This Complete List Of John Entwistle Albums And Songs presents the full discography of John Entwistle studio albums. John Entwistle was born on October 9, 1944. He passed away on June 27, 2002. John Entwistle hails from the area of Chiswick, Middlesex, England. Most rock fans first came to know him from his role as the mighty bass player of The Who. No one played bass like John Entwistle. This complete John Entwistle discography also includes every single John Entwistle live album. All these exhilarating John Entwistle albums have been presented below in chronological order. We have also included all original release dates with each John Entwistle album as well as all original John Entwistle album covers. Every John Entwistle album listed below showcases the entire John Entwistle album tracklisting.
JOHN ENTWISTLE STUDIO ALBUMS
Smash Your Head Against the Wall
Released: 1971
John Entwistle’s debut solo album, “Smash Your Head Against the Wall,” was released in 1971 and was the first solo album by a member of The Who. The album received moderate commercial success but gained more attention as a daring departure from his work with The Who. The album showcases Entwistle’s multifaceted musical interests, featuring everything from hard rock to ballads and darkly comic narratives.
The album featured John Entwistle on vocals, bass, and keyboards, Jerry Shirley on drums, and Dave “Cyrano” Langston on guitars. The album was produced by John Entwistle himself. It was released on Track Records and was recorded at Trident Studios, London, between October and November 1970.
CD Track Listings:
- “My Size” – 3:43
- “Pick Me Up (Big Chicken)” – 3:44
- “What Are We Doing Here?” – 3:52
- “What Kind of People Are They?” – 2:47
- “Heaven and Hell” – 4:50
- “Ted End” – 2:34
- “You’re Mine” – 4:40
- “No. 29 (External Youth)” – 5:25
- “I Believe in Everything” – 3:08
Whistle Rymes
Released: 1972
Following the moderate success of his debut solo album, John Entwistle released “Whistle Rymes” in 1972. The album was a bit more polished than its predecessor and continued to explore themes of love, life, and death with dark humor and intricate musicianship.
The album featured John Entwistle on vocals, bass, and keyboards, Peter Frampton on guitar, John Weider on violin, Rod Coombes on drums, and others. The album was produced by John Entwistle and released on Track Records. It was recorded at Island Studios, London, between May and June 1972.
CD Track Listings:
- “Ten Little Friends” – 4:00
- “Apron Strings” – 3:07
- “I Feel Better” – 4:16
- “Thinkin’ It Over” – 4:14
- “Who Cares?” – 4:20
- “I Wonder” – 3:07
- “I Was Just Being Friendly” – 3:35
- “The Window Shopper” – 3:28
- “I Found Out” – 4:07
- “Nightmare (Please Wake Me Up)” – 6:40
Rigor Mortis Sets In
Released: 1973
“Rigor Mortis Sets In” is John Entwistle’s third solo album, released in 1973. The album was a homage to ’50s rock and roll and featured a more stripped-down sound compared to his earlier releases. Although it did not chart well, it was praised for its creativity and exploration of vintage styles.
The album featured John Entwistle on vocals and bass, Jerry Shirley on drums, and others. It was produced by John Entwistle and released on Track Records. The album was recorded at Nova Sound Studios, London, and Ramport Studios, London, in late 1972 and early 1973.
CD Track Listings:
- “Gimme That Rock ‘N’ Roll” – 3:14
- “Blame It on the ‘Boogie” – 3:40
- “Hay Fever” – 3:37
- “When You See the Light” – 4:55
- “Back on the Road” – 3:33
- “All I Do” – 2:45
- “Left for Dead” – 4:20
- “Lovebird” – 4:00
- “Gonna Do It” – 2:58
Mad Dog
Released: 1975
“Mad Dog” was released in 1975 and continued to showcase Entwistle’s quirky songwriting and musicianship. The album was not a commercial success but has gained cult status over the years for its complex arrangements and eclectic genre influences.
The album featured John Entwistle on vocals and bass, Graham Deakin on drums, and others. The album was produced by John Alcock and was released on Track Records. It was recorded at Ramport Studios, London, between October and November 1974.
