Search - The John Entwistle Band - Live on DVD

"When You Hear Thunder, Think of John Entwistle."

Gregory Canellis | Tuckerton, NJ USA | 09/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"On June 27, 2002, Heaven's Band gained the greatest bass player who ever lived. John Entwistle had accomplished much in his life: from his revolutionary innovative bass work with the rock band The Who, to solo writing, recording, and live performances with his own band. Executive producers Steve Luongo and Robert Swope have turned what was probably a routine filming of the John Entwistle Band on stage, into a fitting tribute to this talented musician, and the man. There is so much emotion and energy packed into this short DVD. Luongo made sure viewers came away with a full understanding of what John Entwistle was all about. I have never seen a more sincere offering from one friend to another. This DVD is an absolute must whether you are a devoted Entwistle fan or not. The package is basically divided into the live performance and Steve Luongo's Eulogy to Entwistle. The "concert only" option allows one to view the live set uninterrupted by Luongo's anecdotal commentary between songs. Much can be learned from Luongo's heart-felt remembrances, however, along with video clips of John at home and in the studio, so do not skip the "view all" option. The performance consists of an eight-song set, played at an outdoor festival setting at dusk. Accompanying Entwistle is drummer Steve Luongo, Godfrey Townsend on guitar and lead vocals, and Gordon Cotten on keyboards.Except for the short typically macabre opener "Horror Rock," the set consists of Who songs written by Entwistle, and Who live standards. The camera crew are not yet warmed up when the band goes into what has to be Entwistle's greatest song ever: "The Real Me." The shot remains on Townsend, while Entwistle wails the song's opening signature bass lines. A second camera zooming in on Entwistle's back, adds to the frustration. Yet, the song suggests the ultra tight bass and drum work, and Townsend's Daltry-like vocal style that will dominate the show. Entwistle introduces "Had Enough" in his husky London brogue. This number features nice vocal harmonies between Townsend, Luongo, and Cotten with more tight bass and drum work. Entwistle dons an 8-string bass for "Success Story," and adds some sweet effects to it for the song's bridge. Entwistle strains to sing lead on his "Trick of the Light," yet the song's continuous phrasing would challenge the breathing skills of the most powerful singer. He ends the song with an incredible machine-gun flurry of hammer-ons, coupled with Spanish guitar-style strumming that can only be uniquely attributed to the Entwistle style. By now, the small crowd is coming alive, and thankfully, the camera crew has gotten it together. Townsend opens "Shaking All Over" with a guitar solo, however, his performance will continue to suffer from lack of volume. The song leads to a duel between Entwistle and Luongo that culminates into a breath-taking, ear shattering bass solo, complete with more hammer-ons, bass harmonics, and Entwistle strumming feverishly with every finger of his right hand. The set ends with the Who live standards "Summertime Blues" and "Young Man Blues."The second feature of the DVD is Luongo's Eulogy to John. First read at Entwistle's memorial service, Luongo reproduces it here backed by a video montage of John at home. Through Luongo's words, we learn about what is was like to be a friend of John Entwistle. Here we see John the artist (remember the cover art of the Who album "By Numbers?"), the collector of arms and armor, guns, and antique cars (although John never learned to drive), and an entertainer who genuinely loved his fans. Luongo is to be commended here for his sincere dedication and friendship. Entwistle was just doing what comes naturally to him on this DVD: playing awesome bass guitar. Luongo only asks that "when we hear thunder, think of [his friend] John Entwistle!" Thanks Steve, we sure will!"

Much Too Short...

Grant Coatsworth | Merlin, Ontario Canada | 08/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Much too short, both in this DVD concert footage, and John's amazing career. If your already a Who fan, you will want to add this to your collection. If your Entwistle fan, you will need to add this to your collection. I wished the whole JEB performance was available here in this DVD. But sadly we only have (at this time) 8 songs on this DVD. The opening track, "Horror Rock" is the only solo penned offering here. The remaining 7, are songs you will recognize from The Who. I wanted to give this DVD 4 stars, because it's so short (45 minutes concert footage), but Steve Luongo's eulogy to John is so touching, you have to see it. I hope the producers of this DVD, will in time, add the remaing concert footage. Until then, sit back and enjoy the greatest bass player who ever lived. I also recommend, you purchase the JEB, "Left For Live" Deluxe Cd, as well as all of John's solo releases."

Tribute To The Greatest Bass Guitarist

Grant Coatsworth | 07/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"John Entwistle was the greatest bass guitarist hands down, and this dvd continues to back up that statement. Although i wish the concert was longer (only 60 minutes) its still worth it. the eulogy by Luongo is very sincere and touching. The whole set list is full of hits that i think the JEB does great covers of. I love the rhythmic battle between Luongo and Entwistle during Shakin All Over. I think Godfrey Townshend does a great job as lead vocals and guitarist. If you aren't sure how you'll like the JEB, rent it first, then decide for yourself, but for most Who fans who love Entwistle, this is something you'd love to have on your shelf."

John literally smokes on stage

Michael R. DeVincenzi | San Jose | 06/14/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"John does things that no other bass player could. I play bass and I was astonished with his ability. The song selection on this DVD is great. He plays mainly "who" material, and he sings
Trick of the light". I had my friend over and he loved the DVD too and went out and bought it. Some people are just blessed with talent and John displays it on this DVD. The band works well with him to produce a fun DVD. No negatives to tell you about. Just enjoy!"