28 January 2003
Sotheby's announce the sale of the John Entwistle Collection

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 pounds sterling and estimates range from 100 pounds 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 pounds.

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 pounds. 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 Buzzard, 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 Clinton's 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 ON THE SALE & TO ORDER A CATALOGUE CALL 020 7293 5555

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