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The Who

Band from London

Tracks (3)
LAST PLAYED ON EIREWAVE:
Pinball Wizard

The Who

The Who Biography

The Who are an English rock band formed in London in 1964. Their classic lineup (1964–1978) consisted of lead vocalist Roger Daltrey, guitarist Pete Townshend, bassist John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon. Considered one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century, their contributions to rock music include the development of the Marshall stack, large public address systems, the use of synthesisers, Entwistle's and Moon's influential playing styles, Townshend's feedback and power chord guitar technique, and the development of the rock opera. They are cited as an influence by many bands, particularly those in the hard rock, punk, power pop and mod genres.

The Who are an English rock band formed in London in 1964. Their classic lineup (1964–1978) consisted of lead vocalist Roger Daltrey, guitarist Pete Townshend, bassist John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon. Considered one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century, their contributions to rock music include the development of the Marshall stack, large public address systems, the use of synthesisers, Entwistle's and Moon's influential playing styles, Townshend's feedback and power chord guitar technique, and the development of the rock opera. They are cited as an influence by many bands, particularly those in the hard rock, punk, power pop and mod genres. The group were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.

The Who evolved from an earlier group, the Detours, and established themselves as part of the pop art and mod movements, featuring auto-destructive art by destroying guitars and drums on stage. Their first single as the Who, "I Can't Explain" (1964), reached the UK top ten, and was followed by a string of hit singles including "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere", "My Generation" (both 1965), "Substitute", "I'm a Boy", "Happy Jack" (all 1966) and "Pictures of Lily" (1967). In 1967, they performed at the Monterey Pop Festival and released "I Can See for Miles", their only US top ten single. The group's 1969 concept album Tommy included the single "Pinball Wizard" and was a critical and commercial success.

Further festival appearances at Woodstock and the Isle of Wight, along with the concert album Live at Leeds (1970), established their reputation as a respected rock act. The success put pressure on lead songwriter Townshend, and the follow-up to Tommy, Lifehouse, was abandoned. Songs from the project made up the album Who's Next (1971), including the hits "Won't Get Fooled Again", "Baba O'Riley", and "Behind Blue Eyes". The group released another concept album, Quadrophenia (1973), as a celebration of their mod roots, and oversaw the film adaptation of Tommy (1975). Following the release of The Who by Numbers (1975), they continued to tour to large audiences before semi-retiring from live performances at the end of 1976. The release of Who Are You (1978) was overshadowed by Moon's death shortly after.

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The Who Discography

  • 1965AlbumMy Generation (Mono Version) [Deluxe Version]
  • 1965AlbumMy Generation (Stereo Version) [Deluxe Version]
  • 1965AlbumThe Who Sings My Generation (U.S. Version)
  • 1966AlbumA Quick One (Bonus Track Version)
  • 1966AlbumA Quick One (Mono Version) [Bonus Track Version]
  • 1967AlbumThe Who Sell Out
  • 1967AlbumThe Who Sell Out (Super Deluxe)
  • 1969AlbumTommy
  • 1970AlbumLive At Leeds (40th Anniversary Edition)
  • 1970AlbumLive At the Isle of Wight Festival 1970
  • 1970AlbumLive at Leeds (Bonus Tracks Edition) [1995 Remaster]
  • 1971AlbumMeaty, Beaty, Big and Bouncy
  • 1971AlbumWho's Next (Bonus Track Version)
  • 1971AlbumWho's Next (Remastered 2022)
  • 1971AlbumWho’s Next : Life House (Super Deluxe)
  • 1973AlbumQuadrophenia (2013 Remaster)
  • 1973AlbumQuadrophenia (Super Deluxe Edition) [2011 Remaster]
  • 1975AlbumThe Who By Numbers (Bonus Track Version)
  • 1978AlbumWho Are You (Bonus Track Version)
  • 1979AlbumThe Kids Are Alright (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
  • 1981AlbumFace Dances (Bonus Track Version)
  • 1982AlbumIt's Hard
  • 1982AlbumLive At Shea Stadium 1982 (Live)
  • 1990AlbumJoin Together (Live Performances from the 1989 U.S. Tour)
  • 1999Album20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection: Best Of The Who
  • 1999AlbumBBC Sessions (Live)
  • 2004AlbumThen and Now! 1964-2004
  • 2006AlbumEndless Wire (Bonus Track Version)
  • 2010AlbumGreatest Hits Live
  • 2012AlbumLive at Hull 1970
  • 2014AlbumQuadrophenia: Live In London
  • 2014AlbumThe Who Hits 50!
  • 2015AlbumLive In Hyde Park
  • 2017AlbumMaximum As & Bs - The Complete Singles
  • 2019AlbumWHO
  • 2021EPLive at the Monterey International Pop Festival
  • 2023AlbumThe Who With Orchestra: Live At Wembley
  • 2025AlbumLive At The Oval 1971 (Live)
  • 2025AlbumWho Are You (Super Deluxe Edition)
  • 2026AlbumLive at Eden Project 25/07/2023
  • 2026AlbumThe Who By Numbers (Super Deluxe)