John Entwistle’s “My Wife” Shines in Rare 1979 Performance by The Who
A rare 1979 performance of “My Wife” by The Who is once again drawing attention to the remarkable talents of bassist John Entwistle, whose contributions helped define the sound of one of rock music’s most influential bands.
Originally written by Entwistle, “My Wife” became one of the most beloved songs associated with the bassist despite often being overshadowed by the larger catalog of material written by guitarist Pete Townshend. In this live performance from 1979, the song serves as a reminder of Entwistle’s unique role within the group and the extraordinary musicianship that made The Who such a formidable live act.
For many fans, Entwistle remains one of the greatest bass players in rock history. His technical precision, powerful tone, and ability to create melodic bass lines distinguished him from many of his contemporaries. Fellow bass legends such as Geddy Lee and Chris Squire are frequently mentioned alongside him in discussions about the finest musicians ever to play the instrument.
The performance also illustrates the dynamic chemistry that existed among the four members of The Who. Roger Daltrey’s commanding vocals, Keith Moon’s energetic drumming, Pete Townshend’s aggressive guitar work, and Entwistle’s steady musical foundation combined to create a sound that was both powerful and highly distinctive.
Some longtime fans have noted that Townshend appears less consistent than usual during portions of the performance, yet they also point to his ability to quickly recover and keep the song moving forward. This quality was often part of what made The Who’s concerts feel unpredictable and exciting. Live performances were never about perfection alone. They were about energy, instinct, and the ability to respond in the moment.
The clip has also revived interest in a humorous story connected to the 1979 tour. According to fans who attended one of the concerts, a request from audience members in the front row reportedly led to the band performing “My Wife.” Years later, listeners revisiting recordings from the tour noticed Townshend quietly mentioning the request before the song began, a detail that many had missed at the time.
More than four decades later, the performance continues to resonate with audiences because it showcases what made The Who special. The band combined strong songwriting, passionate musicianship, and an electrifying stage presence that few groups could match.
Above all, the performance stands as another testament to John Entwistle’s legacy. While often regarded as the quiet member of the band, his influence on rock bass playing remains immense. “My Wife” offers a vivid example of why his work continues to be admired by musicians and fans around the world.