When we think of The Who, most people picture Pete Townshend swinging his guitar in his famous windmill style. Townshend is one of rock’s most iconic guitarists, but did you know that he wasn’t always the band’s “lead” player? Surprisingly, much of the band’s most exciting lead work came from bassist John Entwistle.
Pete Townshend: The Rhythm Guitarist
Townshend always focused on rhythm. His job was to drive the songs forward with strong chords and catchy patterns. Even when he played solos, they were usually planned ahead of time and meant to fit the song, not show off speed or technical skill. Hits like I Can’t Explain and Pinball Wizard show his mix of rhythm and melody without relying on flashy solos.
John Entwistle: The Lead Bassist
Entwistle was no ordinary bassist. He played his instrument like a lead guitar at times, creating melodic lines that grabbed attention. Songs like My Generation and Dreaming From the Waist feature Entwistle’s bass taking the spotlight. His tone, especially with his Rickenbacker bass, cut through the music so well that many fans thought it was Townshend playing lead.
Entwistle even said he played bass in a way that combined rhythm and lead techniques. This allowed him to stand out while still supporting the band’s overall sound.
Why Fans Were Confused
When The Who played live, people often saw Townshend strumming simple chords while hearing what sounded like a blazing solo. In reality, it was Entwistle’s bass cutting through the mix. This gave the band a unique sound and surprised many listeners who didn’t realize what was happening.
The Magic of The Who
The Who’s sound came from all four members working together. Townshend’s rhythm guitar, Entwistle’s lead-style bass, Keith Moon’s explosive drumming, and Roger Daltrey’s powerful vocals combined to create something unforgettable. By highlighting Entwistle’s contributions, Townshend shows how important it is to break traditional roles and let creativity lead the way.
So next time you listen to The Who, pay attention to the bass—it might just be the “lead guitar” you didn’t know was there.