Ten Little Fingers

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, the Zoo Crew’s got a real treat spinning for ya with Ten Little Friends by John Entwistle, that quirky, boogie-rockin’ gem from his 1972 solo album Whistle Rymes, dripping with his signature dark humor and thunderous bass vibes. This track, sometimes misnamed as “Ten Little Fingers” due to its catchy refrain, is a wild ride about a guy chilling with his “ten little friends” and “Mr. Bones,” a playful nod to his own fingers or maybe something spookier, set to a rollicking beat. In a Rate Your Music review, fans raved about Peter Frampton’s blazing lead guitar stealing the show, calling it a “great little boogie rocker” that showcases Entwistle’s knack for catchy melodies with a cynical twist. A Reddit thread from r/TheWho had a Freak gushing about how the song’s peculiar tone hooked them on first listen, with one sharing a story of blasting it at a ‘70s-themed party where it got everyone doing a goofy finger-wiggling dance. On Facebook, a fan page posted a throwback clip of Entwistle’s sly grin during a solo gig, hinting at how he loved slipping these oddball tunes into his sets to keep the crowd guessing.

Dig this cool vibe: Ten Little Friends was cooked up at Entwistle’s home studio, pounded out on his piano, as noted in a Wikipedia entry on Whistle Rymes, with pals like Keith Moon on percussion and Jimmy McCulloch on guitar adding some serious firepower. A fan on X once tweeted about finding a rare vinyl copy, saying the song’s “creepy yet hilarious” vibe felt like “Entwistle winking at you through the speakers.” Another tidbit from a The Who fan forum recalled a tale of John joking in a ‘90s interview that the song was his way of poking fun at his own introverted side, preferring his fingers’ company over party crowds. The album’s gatefold art, painted by Surrey artist Graham Lethbridge, even ties into the song’s quirky themes with little watercolor scenes of night and day, delayed just to get those eerie visuals right. It’s pure Entwistle—dark, witty, and ready to rock your socks off with a smirk.

Now, let’s groove back to how “The Ox” himself got rolling, ‘cause John Entwistle’s story is a masterclass in rock ‘n’ roll grit. Born in Chiswick, West London, in 1944, John was a musical prodigy, starting piano lessons at seven before picking up the trumpet and French horn for the Middlesex Schools Orchestra. By 11, at Acton County Grammar School, he met Pete Townshend, and the two kicked off in a trad jazz band called the Confederates, as detailed in his Wikipedia bio. Rock ‘n’ roll called louder, but John’s big fingers made guitar tricky, so he switched to bass, inspired by Duane Eddy’s low-end twang. Joining Roger Daltrey’s Detours in the early ‘60s, he helped shape The Who, earning nicknames like “Thunderfingers” for his ferocious, treble-heavy style that redefined what a bass could do. His solo career kicked off in ‘71 with Smash Your Head Against the Wall, and Whistle Rymes showed off his dark humor and multi-instrumental chops, cementing his legend as a bassist, songwriter, and artist who painted Who-inspired canvases.

Zoo Freaks, if you’re vibing with Entwistle’s genius, connect with his legacy: check out the official Who website for John’s story and merch, follow the love on Facebook, flip through fan tributes on Instagram, and catch posts on X. For you super-fans, dive into the John Entwistle Fans Facebook group to swap tales of epic gigs and rare vinyl, or visit johnentwistle.com for art prints and more. The community’s tight, with fans sharing memories like catching his ‘90s John Entwistle Band club shows or buying his lithographs at art expos. Keep spinning those records, and let Ten Little Friends remind you why The Ox still rules the low end!