For me, it's The Who Sell Out and My Generation. I think A Quick One could've been a lot better if they'd included 'Disguises' and 'Man With Money' and got rid of 'See My Way'. There's also an amazing fantasy 4th album of the stuff they recorded after Sell Out and before Tommy. I think they were a good rock band but I'm not too keen on rock. I like 60s Who best.
Love The Who! Saw them quite a few times from the late ‘60’s to the late ‘70’s & have to say they were one of the greatest live bands I’ve ever seen, absolutely amazing!
@@patmccormick9972 ; thanks for the reply. Seeing Hendrix in his hometown would be really something. Lotsa' other acts pass through the wonderfully named Sicks Arena ? Your very Catholic name is as Catholic as mine ; greetings from Melbourne, Australia!
I wanted to play like Keith until I was told by too many bands I need to stop that. So I started to do my best to play like Bonham. Keith found the perfect band for his amazing talent and we are all better for it.
Steve Truth You speak the truth. The Who was the perfect band for Keith Moon. Many things he did just wouldn't fly in other bands. I was in several bands myself where we'd asked the drummer to tone it down. But the Who was the perfect showcase for his style of drumming. And John Entwistle, bless his virtuoso soul, held down the fort with a barrage of thunderous melodic signature lines. There are many bands that Keith Moon won't fit into very well, but he fit The Who like a tailored glove.
@@flynncarter229 A band containing Moonie? Kinda BORING? I don't think so. I am curious though, which bands you consider more entertaining, outrageous (Ozzy back in the oral bird beheading days, maybe. But that's not exciting or entertaining. It's just gross, scary and gory.) Keith was the plutonium shot the band needed to take off, at least according to the other 3. A one off plutonium rocket that was an utter joy to watch. Boring, pffff.
Was fortunate enough to see them from the 2nd row in a 1500 capacity hall. It was just weeks prior to John Entwistle passing away. They were breathtaking.
My favorite rock band, since I heard Who Are You at eight years old on my Dads old radio. Seen them a few times in concert, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better live band.
Dale Gamburg A dead concert was a whole experience, like a gypsy carnival. But the music was lackadaisical and a bit sloppy. The Who was straight to the point rock and roll.
@@jameshw9751 dead were more of a avante guard country jazz band.and as universal as they are still in a narrow niche.The Who are universal Rock n roll.
I have loved The Who forever, and saw them three times in concert!! Also met Moon and Entwistle!!! What memories to cherish!!!! RIP MOON AND ENTWISTLE!!
I first saw the Who in 1976 aged 16 , at Swansea football stadium, I saw them a few weeks ago at Sandringham, an absolutely amazing day. One of the greatest bands ever!
A live bootleg copy of the show at Swansea is out there, and it is one of the best live recordings of the Who ever made public. I recommend this LP to any real Who fan.
Last night I was watching that clip of the who doing smoke stack lightning at the Marquee back in the 60s. They were definitely the forerunners of heavy metal and punk and any kind of aggressive music that would follow. What an incredible band they are. Long live the who 😁
You made only one small error... I wouldn't have said "Influential ACTS," but "Influential ACT," singular. Here's why. Most all of the early "British Invasion" bands first began imitating black Mississippi bluesmen like Howlin' Wolf, Robert Johnson, and Muddy Waters. Everyone from Jeff Beck, to Eric Clapton, to Jimmy Page. Then they began playing the popular music of their day. But The Who were ENTIRELY DIFFERENT. First, their unique lineup: A solo lead singer, an energetic lead guitarist, a virtuoso bassist, and an austentatious drummer unlike anything the world had ever seen before. This became the blueprint for every single American hard rock band from Cream to Jimi Hendrix, who all conformed their players to this new standard... a powerhouse lead singer up front, with guitar, bass, and drums forming the entire musical component. Add to this explosive innovation the The Who's huge amplifiers and wild stage antics, and you have the very basis of every heavy metal group in existence. The fact is, Keith Moon began tearing up hotel rooms when Led Zeppelin was still playing Bar Mitzvahs. There is no other band that has even come CLOSE to all of the landmark innovations first created by The Who, including the first bona fide rock opera, and in my opinion, the very start of the punk rock generation. They were simply, "One of a Kind."
It is their best album. I hate their rock operas and pretentious operatic later songs. Roger too often sings with a baritone voice that is raw, strong, and powerful but I just don't like it. The Who Sell Out showcases his best voice. manly but not too much so.
