The Who is one of the most iconic bands in rock history, and their music has been enjoyed by millions of fans around the world for decades. But who is responsible for providing the steady, driving beat that underpins so many of their classic hits? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the current bass player for The Who, and explore how their contribution to the band’s sound has evolved over time. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering The Who for the first time, read on to learn more about the enduring legacy of their bass guitar.
The Early Years: The Foundations of The Who’s Sound
The Formation of The Who
The story of The Who’s formation began in 1964, when Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon decided to come together and form a band. They initially went by the name of “The High Numbers,” but it was soon changed to “The Who.”
The band’s music was characterized by a unique blend of rock, pop, and blues, which set them apart from their contemporaries. Townshend’s songwriting and guitar playing, along with Daltrey’s powerful vocals, were at the forefront of the band’s sound. However, it was Entwistle’s bass playing that provided the foundation for The Who’s distinctive and powerful sound.
Entwistle’s style was heavily influenced by jazz and classical music, which he incorporated into his playing. He was known for his distinctive, percussive sound and his ability to create a rich, full-bodied tone. His use of harmonics, feedback, and distortion was groundbreaking and set a new standard for rock bass playing.
With Entwistle’s bass playing providing the backbone of the band’s sound, The Who quickly gained popularity and became one of the most influential bands of the 1960s. Their live performances were legendary, with Entwistle’s stage presence and showmanship contributing to the band’s energetic and dynamic shows.
Today, The Who continues to be one of the most beloved and enduring bands of the rock era. The legacy of Entwistle’s bass playing is still evident in the band’s music, and his influence can be heard in the work of countless bass players who have followed in his footsteps.
The Bass Players of The Who’s Early Years
The early years of The Who were characterized by a distinctive sound that was heavily influenced by the innovative use of the bass guitar. In the early days of the band, the bass guitar was used not just as a rhythm instrument but also as a lead instrument, creating a unique sound that would come to define the band’s music. The band’s original bass player, John Entwistle, played a crucial role in shaping this sound, and his contributions to the band’s music continue to be celebrated to this day.
The Original Bass Player: John Entwistle
John Entwistle, often referred to as “The Ox,” was the original bass player for The Who. He joined the band in 1964, and his contributions to the band’s sound were immediate and significant. Entwistle was a classically trained musician, and he brought a level of technical skill and musicianship to the band that had not been seen before in rock music. He was known for his innovative use of the bass guitar, often playing it like a lead instrument, using techniques such as tapping, slapping, and using distortion to create a unique sound that set him apart from other bass players of his time.
The Legacy of John Entwistle
Entwistle’s contributions to The Who’s music were immense, and his legacy continues to be felt to this day. He was a key part of the band’s early success, and his innovative use of the bass guitar helped to shape the sound that would come to define the band’s music. Even after his death in 2002, his influence on the band’s sound can still be heard in their music today. His unique style of playing the bass guitar inspired many other musicians, and his contributions to rock music are widely recognized and celebrated.
Today, The Who continues to perform with a new bass player, but the legacy of John Entwistle lives on, and his contributions to the band’s sound are still felt to this day. His innovative use of the bass guitar helped to shape the sound of The Who, and his influence on rock music can still be heard in the music of today.
The Transition of Bass Players
The Who’s sound was not always defined by the presence of a single bass player. In fact, the band went through several transitions before finding the right fit for their music.
The Addition of a New Bass Player: Pete Townshend
Pete Townshend, the band’s guitarist and primary songwriter, initially took on the role of bass player for The Who. Townshend, who had previously played guitar and harmonica, found that playing bass allowed him to contribute more fully to the band’s sound. He quickly became known for his energetic and dynamic style, incorporating elements of rock, blues, and jazz into his playing.
The Influence of Pete Townshend on The Who’s Sound
Townshend’s bass playing had a significant impact on The Who’s sound. His ability to combine melodic and rhythmic elements in his playing created a unique and recognizable sound that helped define the band’s early work. Townshend’s influence can be heard in many of The Who’s classic songs, including “My Generation,” “The Kids Are Alright,” and “Pinball Wizard.”
Despite his contributions, Townshend eventually realized that he was not a true bass player at heart. He felt that his talents were better suited to guitar and songwriting, and he wanted to focus on those aspects of the band’s sound. This led to the search for a new bass player who could bring a fresh perspective to The Who’s music.
The Current Bass Player: Jon Button
The Road to Becoming The Who’s Bass Player
Jon Button’s Background and Early Career
Jon Button was born in the United Kingdom and began playing the bass guitar at a young age. He showed a natural talent for the instrument and quickly became interested in a wide range of musical genres, including rock, jazz, and funk. In his early years, Button was heavily influenced by the music of legendary bass players such as John Entwistle and Paul McCartney, both of whom have left an indelible mark on the world of rock music.
The Unique Style of Jon Button
As he continued to develop his skills as a bass player, Jon Button began to cultivate his own distinctive style, which combines elements of rock, jazz, and funk to create a sound that is uniquely his own. He is known for his ability to seamlessly blend melody and rhythm, creating a rich and textured sound that has earned him critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.
