The Who
The Who is a rock and roll band originally associated with the British "mods" scene in the 1960s. As they developed, they became a premier band of the classic rock era, both extremely popular and influential. Its members (Pete Townshend on guitar and vocals, Roger Daltrey on lead vocals, John Entwistle on bass, and Keith Moon on drums) were known for their colorful personalities and energetic stage presence.
The Who gave a surprise Los Angeles performance on July 16, 2008, in anticipation of the release of the video game Rock Band 2, whose soundtrack features the band's song "Pinball Wizard."
Fast Facts
- Formed: 1963
- Origin: London, England
- Prior name: The Detours
- Pete Townshend's signature stage move: "The windmill"
- 1967: First USA top 10 hit "I Can See For Miles"
- 1990: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Surprise L.A. Show
The band's surprise appearance on July 16, 2008, was held at L.A.'s Orpheum Theater and hosted by MTV and Harmonix, the developer of Rock Band 2. The crowd was reportedly smaller and younger than the band's typical audience: consisting mainly of gamers attending the E3 computer and video game expo.1
Music
Powered primarily by the songwriting of Townshend, The Who released several hit singles before delving into more innovative and experimental music. This included Townshend's first attempt at a "rock opera," Tommy (which is still performed in musical theater around the world today), and some of the earliest examples of using synthesizers (specifically a Moog) in rock music on the landmark album, Who's Next.
Some of The Who's extensive list of hits include: "Won't Get Fooled Again," "Pinball Wizard," "Baba O'Riley" (often mislabeld as "Teenage Wasteland"), "My Generation," and "Behind Blue Eyes."
Band Member Deaths
Keith Moon, known as much for his erratic behavior (such as planting explosives in his drum kit and allegedly driving a car into a hotel pool) as for his drumming, died of an overdose of medication he was taking in 1978. In 2002, Entwistle died of a heart attack shortly before the band was to go on a world tour.
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