The Who
The Who, an enigmatic and revered rock band of the 1960s and beyond, left an indelible mark on the musical landscape. Their enduring legacy stems from their innovative sound, provocative lyrics, and tumultuous journey.
Origins and Challenges
Formed in 1964 in London, The Who comprised lead singer Roger Daltrey, guitarist and vocalist Pete Townshend, bassist John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon. The band's early years were marked by financial struggles and relentless touring. Their breakthrough came in 1965 with the release of "My Generation," an anthem for rebellious youth that propelled them to stardom.
However, behind the success lay personal and professional challenges. Townshend's battles with depression and substance abuse influenced his introspective lyrics, while Moon's reckless behavior and erratic lifestyle became a source of tension within the group.
Discography and Impact
The Who released a string of groundbreaking albums, including "Who's Next" (1971), "Quadrophenia" (1973), and "Who Are You" (1978). Their music was characterized by Townshend's intricate melodies, Daltrey's soaring vocals, Entwistle's thunderous bass lines, and Moon's explosive drumming.
The Who's songs explored themes of existential angst, alienation, and the complexities of the human condition. Their album "Who's Next" featured the iconic track "Behind Blue Eyes," a haunting ballad that captured the vulnerability and despair beneath the band's tough exterior.
Controversies and Tragedy
Despite their commercial success, The Who faced controversy throughout their career. They were criticized for their incendiary live performances, which often resulted in stage destruction and crowd disturbances. In 1979, the band suffered a tragic loss when drummer Keith Moon died of a drug overdose at the age of 32.
Aftermath and Legacy
Following Moon's death, The Who continued to perform with various drummers, but their output became more sporadic. In 2002, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing their immense impact on popular music.
Today, The Who's legacy lives on through their timeless songs, groundbreaking albums, and enduring influence on generations of musicians. Their music continues to resonate with listeners, evoking both the raw energy of rock and roll and the profound complexities of the human experience.
Last News
The Who Announce Fall 2023 North American Tour
The Who have announced a 25-date North American tour set to kick off this fall. The trek will begin on September 15th in Cincinnati, Ohio and wrap up on October 27th in Hollywood, Florida. This will be the band’s first full-scale tour since 2019 and will feature support from an orchestra on select dates.
Tickets for the tour go on sale to the general public on Friday, March 10th at 10am local time. VIP packages will be available beginning on Wednesday, March 8th at 10am local time.
The Who’s fall 2023 North American tour dates are as follows:
September
15 – Cincinnati, OH – TQL Stadium
17 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Field
19 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center
21 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
23 – Salt Lake City, UT – Vivint Arena
25 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
27 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center
29 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
October
1 – Las Vegas, NV – Michelob ULTRA Arena
3 – Phoenix, AZ – Footprint Center
5 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena
7 – Fresno, CA – Save Mart Center
9 – Tacoma, WA – Tacoma Dome
11 – Portland, OR – Moda Center
13 – Spokane, WA – Spokane Arena
15 – Billings, MT – Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark
17 – Sioux Falls, SD – Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
19 – Lincoln, NE – Pinnacle Bank Arena
21 – Des Moines, IA – Wells Fargo Arena
23 – Moline, IL – TaxSlayer Center
25 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
27 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live