CD Track Listings:
- “Bungle in the Jungle” – 2:58
- “Come Back” – 4:23
- “Jungle Bunny” – 3:54
- “Sidewalk” – 3:25
- “I’m Flash” – 4:35
- “Roller Skate Kate” – 4:10
- “Peg Leg Peggy” – 3:19
- “Chained to Your Memory” – 4:30
Too Late the Hero
Released: 1981
I love this album! What a cool cover too. Too Late the Hero is John Entwistle’s fifth solo studio album, released in 1981. The album was Entwistle’s most commercially successful solo project, reaching number 71 on the U.S. Billboard 200. The title track was also released as a single and received radio airplay.
The album featured John Entwistle on vocals and bass, Joe Walsh on guitar, and others. It was produced by John Entwistle and released on WEA Records. The album was recorded at Ramport Studios, London, and Goodnight L.A. Studios, Los Angeles, between January and May 1981.
CD Track Listings:
- “Try Me” – 5:07
- “Talk Dirty” – 4:09
- “Lovebird” – 4:04
- “Sleeping Man” – 4:10
- “I’m Coming Back” – 4:12
- “Dancing Master” – 4:07
- “Fallen Angel” – 4:32
- “Love Is a Heart Attack” – 5:09
- “Too Late the Hero” – 7:00
The Rock
Released: 1996
“The Rock” was released in 1996 and is John Entwistle’s sixth solo album. It was also the name of the band that was presented on this album. The album did not achieve high commercial success but was praised for its lyrical depth and musicianship. It represents a return to a more straightforward rock sound compared to some of his earlier work.
The album featured John Entwistle on vocals and bass, Zak Starkey on drums, and others. It was produced by Martin Adam and released on Eastworld Recordings. The album was recorded at Hammer & Tongs, London, between November 1994 and June 1995.
CD Track Listings:
- “Stranger in a Strange Land” – 4:47
- “Love Is a Gun” – 5:21
- “The End” – 3:47
- “Darkness” – 4:30
- “Had Enough” – 6:01
- “Billy” – 3:06
- “Life After Love” – 3:32
- “Hurricane” – 4:50
- “Too Much Too Soon” – 4:09
- “New Life / Reprise” – 3:44
Music from Van-Pires
Released: 2000
“Music from Van-Pires” was John Entwistle’s seventh and final solo album, released in 2000. The album was originally the soundtrack for a children’s animated series called “Van-Pires” but was later released as a standalone album. Although not a commercial success, it showcased Entwistle’s enduring ability to meld humor, storytelling, and rock and roll.
The album featured John Entwistle on vocals and bass, Steve Luongo on drums, and others. It was produced by Steve Luongo and released on Pulsar Records. The album was recorded at various studios, with recording dates not widely documented.
CD Track Listings:
- “Horror Rock” – 3:56
- “Darker Side of Night” – 4:24
- “Sometimes” – 4:32
- “Bogeyman” – 4:05
- “Good & Evil” – 4:15
- “Rebel Without a Car” – 3:49
- “Rap til You Drop” – 3:07
- “When You See the Light” – 4:33
- “Back on the Road” – 4:14
- “Left for Dead” – 4:05
- “When the Sun Comes Up” – 3:39
- “Don’t Be a Sucker” – 3:53
JOHN ENTWISTLE LIVE ALBUMS
King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents in Concert
Released: 1998
This album is a live recording originally performed for the radio show “King Biscuit Flower Hour.” It offers fans a raw and authentic experience of John Entwistle’s work, capturing the energy of his live performances.
The album features John Entwistle on vocals and bass, Godfrey Townsend on guitar, Steve Luongo on drums, and Gordon Cotten on keyboards. It was produced by John Entwistle and released on King Biscuit Flower Hour Records. The album was recorded live at the Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel, Las Vegas, on July 14, 1996.