@@oppothumbs1 I love the music of Tommy but don't like the concept of it. Great songs, stupid story line. Quadrophenia was a great concept but only a couple of good songs. Lame music, great story line. That leaves us with The Who Sell Out as their finest album! The concept and the music were fantastic. I don't understand why it is so overlooked.
From drug-sodden youth to drug-sodden adulthood: The Who are my favorite band ever. The songs, their topics, the group, their live performance. Rock music does not get any better than that.
i grew up in the early 60's never like drugs was so afraid of them, my drugs were sports, music and of coarse girls, THE Who the greatest rock band ever PERIOD!
I always get hammered when I write as great as the Beatles were there is nothing the Beatles recorded that is as beautiful inspiring and profound as Tommy 1969. And as complex and profound as quadrophenia 1974. And in between they released one of the greatest albums of all time Whos Next1971. Plus the greatest live band in rock history.
I appreciate how Paolo Hewitt made the distinction between The Who and the Small Faces and their related connection to Mod culture as well as pointing out that British bands had to cut their teeth on American r ‘n’ b. ✊🏼
:I was one of the lucky ones to see the concert at the Cow Palace in the 70s when Keith Moon passed out on a horse tranquilizer and a kid from Iowa was picked by Pete to replace him
This was a good documentary. Just to see that youthful inventiveness of the group develop toward all those interesting and quirky songs. Speaking of which, I was especially drawn in by the "Bucket T" segment. Magic Bus is probably my favorite of 1960s Who songs. It is one the few that I didn't take to at first, but over the years, just grew on me.
i first saw the Who at the Village Theater, later to become Fillmore East in 1966. Awesome, first concert ever actually. They did no ballads, no slow blues, just high energy full ahead maximuz, they sang like angels and then they smashed everything! Then i saw them maybe 12 other times including Woodstock. I don't think there is a best band in the world but I do think there is a most exciting band in the world, and that would be the Who.
Thanks for posting this simply excellent documentary on the early years. I've been a fan since hearing "I can see for Miles" at age 9 in 1968. Your documentary has taken me down a memory lane filled with happiness and Love for this Band. Hoping you will continue with a Part 2, that goes into more detail with classic Rock Opera "Tommy", followed by one of the best albums of all time "Who's Next". Compliments to all who worked hard on this project. Very well done.
This video fails to mention one of the most influential aspects of The Who or specifically Pete Townshend's purchasing relationship with Marshall amps. It was Pete's quest for a muddier overdriven guitar amp that had a huge influence on the voice & tone of Marshall amps given them a signature & well sought after sound for years to come.
Thanks very much for posting. One video I love to watch is of the Who at the Railway Club. Many of the B & W clips here are from that video both of the who performing and of lads and lasses dancing and being very cool in desert boots.
Great documentary on one of THE greatest. I love the Who. Before real Punk r Hard Rock was the Kinks and Stones, and definitely the Who. RIP Malcolm Dome (a class-act and a gentleman). I miss his input on rock history a lot.
For those who are JUST starting out and don't know much about the Who....get their album called "Meaty, Big, and Bouncy"...it's a great collection of early hits.
Zhe Who belong for me to my most favorite bands thinking of their fantastic songs like "Pictures of Lily", "Happy Jack", "The Kids are alright", My Generation, Substitue, I am a Boy, "Won`t Get fooled again", "I can see for miles" and then their fantastic Rock Opera "Tom"my" featuring such superb songs like "Pinball Wizard",, What about the Boy?, Amazing Journey, How can he be saved?, Eyesight to the Blind" , Acid Queen, Do You think it`s alright",Tommy can You hear me? Smash the Mirror, I`m Free Miracle Cure; Sensation, Welcome, Tommy`s Holiday Camp; We`re not gonna take it, See me, Feel me, / Listening to You. Listening to You those were teh wonderful songs from one of the absolutely best ever recorded Rock-Albums telling the touching story of a blind, deaf and dumb boy that tries everything imaginable to get his eyesight , and capability to listen and speak back again. . So he visits also the Acid Queen played by Tina Turner and then iafter many other fruitless trials Tommy gets the advice "Go to the mirror Boy" Tommy follows this advice and finally he succeeds to get back his vision, and all listeners to the records are happy to see that he succeeds in the end. The Who actually Pete Townsend wrote this superb and fantastique Opera is may be the best Rock record ever recorded because all the songs are great songs exhibiting nice and wonderful melodies and stunning lyrics. You have to listen to it again and again what an artistic achievement that was absolutelly the peak of writing and amazing story containing such an amazing story with fairy tale elements and many just so beautiful things happening to Tommy in the course of this journey he lives through until he finds a way to gain his vision back. The Opera was turned into an amazing movie directed by Ken Russel featuring acors such as Guitarist Eric Clapton, Ann-Margret, Oliver Reed, Jack Nicholson, Paul nicholas, Elton John, Tina Turner and of course The Who.. Amazing movie ,touching scenes awesome Rock Sound, lovely songs and a lot of action that totally fascinates the viewer. J.J.
