Rock stars and family say farewell to The Ox (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Rock stars and family say farewell to The Ox

THE WHO rock stars Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend and Kenny Jones were in Stow on Wednesday for the funeral of their bassist John Entwistle.

The trio flew back from their American tour for the service in St Edward's Church in the town where the legendary player had lived for 27 years.

John Entwistle, 57, died in a Las Vegas hotel two weeks ago on the eve of the band's tour.

Chief mourners at yesterday's funeral were the rock star's partner, Lisa Pritchard Johnson and their son Chris.

Lisa issued a statement saying: "He was a unique and self taught talent who became a legend in his own time.

"A man of many talents - a musician, a composer and artist.

"It is a terrible loss to all who knew him and his many friends. We his family are deeply grateful for the many tributes and messages of condolence that we have received.

Crowds lined the streets outside the church and heard the private service conducted by family friend and rector of Broadwell, the Rev Colin Wilson, which was broadcast outside.

Hymns included Jerusalem, Praise my Soul the King of Heaven and the psalm, The Lord's My Shepherd.

An address was made by Bob Johnston, a family friend and owner of the Fosse Manor Hotel nearby. He said John was always cracking jokes and had a wonderful sense of humour and added: "He was a great guy and a good friend."

Afterwards a wake was held for invited guests at the hotel.

Floral tributes from friends were strewn around the Battle of Stow Stone. One large arrangement read 'Ox RIP' using John Entwistle's nickname, The Ox.

The service began with a welcome from Mr Wilson who said: "I think he would want us all to be strong, determined, unafraid of the future, ready to meet every challenge, to believe in ourselves and in each other and to try to keep believing in God, even if that seems rather difficult at the present time."

He said John was now reunited with Keith up there and making music - referring to The Who's late drummer Keith Moon, who died in 1978.

Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend are The Who's original vocalist and guitarist while drummer Kenny Jones replaced Keith Moon.

Also attending the service were Zak Starkey, Ringo Starr's son, who has also drummed with the band, and the Beatles' producer, Sir George Martin.

The funeral, followed by cremation at Cheltenham, went ahead despite doctors still being unsure why he died.

At the opening and adjournment of an inquest in Cheltenham, on Monday, the assistant Cotswold coroner Dr Sophie Burrows was told the 57-year-old rock star had been found dead in his bed at the Hard Rock Hotel, Las Vegas, on June 27.

Mr Paul Boak, the coroner's officer, said a post mortem had been carried out in Las Vegas but the cause of death had not been established.

Entwistle, the 'quiet member' of The Who, lived in Station Road.

He had become an active member of the local community, shopping and dining out in the Stow area - and two years ago he took part in a charity fund raising gig with a local band, The Stowaways.

Entwistle had been with The Who from its foundation and stayed on with the group after the death of Keith Moon.

The two remaining members of the group, Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend, have carried on with an American tour despite the tragedy.

Caption: The Who's Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey mourn their base player John Entwistle