CD Track Listings:
- “Heaven and Hell” – 3:24
- “Had Enough” – 4:15
- “Success Story” – 3:21
- “Trick of the Light” – 4:46
- “Bridges Under the Water” – 3:59
- “Cousin Kevin” – 4:04
- “Shakin’ All Over” – 4:15
- “Summertime Blues” – 3:30
- “My Wife” – 5:12
- “Boris the Spider” – 2:38
- “The Real Me” – 3:32
Left for Live
Released: 1999
“Left for Live” is another live album by John Entwistle and it gives listeners an even more intimate look into Entwistle’s onstage prowess. With this release, listeners get to hear some of The Who’s classic tracks performed by Entwistle in a smaller setting.
The album features John Entwistle on vocals and bass, Godfrey Townsend on guitar, Steve Luongo on drums, and Gordon Cotten on keyboards. It was produced by Steve Luongo and released on J-Bird Records. Exact recording locations and dates for this live album are not widely documented.
CD Track Listings:
- “Horror Rock” – 3:48
- “The Real Me” – 4:38
- “Court of the Crimson King” – 4:22
- “Had Enough” – 4:59
- “Success Story” – 3:17
- “Hi-Heel Sneakers” – 2:49
- “Shakin’ All Over” – 4:15
- “Summertime Blues” – 3:27
- “My Wife” – 5:10
- “Boris the Spider” – 2:41
JOHN ENTWISTLE COMPILATION ALBUMS
Thunderfingers: The Best of John Entwistle
Released: 1996
“Thunderfingers: The Best of John Entwistle” is a compilation album showcasing some of the most iconic tracks from Entwistle’s career. The album is a great way to get acquainted with the breadth and depth of his musical talents.
The album features tracks where John Entwistle is on vocals and bass, among other musicians depending on the original recording. It was released by Rhino Records. The album contains tracks from multiple studios and various recording dates.
CD Track Listings:
- “My Size” – 3:42
- “Pick Me Up (Big Chicken)” – 3:43
- “What Are We Doing Here?” – 3:49
- “Heaven and Hell” – 4:50
- “Ted End” – 2:33
- “10 Little Friends” – 4:09
- “Apron Strings” – 4:50
- “Thinking It Over” – 4:00
- “Who Cares?” – 4:21
- “I Wonder” – 2:58
- “Really Desperate” – 4:11
- “Mad Dog” – 2:59
- “Lady Killer” – 3:22
- “Roller Skate Kate” – 3:11
- “Peg Leg Peggy” – 2:40
- “Under a Raging Moon” – 4:07
- “Boris the Spider (Live)” – 2:32
Anthology
Released: 2005
“Anthology” is another compilation that covers various phases of Entwistle’s career, offering a more comprehensive look at his body of work.
The album was released by Sanctuary Records and features tracks where John Entwistle is on vocals and bass, among other musicians depending on the original recording. The album contains tracks from multiple studios and various recording dates.
CD Track Listings:
- “My Size” – 3:43
- “What Are We Doing Here?” – 3:52
- “Heaven and Hell” – 4:51
- “Ted End” – 2:35
- “Apron Strings” – 4:48
- “Who Cares?” – 4:20
- “I Wonder” – 2:59
- “Really Desperate” – 4:10
- “Mad Dog” – 3:00
- “Roller Skate Kate” – 3:12
- “Under a Raging Moon” – 4:06
- “Boris the Spider” – 4:03
So Who’s the Bass Player? The Ox Anthology
Released: 2005
This anthology serves as a celebration of John Entwistle’s career, offering a collection of his best tracks, including some live recordings. The anthology covers tracks from various albums and live performances. The album was released by Sanctuary Records.
CD Track Listings:
- “My Size” – 3:40
- “Pick Me Up” – 3:44
- “What Are We Doing Here?” – 3:50
- “Heaven and Hell” – 4:50
- “Ted End” – 2:33
- “10 Little Friends” – 4:10
- “Apron Strings” – 4:49
- “Thinking It Over” – 4:00
- “Who Cares?” – 4:22
- “I Wonder” – 2:57
- “Really Desperate” – 4:12
- “Mad Dog” – 2:59
Feature Photo: Klaus Hiltscher, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Complete List Of John Entwistle Albums And Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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