A internationally-renowned Welsh bass player has been called in as a substitute for The Who following the sudden death of band member John Entwistle.

Pino Palladino, 44, from the Whitchurch area of Cardiff, took over for the rescheduled opening night of the band's three-month US tour on Monday following a call from the lead guitarist of the band Pete Townshend.

Pino Palladino will tour with The Who

John Entwistle died aged 57, from a suspected heart attack on 27 June - a day before the legendary British rock group were due to start their tour.

Despite his death, the remaining band members will continue the tour with Mr Palladino playing bass guitar - dedicating the performances as a tribute to their friend.

Mr Palladino' s brother Marc manages the family's Italian restaurant in Cardiff.

"He had a call from Pete Townshend asking if he could help out," said Mr Palladino.

The family are so glad he was able to help out after the sad death of John Entwistle

Mark Palladino

"Pino just cancelled everything he had lined up to do the tour.

"This is such a big thing he is doing and we are all so proud of him for it."

Mr Palladino is well known in musical circles and has worked with top musical acts including Elton John, Eric Clapton, Paul Young and Phil Collins among others.

He played at the star-studded Queen's Golden Jubilee concert in June.

"This is the first tour Pino has taken on in quite a while - he has been doing a lot of studio work in America," added Mr Palladino.

"But the family are full of pride for him and have been since he started.

"We have always been a musical family - I play the drums and we used to practice together.

"He was lucky enough to get the break he needed and has worked with some of the biggest names in the business.

"The family are so glad he was able to help out after the sad death of John Entwistle," he added.

Pete Townshend called Cardiff bass player Pino Palladino

Lead guitarist of The Who, Pete Townshend, announced that Mr Palladino would play with the band through his website.

"He (Pino Palladino) agreed immediately to step in to this difficult post. He is a gentleman and a professional," said Mr Townshend.

"We talked a little about his role here, and I made it clear we do not expect him to attempt to emulate, parody or copy John Entwistle in any way.

"Pino is a master in his own way, but the one request I made was that - at first - he play as loud as he can bear," he added.