days after his death, The Who resumed their performances. Townshend described the effort to carry on as “get on with it spirit of rock and roll,” and noted ticket sales even grew following the news.
Entwistle earned respect from both peers and critics. Bill Wyman from The Rolling Stones described him as “the quietest man in private but the loudest man on stage.” His nickname “Thunderfingers” reflected his fast, lightning‑sharp playing style, while “The Ox” referred to his strong physical presence. He left behind a legacy of driving bass lines that supported The Who’s powerful sound and influenced many later bass players.
Aftermath and Tribute
Following his death, Entwistle’s funeral was held in early July 2002 at St Edward’s Church in Stow-on-the-Wold, England. His death fueled discussions about drug use and health within touring bands. His passing also prompted tributes from other artists: Rush dedicated a performance to him, and albums and concerts were held in his honor.
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Still Remembered
Even years later, Entwistle remains an icon in the rock world. In 2020, Rolling Stone ranked him number three on their list of the “50 Greatest Bassists of All Time.” His aggressive, lead-style bass playing helped change how the instrument was used in rock, giving it melodic authority and depth.
John Entwistle’s dynamic presence and creative drive shaped a generation of musicians and left a lasting mark on rock music that continues to resonate today.