Promoted as a mod band, I was a Rocker, born 1950, this was my time, studded leather jacket, cafe racers, I thought the Who were a great RnR band no matter, the music was what mattered.
Thanks for this! It's great! Although I never saw the Who with Keith, I've seen them pretty much every time they've come through Toronto since I first saw them with Kenny Jones. Being born in '55 I found that music was lacking a certain aggression. Then I hear "I Can See For Miles" and all was right in the world!
Saw them in San Diego, 1970....they were incredibly loud, and amazingly talented...they played for over two hours for us...Moon came out on stage, after their set, and trashed us for being so appreciative!...My ears were ringing for a couple of days.
I love The Who. Entwistle was a French Horn player and instrumental in keeping the band together at times. They were all into "surf" music and it was very influential on their sound.
@@simonmatthews9413 I'd go a step further and say the others played along reluctantly and as sporadically as possible to keep him happy. Not only was Pete not into "surf" music, I believe he hated it.
Both of those bands and many more garage bands from around the time. Iggy & the Stooges were really punk before punk. Look up the song "I got a Right" .
Interesting, I've never heard anyone say that (or seen anyone write that) about I Can See For Miles. I don't even consider it to be the best Who song of all time. I'm curious, what makes you say it's the greatest?
@@davemakarchuk5127 Like so many other things, it is a question of taste, and experience. "I Can See For Miles" was peaking in popularity just as I was becoming aware of "The Who." And I don't know many people who would deny it is a great song. If you want to say you think "Behind Blue Eyes" or "My Generation" or "Cry If You Want" are better songs, have at it.
@@chasekimball5999 I wasn't being critical of what you said, nor do I wish to turn this into an argument, but I sense a touch of hostility from your response. I agree with you that it's a great song, like so many Who songs. In fact I'm not sure if I could pick one to call their greatest ever. I'm a huge Who fan, as I presume you are, or maybe not, and I was somewhat intrigued by your comment and I was genuinely curious as to why you consider I Can See for Miles to be the greatest song of all time. Sadly for me your reply was a little lame, with respect.
@@davemakarchuk5127 I'm sorry you feel that way, no hostility whatever was meant, I just tend to be direct. It remains a matter of taste, and as Frank Zappa (allegedly) said, "Writing about music is like dancing about architecture." I also consider the outro of "Cry If You Want" to be Pete Townsend's last really great guitar solo, but I might get called on that also. Your opinion is just as valid as mine. I have seen The Who live so many times I am not sure anymore, but at least four, and I have the eardrums to prove it.
I saw the Who in 1968 for the first time, three more times while Keith was alive. The group had such an impact live that I have trouble sorting out how much I actually like their music. Many consider "Who's Next" as their best effort. I don't. I prefer their live recordings. Leeds, Hull, Rock and Roll Circus, Isle of White. The Who live were unbeatable. But their singles, Happy Jack, I Can See for Miles, My generation, Magic Bus, Pictures of Lily I liked. But rarely listen to now. I still consider Happy Jack to be one of Townshend's best. That song is pure Who. Did not like their Surf covers or I'm a Boy or the Kids are Alright. Their best studio album, "The Who Sell Out" When I think back, late 60s early 70s, two groups stand out, the Who and the Beatles. The Beatles did in the studio what the Who did on stage. They were the best at what they did best. I listen to the Beatles, I watch videos of the Who. Awestruck by both bands.
among the great things about seeing them live is the little banter that Pete would do almost between every song, little stories, tongue in cheek humor, insights on stuff, barely audible even on Leeds--he was funny and such a brilliant guy
We had Who records in 1960s Seattle. I Can See For Miles was on the AM radio quite a bit. Used to see them at The Seattle Center Coliseum when I'd skip school. Really fun shows that made a big impression.
