The classic Who line-up consisted of lead singer Roger Daltrey, guitarist Pete Townshend, bassist John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon. They are considered one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century, selling over 100 million records worldwide. Their first single, “I Can’t Explain,” reached the U.K. top ten, followed by a string of singles including “My Generation,” “Substitute” and “Happy Jack.” In 1967, they performed at the Monterey Pop Festival and released the U.S. top ten single “I Can See for Miles.” The group’s fourth album, 1969’s rock opera Tommy, included the single “Pinball Wizard” and was a critical and commercial success. Live appearances at Woodstock and the Isle of Wight Festival, along with the live album Live at Leeds, cemented their reputation as a respected rock act.
Flip through the gallery for 10 Things You Might Not Know About The Who!
In 1959 Roger Daltrey started the Detours with himself on lead guitar, Pete Townshend as rhythm guitarist, John Entwistle on bass, Harry Wilson on drums, and Colin Dawson on vocals. Eventually, Daltrey moved to lead vocals and Townshend, with Entwistle's encouragement, became the sole guitarist for the band
In February 1964, the Detours became aware of the group Johnny Devlin and the Detours. Townshend and his roommate Richard Barnes spent a night considering names including "No One" and “The Group." Townshend preferred “The Hair,” and Barnes liked “The Who" because it "had a pop punch.” Daltrey chose “The Who" the next morning
In their stage shows, Pete Townshend developed a signature move in which he would swing his right arm against the guitar strings in a style reminiscent of the vanes of a windmill. He developed this style after watching Keith Richards warm up before a show at St. Mary’s Ballroom in Putney where they were the warm-up act
The Who started recording Tommy on September 19, 1968. There was no firm title at this point, but it was referred to as Deaf, Dumb and Blind Boy, Amazing Journey, Journey into Space, The Brain Opera and Omnibus. Townshend eventually settled on Tommy because it was a common British name, and a nickname for soldiers in World War I
On May 31, 1976, The Who’s second concert at Charlton football grounds earns them an entry in the Guinness Book of Records as the "world’s loudest pop group," with a 120-decibel reading at 50 metres. According to the other WHO, the World Health Organization, 120 decibels is the 'threshold of pain'
Keith Moon died in his London flat he was renting from Harry Nilsson on September 7, 1978. A previous tenant, Cass Elliot had died there four years earlier, at the age of 32. Nilsson was concerned about letting the flat to Moon, believing it was cursed. Townshend disagreed, assuring him that "lightning wouldn't strike the same place twice
John Entwistle died due to a heart attack induced by cocaine in room 658 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on June 27, 2002, one day before the scheduled first show of The Who's 2002 US tour. Unbeknownst even to those closest to him, including the members of The Who, he spent most of his life as a Freemason