The Opportunity to Join The Who
In 2019, Jon Button was presented with the opportunity of a lifetime when he was asked to join the legendary rock band, The Who, as their bass player. This followed the retirement of founding member John Entwistle, who had played bass guitar for the band since its inception in 1964.
The Challenges of Taking on such a Prestigious Role
Taking on the role of bass player for The Who is no small feat. The band has a long and storied history, and their music has had a profound impact on the world of rock music. In addition, the band’s founder, Pete Townshend, is a demanding taskmaster who expects the highest level of musicianship from his bandmates.
Overcoming the Challenges and Embracing the Legacy
Despite these challenges, Jon Button rose to the occasion and quickly became an integral part of the band. He brought his own unique style and perspective to the band’s sound, while also honoring the legacy of the band’s founding members. He has since toured extensively with The Who, playing to sold-out crowds around the world and cementing his place as one of the most talented and respected bass players in the world.
The Contributions of Jon Button to The Who’s Sound
The Transition from John Entwistle to Jon Button
John Entwistle, the original bass player of The Who, was a vital component of the band’s sound. His distinctive style and powerful playing contributed greatly to the group’s unique identity. However, after his untimely death in 2002, the task of filling his shoes fell to Jon Button.
The Impact of Jon Button on The Who’s Music
Jon Button, a skilled musician in his own right, has made a significant impact on The Who’s sound since joining the band. Despite the challenge of following such an iconic bass player, Button has managed to bring his own unique style to the group, while still paying homage to Entwistle’s legacy.
One of the most notable contributions of Jon Button to The Who’s sound is his versatility as a bass player. He is able to seamlessly transition between a variety of styles, from the aggressive, distorted tones of “My Generation” to the more delicate, melodic lines of “Baba O’Riley.” This versatility allows him to support and enhance the band’s music in a wide range of contexts.
In addition to his technical prowess, Jon Button has also brought a fresh perspective to The Who’s sound. His approach to songwriting and arrangement has helped to keep the band’s music feeling current and relevant, even as they continue to perform classic hits from their extensive catalog.
Overall, Jon Button’s contributions to The Who’s sound have been significant and lasting. While he will always be remembered as the bass player who followed in the footsteps of the legendary John Entwistle, he has carved out his own unique place in the band’s history and continues to be an integral part of their ongoing legacy.
The Influence of The Who’s Bass Guitar on Rock Music
The Legacy of The Who’s Bass Guitar
The Who’s bass guitar has had a profound impact on rock music, influencing generations of musicians and shaping the sound of rock music as we know it today.
The Sound and Style of The Who’s Bass Guitar
The sound and style of The Who’s bass guitar is characterized by its distinctive tone, powerful attack, and dynamic range. The bass guitar was played with a pick, which gave it a punchy and aggressive sound that helped to drive the band’s music forward. The style of playing was also influential, with the bass guitar often taking a prominent role in the mix and pushing the boundaries of what was possible with the instrument.
The Impact of The Who’s Bass Guitar on Rock Music
The impact of The Who’s bass guitar on rock music cannot be overstated. The distinctive sound and style of the bass guitar helped to establish The Who as one of the most innovative and influential bands of their time, and its influence can be heard in the music of countless other bands and musicians. The bass guitar’s impact on rock music can be seen in the way that it helped to establish the bass guitar as a lead instrument, rather than just a supporting role in the band’s sound. Its influence can also be seen in the way that it pushed the boundaries of what was possible with the instrument, inspiring generations of musicians to experiment with new sounds and techniques.
The Evolution of The Who’s Bass Guitar
The evolution of The Who’s bass guitar is a fascinating story that has had a profound impact on the world of rock music. The bass guitar, played by the legendary John Entwistle, was an integral part of The Who’s sound and helped to shape the direction of rock music.
The Advancements in Bass Technology
The bass guitar was one of the first instruments to benefit from the advancements in bass technology. In the early days of rock music, bass guitars were often simple instruments with little regard for their design or sound quality. However, The Who’s bass guitar was different. It was a custom-made instrument that was specifically designed to meet the needs of John Entwistle’s playing style.
The bass guitar featured a unique design that included a large pickup and a longer neck, which allowed Entwistle to play with more precision and control. The guitar also had a distinctive sound that was created by using a pick and a thumb to play the strings, rather than using a pick and fingers. This technique became known as “the Who sound” and helped to establish the bass guitar as a key instrument in rock music.
The Continued Influence of The Who’s Bass Guitar on Rock Music
The Who’s bass guitar had a significant impact on the world of rock music, and its influence can still be felt today. Many rock bands have been influenced by The Who’s sound and have incorporated elements of it into their own music. In addition, the advancements in bass technology that were made during The Who’s era have continued to shape the sound of rock music in the decades since.
Today, the bass guitar remains an essential instrument in rock music, and many bass players continue to be inspired by the playing of John Entwistle and the sound of The Who’s bass guitar. Its enduring legacy can be seen in the countless bass players who have been influenced by its sound and style, and in the ongoing evolution of rock music.
The Future of The Who’s Bass Guitar
The Enduring Popularity of The Who’s Music
- The continued relevance of The Who’s music can be attributed to its timeless themes and universal appeal.
