LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - John Entwistle, the bass player for veteran British rock band The Who, died in Las Vegas on Thursday at age 57, just one day before the group was set to begin a North American tour in the city, officials said.
Entwistle, a bearded, taciturn type affectionately known as "Ox" or "Thunderfingers," died at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, said Clark County Coroner Ron Flud. An investigation was under way into the cause of death, he added.
The Who, known for such raw percussive hits as "My Generation," "Pinball Wizard" and "Won't Get Fooled Again," were scheduled to begin their three-month tour in a small club at the hotel.
With Entwistle's death, The Who are down to just two original members -- singer Roger Daltrey and guitarist-songwriter Pete Townshend. Original drummer Keith Moon died of an accidental pill overdose in 1978.
