Sotheby's on John Entwistle sale
Brian in Atlanta
WHO'S BEST?
-SOTHEBY'S ANNOUNCE THE SALE OF THE JOHN ENTWISTLE COLLECTION-
A STAGGERING collection of guitars and bass guitars, stage costumes and
awards from the collection of the late John Entwistle - one of the four
members of the legendary British rock group THE WHO and widely regarded as
the greatest Bass Guitarist of all time - will be sold on Tuesday, May 13,
2003 at Sotheby's, Olympia, West London. The collection is expected to fetch
in the region of £400,000 and estimates range from £100 upwards.
John Entwistle died, aged 57, on June 27, 2002, in Las Vegas - on the eve of
the band's United States tour. Affectionately known as "OX" and
"THUNDERFINGERS" (due to his distinctive playing style), John Alec Entwistle
was born on October 9, 1944 and was brought up in Acton, West London. He
played brass instruments in his early years and at the age of 14, he and
school friend Pete Townshend formed their first band. After leaving school
he became a Tax Clerk, but in 1962, he and Townshend joined Roger Daltrey's
band The Detours. The group renamed itself The Who in February 1964, and the
late Keith Moon joined as drummer two months later.
One of the biggest rock bands of the 1960s and 70s, The Who's hits included
the massive My Generation, Pinball Wizard and Substitute along with the
world famous albums Tommy, Who's Next and Quadrophenia. They were among the
original 'bad boys' of rock - both on stage and off - and were best known
for their mind-blowing stage routines that often culminated in them smashing
their instruments. By performing at some of the most important Rock events
of the era including Woodstock; Monterey; and the Isle of Wight Festival,
their reputation as the finest live rock band was established. In addition
to playing bass, Entwistle performed backing vocals and played brass
instruments in the band. He wrote several tracks for The Who albums
including the legendary Boris the Spider and My Wife and subsequently went
on to release six solo albums.
Sotheby's sale will include John Entwistle's collection of more than 150
guitars and bass guitars, collected for their rarity and distinctive
designs, many of which he used on stage. Although Entwistle was particularly
associated with the bass guitar - many of which will be offered in the
auction - highlights of the collection include a very rare Gibson Explorer
and an equally rare Gibson Flying V - both of which date from 1958 and are
among the most revolutionary, rarest and desirable electric guitars ever
made. As Entwistle described in his notebook on his collection of guitars
"This is my fourth 'V', I worked my way up to a mint condition by selling,
swapping and part exchanging...", while he comments on his Explorer "I paid
$3,750 for this in 1975, you would have to sell your house to buy it now!"
These two guitars each carry an estimate in the region of £30,000 to 50,000.
Entwistle's favourite guitar - a pink Fender Precision Bass - affectionately
known as 'Frankenstein' will also be offered. "I put this together in San
Francisco on a day off, part way through a Who tour. It is the remains of
five smashed basses, hence the name 'Frankenstein..." he wrote: "I used this
baby from 1967 onwards through Tommy and all the tours up to Quadrophenia."
It is estimated at £5,000-7,000.
The sale of more than 350 lots will also include photographs, awards,
drawings, clothing, rare posters, guitar cases, guitar straps, French horns
and trumpets as well as pieces of jewellery (some in the form of spiders),
paintings, bronzes and marine-related items.
Stephen Maycock, specialist in charge of the sale, said: "We are incredibly
lucky to be offering so many pieces from Entwistle's personal collection
ranging from music awards through to a ring decorated with a spider! The
collection of guitars, by a wide variety of makers such as Warwick, Alembic,
Gibson, Gretsch and Fender, are all extremely fascinating. To have access to
his private notes - which he intended to publish - on his thoughts and
reasons for buying the items further helps to provide a great insight to a
rock legend. "
A representative of Clintons Solicitors, acting for the late John Entwistle
and his estate, said: "The executors have decided to sell John Entwistle's
extremely imaginative and varied collection, which includes nearly all of
his significant personal effects. This is a unique and diverse collection
reflecting what a passionate collector John Entwistle was."
Further pieces from the John Entwistle Collection will be included in
various forthcoming Sotheby's Sales. Two bronzes will be offered in the sale
of Fine Decorative Arts and Design from 1870 at Sotheby's Olympia on
Thursday, February 27, 2003; a painting will be included in a sale of
Scottish Paintings at Hopetoun House, Scotland on Monday, April 14, 2003;
and a good selection of Arms and Armour - including several full suits of
armour - will be offered on Thursday, June 26, 2003 at Sotheby's, Olympia.
There will be an informal 'Expert Eye' talk on the sale on Sunday, May 11,
2003 at 3pm. For further information email Sun...@sothebys.com.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SALE & TO ORDER A CATALOGUE
CALL 020 7293 5555
A MORE IN-DEPTH PRESS RELEASE WILL BE AVAILABLE VERY SOON
IMAGES AVAILABLE VIA EMAIL & ALL RELEASES ARE PUBLISHED ON WWW.SOTHEBYS.COM
--
-Brian in Atlanta
The Who This Month!
http://www.thewhothismonth.com