I'm from Seattle and still l live here. The Paramount Theater is where I've seen Jeff Beck, Cheap Trick, Blue Oyster Cult, Three Dog Night, Queen, Kansas, etc... I still live here in Chinatown.
I'm just singing along to these old "Who" tunes. Good old Ivan the engine driver and Happy Jack, I don't have a Top 10 Best rock songs, but "I Can See for Miles" is way up there. It impressed me then and does now.
Great band. Wasn't a huge fan in the 60s or 70s but really got into them with Who's Next. At the moment my favorite Who album is Live At Leeds. I'm not a huge live album fan but Leeds is just furious. Leeds and Band Of Gypsys are my favorite live albums ever.
how much did keith love surf music? when pet sounds was released...he was beside himself...he hated it he didnt want the beach boys to change or evolve...he just wanted songs about surf, girls and cars
I still remember Tommy and the impact it had on me. Quadrophenia i bought more than any other. First on record, then 8 track, then cassette, then compact disk. Had my car broke into and all my cd's taken. First cd I bought after that, Quadrophenia. Is it me for a moment...
We know who you are snd you know who I am but do you know who The Who are? To this day, The Who is THE BEST live show I’ve ever seen. I never had the pleasure of seeing them with Keith but I’ve seen just about reincarnation. No one is better, live
Keith's playing was simply amazing. Playing his kit as if he was playing lead is not what I heard. It was wonderful fills that made them sound solid. Keith was like the big guy in the back that held the band together. Of course The Ox was playing so many notes with the bass and Kieth could just keep up.
In 1966 a 14 year old Gary Moore saw The Who in Belfast & said he felt like he had been in a fight when he came out afterwards. He also said they were the first punk band.
They áre still on the stage, the time has passed , the Voice of Roger it s not the same but The Who continuos being the greatest rock Band. I love these guys.
Pete Townsend is a Galactic-level hero. "The Seeker" invested itself in my bones and never left. My yearbook (HS, 1972) said Ambition: To be the drummer for The Who. Life intervened, but it doesn't read as ducky as it did in 1980 now, does it?
In their summation, the producers and commentators neglect (as too many do) the importance of The Kinks to the development of rock music. Without The Kinks as obvious precursors there would have been no punk nor new wave nor grunge, the musical sub-genres that dominated the 80s and 90s. While The Yardbirds led to heavy metal, the Kinks led to the music of alienated youth as much as did The Who.
The garage band groups in the US were more important to punk and new wave than The Kinks or the Who. Punk and New Wave started in the US, just like RnB and RocknRoll.
Totally Agree!!!! I believe The Kinks had a massive influence on the youth and their contemporaries Alike. Bands like The Who and even the Beatles. Pete Townsend remarked that "You Really Got Me" inspired him to write "I Can't Explain". He & Ray were Art school friends. He has stated numerous times that "You Really Got Me" with it's distorted guitar and aggressive sound changed the game. Many artists point to that song as the birth of Hard Rock and Punk music. Many have commented that it was the Toughest sound they ever had heard including Pete Townsend. Others have stated that before that track the world was in Black & White and after it was in Color. It's important that The Kinks receive their due recognition.
@@yang-it-yin7002 I totally AGREE with you, as the Kinks with Ray Davies writing and vocals is to my way of thinking the ultimate in true British rock and ROLL, and ultimately my favorite of the post Beatles bands
Fun Who fact: A lot of their early backers were Jewish and it depended on Townshend being able to play "Hava Nagila" on the guitar - he pulled off a good "Hava Nagila" and the rest is history.
Favorite band. If you wanna feel STRONG emotions, you came to the right place. After The Who the other bands sounds cheesie and plastic for the most part. They killed EVERYONE around in festival set lists, dangerous guys
Tommy is actually underrated among younger generations. I think it’s not taken seriously because of the movie. The great instrumentation (and unique acoustic parts) on overture and underture. The great songwriting across the album, like the way see me feel me and tommy can you hear me is built up over the whole album to culminate in we’re not gonna take it (which I consider a much more iconic song than won’t get fooled again). Quadrophenia has amazing songwriting and it’s very angsty, relatable, and deep. I think people don’t get The Who because they don’t give them a chance. I think they have a reputation to the stones as being the epitome of “dad rock.” It’s really only because of their most popular songs and the fact that their sound influenced so much that came after it that people don’t realize how original it was for the time. I mean every single band that came after took from the the power chord based “rock” sound (even though a lot of the bands didn’t even realize it themselves). 70’s hard rock, punk, metal, alternative, glam, (some) goth, even prog took some influence at times.
