Despite the death of bassist John Entwistle, The Who's tour begins tonight at the Hollywood Bowl. Filling in for Entwistle will be Pino Palladino, a session musician who has worked with such artists as Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Oleta Adams and Melissa Etheridge. Pete Townshend issued a statement that included the following:
"I made it clear we do not expect him to attempt to emulate, parody or copy John Entwistle in any way. ... The one request I made was that -- at first -- he play as loud as he can bear. For my part I am not attempting to deliberately establish any sense of memorial or tribute to John. I simply believe we have a duty to go on, to ourselves, ticket buyers, staff, promoters, big and little people. I also have a duty to myself and my dependent family and friends. My immediate mission is to complete this tour in good heart, and to remember John in my quiet and private times. ... Pino is determined to enjoy the music, and so am I.
"We are musicians, entertainers. We can do it. We have the right tools. No worries."
Entwistle's family agrees with the decision to continue the tour. Said Entwistle's son Christopher: "This is what he would have wished, and our love goes out to the remaining band members and the entourage that makes up the Who family."
Shouldn't they have at least cancelled some shows in respect for John.
They did.
I think they made the right decision. It's what they wanted, it's what the family wanted, and after talking to someone who went to the Hollywood Bowl show last night, it was far from a downer or a disappointment.
The only thing I enjoy more than doing the crossword puzzle is actually finishing it.
Its been a year since my personal favorite musician of all time passed away. Still listen to at least one Prince song a day. Glad there's new music coming, even if it is "incomplete" in a lot of ways.