The Ox
The Last of the Great Rock Stars: The Authorised Biography of The Who's John Entwistle
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The Ox
Narrated by:
Thomas Judd
Buy Now for $23.05
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Narrated by:
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Thomas Judd
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By:
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Paul Rees
'Eye-popping' The Times best summer books
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 end, John Entwistle - the Who's beloved bassist - is also without question one of the most important and influential figures in the annals of rock. He is also among an even more rarefied few by virtue of his being such a fascinating, transfixing and gloriously oversized character. However, Entwistle has not been the subject of a major biography. Likely, this was due to no-one being able to gain close access to the subject himself: the still in many other respects enigmatic Entwistle's enduring legacy has been carefully guarded by his surviving family. With the full co-operation of the Entwistle family, The Ox will correct this oversight and in doing so, shine a long overdue light on one of the single greatest, and most impactful figures in rock history.
Drawing on his own notes for an unfinished autobiography that he started before his death in 2002 (and which will be quoted from extensively), as well as his personal archives and interviews with his family and friends, The Ox will give 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, being larger than life, self-obsessed to a fault, and proudly and almost defiantly so. Extravagant with money, he famously shipped two 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 arachnids, armor, and weaponry, to his Cuban-heeled 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, friends, and loved ones, but now, for the first time, The Ox will introduce us to the man behind the myth-the iconic and inimitable John Entwistle.©2020 Paul Rees
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Critic Reviews
Powerful biography . . . Fans of The Who wanting insight into the enigmatic band member need look no further
Rollicking new biography
Entwistle was just as fascinating as his more voluble bandmates [Book of the Week]
A grimly familiar tale of excess
Story wise, things were fairly comprehensively covered and adequate.
For me, a tad more enjoyable than Roger Daltreys autobio, and with Townshends being far and away right up there on the top. I would also state that Kenney Jones book was easily on par with this one, and a very worthwhile listen for fans.
John's life of excess, often amusing, is well covered, with layers of sadness and solitude never very far away. There are tales aplenty of his antics with chief accomplice Keith Moon, many of which I was previously unaware of totally, or of the real extent of things within them.
I felt it lacked a little with not quite enough directly from John's own kept diaries, which primarily was due to the lack of same.....but again my own main criticism lies with the spoken dialogue and it's rather bland delivery. It does, of course, regardless, demand a read/listen for any fan of John or The Who.
The Ox....A Life Well-Lived
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