The Who

The Who
source
Name	The Who
Caption	The Who performing in 1975
Origin	London, England
Genre	Rock, hard rock, power pop, art rock
Years active	1964–1983, 1989, 1996–1997, 1999–present
Label	Brunswick, Decca, Track, Polydor, MCA, Warner Bros., Republic
Associated acts	The Detours, Thunderclap Newman, Small Faces
Website	thewho.com
Current members	Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend
Past members	John Entwistle, Keith Moon, Kenney Jones

The Who. An English rock band formed in London in 1964, The Who are considered one of the most influential and iconic acts in the history of popular music. Primarily consisting of vocalist Roger Daltrey, guitarist and principal songwriter Pete Townshend, bassist John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon, the group pioneered a powerful and destructive stage presence that became legendary. Their career, marked by groundbreaking studio albums, monumental live performances, and a profound cultural impact, has cemented their status as one of the defining bands of the rock and roll era.

History

The band evolved from a mod-oriented group called The Detours, with the classic lineup solidifying by early 1964. Their early reputation was built on explosive live shows at clubs like the Marquee Club and on the Ready Steady Go! television program, where their instrument-smashing finales became a signature. Managed aggressively by Kit Lambert and Chris Stamp, they achieved early success with the mod anthem "My Generation". The late 1960s saw them transition from hit singles to ambitious concept works, beginning with the "mini-opera" "A Quick One, While He's Away" and culminating in the groundbreaking rock opera Tommy in 1969, which brought them massive international fame. The 1970s solidified their status as a premier live act, documented on the seminal live album Live at Leeds, and they produced other major works like Who's Next and the rock opera Quadrophenia. The band faced significant turmoil with the death of the chaotic genius Keith Moon in 1978, after which former Small Faces drummer Kenney Jones joined. Following the death of John Entwistle in 2002, Daltrey and Townshend have continued to perform and record as The Who with supporting musicians, including Zak Starkey on drums.

Musical style and legacy

The Who's sound was built upon the innovative interplay of its members: Townshend's rhythmic, windmilling power chords and feedback, Entwistle's melodic and technically virtuosic bass guitar lines, Moon's frenetic, lead-drumming style, and Daltrey's powerful, blues-rock vocal delivery. They were pivotal in developing the concept of the power trio (with Townshend, Entwistle, and Moon) fronted by a standalone vocalist. Their work expanded the artistic scope of rock music through narrative song cycles and rock operas, influencing the development of progressive rock and punk rock. Their explosive stagecraft, including the destruction of instruments, set a new standard for rock theatrics and influenced countless subsequent performers. The band's anthems, such as "Baba O'Riley" and "Won't Get Fooled Again", have become enduring cultural touchstones, frequently used in film, television, and at major sporting events.

Band members

* Current members ** Roger Daltrey – lead vocals, harmonica, percussion (1964–1983, 1989, 1996–1997, 1999–present) ** Pete Townshend – guitars, keyboards, vocals (1964–1983, 1989, 1996–1997, 1999–present) * Touring musicians ** Zak Starkey – drums (1996–1997, 1999–present) ** Pino Palladino – bass guitar (2002–present) ** Simon Townshend – guitars, vocals (1996–1997, 2002–present) * Former members ** John Entwistle – bass guitar, vocals (1964–1983, 1989, 1996–1997, 1999–2002; died 2002) ** Keith Moon – drums, percussion (1964–1978; died 1978) ** Kenney Jones – drums, percussion (1979–1983, 1989)

Discography

The Who's core studio album catalogue includes: * My Generation (1965) * A Quick One (1966) * The Who Sell Out (1967) * Tommy (1969) * Who's Next (1971) * Quadrophenia (1973) * The Who by Numbers (1975) * Who Are You (1978) * Face Dances (1981) * It's Hard (1982) * Endless Wire (2006) * WHO (2019) Key live albums include the iconic Live at Leeds (1970) and the concert film soundtrack The Kids Are Alright (1979).

Awards and recognition

The Who have received numerous accolades for their contributions to music. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001. They have been honored with the Kennedy Center Honors in 2008 and were recipients of the Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music in 1988. Several of their albums, including Tommy and Who's Next, appear on Rolling Stone's list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time". The band also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, awarded in 1983.

Category:English rock music groups Category:Musical groups established in 1964 Category:Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees