John Alec Entwistle ( 9 October 1944 â `` 27 June 2002 ) was an English musician who was best known as the bassist for the rock band The Who . His bass playing style influenced many other bass players who came after him . . John Alec Entwistle ( 9 October 1944 â `` 27 June 2002 ) was an English bass guitarist , songwriter , singer , horn player , and film and record producer who was best known as the bass player for the rock band The Who .