- The band’s music speaks to audiences of all generations, resonating with their experiences and emotions.
- The lyrics often tackle issues such as love, loss, and social justice, which remain relevant today.
- The impact of The Who’s music on future generations is evident in the numerous cover versions and tribute bands that have emerged over the years.
- Many artists have been inspired by The Who’s music and have paid homage to their influence through their own songs and performances.
- The enduring popularity of The Who’s music has also contributed to the ongoing fascination with rock music and its cultural significance.
The Who’s bass guitar has undergone several evolutions since its inception in the 1960s. From the original design by John Entwistle to the current version played by Simon Townshend, the instrument has continued to evolve and adapt to changing musical styles and technologies.
One of the most significant advancements in bass technology has been the development of active electronics. This technology allows for greater control over the instrument’s sound, allowing the player to adjust the bass, midrange, and treble frequencies independently. This has enabled bass players to create a wider range of tones and sounds, making the instrument more versatile and expressive.
Another advancement in bass technology has been the development of lighter and more durable materials. This has allowed basses to be more comfortable to play for extended periods and has also made them more resistant to damage during transportation and live performances.
The Who’s bass guitar has had a significant impact on rock music, influencing the sound and style of countless bass players over the years. Its distinctive shape and sound have become iconic, and its influence can be heard in the music of many different genres.
The continued influence of The Who’s bass guitar on rock music can be seen in the many tribute bands and cover bands that have emerged over the years. These bands often feature bass players who have been inspired by the original instrument and seek to recreate its unique sound and style.
In addition, many bass players have cited The Who’s bass guitar as a major influence on their own playing style and music. This is particularly evident in the music of punk and alternative rock bands, where the bass guitar often takes on a more prominent role in the mix.
Overall, the evolution of The Who’s bass guitar is a testament to the enduring legacy of this iconic instrument and its continued influence on rock music.
The Who’s bass guitar has left an indelible mark on the world of rock music, and its legacy continues to be felt by bass players and music lovers alike. From its revolutionary design to its iconic sound, the bass guitar has become a symbol of The Who’s enduring legacy.
The Continued Influence of The Who’s Bass Guitar on Bass Players Today
Even decades after its creation, The Who’s bass guitar continues to influence bass players around the world. Its distinctive shape and sound have inspired countless musicians to experiment with their own instruments and push the boundaries of what is possible with the bass.
Many bass players cite The Who’s bass guitar as a major influence on their own style and approach to the instrument. They have been inspired by its unique design, which allowed for greater mobility and expressiveness than traditional bass guitars. They have also been drawn to its powerful, distinctive sound, which has become synonymous with The Who’s music.
The Continued Legacy of The Who’s Bass Guitar in Rock Music
The Who’s bass guitar has left an enduring legacy in rock music. Its innovative design and powerful sound have helped to shape the sound of rock music, and its influence can be heard in the music of countless bands and musicians.
The bass guitar has become an iconic symbol of The Who’s music, and its image is instantly recognizable to fans around the world. Its continued use by The Who’s current bass player, Simon Townshend, is a testament to its enduring legacy and its ongoing relevance to the world of rock music.
Despite the many changes that have occurred in the world of rock music over the years, The Who’s bass guitar remains a timeless symbol of the band’s enduring legacy. Its continued influence on bass players and its enduring popularity among music fans are a testament to its enduring power and its status as one of the most iconic instruments in the history of rock music.
FAQs
1. Who currently plays bass for The Who?
Answer:
The current bass player for The Who is Simon Townshend. He has been a member of the band since 1989 and has played on several of their albums, including “Endless Wire” and “Who.” Townshend is a highly skilled musician and has also toured extensively with the band, performing classic hits such as “My Generation” and “Baba O’Riley.”
2. How did Simon Townshend become the bass player for The Who?
Simon Townshend is the younger brother of The Who’s lead guitarist, Pete Townshend. He began playing with the band in the late 1980s, filling in for bassist John Entwistle after his death in 1985. Townshend quickly proved himself to be a capable and talented bass player, and he officially joined the band in 1989. Since then, he has become an integral part of The Who’s sound and has helped to keep the band’s music alive for new generations of fans.
3. What makes Simon Townshend’s bass playing unique?
Simon Townshend’s bass playing is characterized by its energy and versatility. He is skilled at playing both simple and complex bass lines, and he has a knack for adding subtle embellishments to the band’s songs that help to make them more dynamic and engaging. Townshend is also known for his ability to play a wide range of styles, from classic rock to more experimental sounds. His playing is an important part of The Who’s enduring legacy, and it continues to inspire new generations of musicians.
4. Has Simon Townshend had any notable collaborations or performances outside of The Who?
Simon Townshend has had a number of notable collaborations and performances outside of The Who. He has worked with a variety of other musicians and bands, including his brother Pete Townshend, and has contributed to a number of albums and projects. In addition, Townshend has toured extensively as a solo artist, showcasing his own unique style and sound. His contributions to the music world extend far beyond his work with The Who, and he continues to be an influential and respected musician.
