Which member of The Who died in Las Vegas in 2002?

John Entwistle, The Who’s bassist, died in Las Vegas in 2002. He died on June 27 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on the eve of the band’s planned North American tour.

Entwistle was a founding member of The Who and remained central to the group’s sound from its early 1960s beginnings. His powerful, melodic bass playing helped make the instrument a lead voice in rock, while his dry humor and songwriting produced songs such as “Boris the Spider” and “My Wife.” He also played trumpet and other brass instruments.

An autopsy determined that Entwistle died from a heart attack linked to cocaine use. He was 57. The Who proceeded with the tour, bringing in bassist Pino Palladino, who performed in Entwistle’s place.

The band’s other famous members are easy to confuse in questions about deaths. Keith Moon, the original drummer, died in London in 1978, while Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey were still living and continued performing with The Who. Entwistle’s death was the second major loss of the classic lineup.