The Who

The Who emerged in London in the early 60s and are best known for their energetic performances and synthesized music. The original lineup included lead vocalist Roger Daltrey, guitarist Pete Townshend, bassist John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon. The collective contributed to the development of rock, including pioneering the Marshall stack and large public address systems, using synthesizers and power chord guitar techniques, and creating rock opera.  

The Who rose to prominence as part of the pop art and mod movements, taking part in auto-destructive art by destroying drums and guitars on stage. Their 1965 debut single ‘I Can’t Explain’ reached the UK Top 10, triggering a series of smash hits, including ‘My Generation’, ‘Substitute’, and ‘Happy Jack’. In 1967, the band released their first US Top 10 single ‘I Can See for Miles’ followed by their infamous concept album ‘Tommy’ two years later.  

Their unforgettable performances at the legendary Woodstock and Isle of Wright festivals heightened their success, leading to the US platinum-certified album ‘Who’s Next’ in 1971. The latter featured hits ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’, ‘Baba O’Riley’, and ‘Behind Blue Eyes’. After launching three more records (‘Quadrophenia’, ‘The Who By Numbers’, and ‘Who Are You’) and the film adaptation of ‘Tommy’ (1975), The Who toured until they went on hiatus in 1983.  

In the years to come, The Who occasionally re-formed for live performances such as Live Aid in 1985 and their 25th Anniversary Tour in 1989, before reuniting in 1999 with an altered lineup (following the death of Moon and later Entwistle). The collective continues to record music with two more albums, ‘Endless Wire’ (2006) and ‘Who’ (2019) and tour worldwide.  

In 1990, The Who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.