I think their "dad rock" label is based on their 70s output. The 60s pop art Who in eyeliner, target T-shirts and great Carnaby Street gear were about as far from "dad-rock" as is possible. While I think the stuff from Who's Next throughout most of the rest of the 70s is very good rock, I'm just not very keen on rock. I love the brilliant songwriting on Tommy but the sound is so dull, muted and DI sounding, it nearly renders the thing lifeless.
Just goes to show, carve your own niche. Keiths drumming is basically doing everything any teacher would tell you not to do and he's considered one of the best of all time. It was a higer cosmic power that brought him and Entwhistle together, and of course with Petes songwriting to give them a place to organize their talents.
"Who's Next" is an all-timer. Played it yesterday and was blown away yet again. A masterpiece.
Who’s next is great but Tommy and Quadrophenia are better imho
@@keithschofield1158 I agree. 3 of the best albums ever tho
@@cadereimer6163 I'd say my current top 3 is Who's Next, Live At Leeds, and Quadrophenia.
For me, it's The Who Sell Out and My Generation. I think A Quick One could've been a lot better if they'd included 'Disguises' and 'Man With Money' and got rid of 'See My Way'. There's also an amazing fantasy 4th album of the stuff they recorded after Sell Out and before Tommy.
I think they were a good rock band but I'm not too keen on rock. I like 60s Who best.
Don't forget Happy Jack, dynamic album
The only band where everyone played lead instruments at the same time.
All except Pete. He played 2 string power chords
Wrong. King Crimson also has all members soloing at once.
Make the stone's look like vicar's
Don’t forget about cream
4 leads from London
Love The Who! Saw them quite a few times from the late ‘60’s to the late ‘70’s & have to say they were one of the greatest live bands I’ve ever seen, absolutely amazing!
Best live act. My first big show was Hendrix.
@@patmccormick9972 ; where, may I ask ? Was he supporting or headline ?
@@terrycarthy4433 Headline, Cactus was on bill too. At the old Sick's Stadium in Seattle.
@@patmccormick9972 ; thanks for the reply. Seeing Hendrix in his hometown would be really something. Lotsa' other acts pass through the wonderfully named Sicks Arena ? Your very Catholic name is as Catholic as mine ; greetings from Melbourne, Australia!
@@terrycarthy4433 Just North of Seattle.
I wanted to play like Keith until I was told by too many bands I need to stop that. So I started to do my best to play like Bonham. Keith found the perfect band for his amazing talent and we are all better for it.
Don't let them get you down! Play the way you want to.
Form your own band. Keith rocked...
He did and I'm in the process
Steve Truth You speak the truth. The Who was the perfect band for Keith Moon. Many things he did just wouldn't fly in other bands. I was in several bands myself where we'd asked the drummer to tone it down. But the Who was the perfect showcase for his style of drumming.
And John Entwistle, bless his virtuoso soul, held down the fort with a barrage of thunderous melodic signature lines.
There are many bands that Keith Moon won't fit into very well, but he fit The Who like a tailored glove.
@@flynncarter229 A band containing Moonie? Kinda BORING? I don't think so. I am curious though, which bands you consider more entertaining, outrageous (Ozzy back in the oral bird beheading days, maybe. But that's not exciting or entertaining. It's just gross, scary and gory.) Keith was the plutonium shot the band needed to take off, at least according to the other 3. A one off plutonium rocket that was an utter joy to watch. Boring, pffff.
Was fortunate enough to see them from the 2nd row in a 1500 capacity hall. It was just weeks prior to John Entwistle passing away. They were breathtaking.
Wearing a Royal Air Force logo shirt and drumming like an octopus on ABC's Shindig. That's Keith Moon folks!
99% of The Who songs never made the pop charts that's because they were better than that! !
My favorite rock band, since I heard Who Are You at eight years old on my Dads old radio. Seen them a few times in concert, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better live band.
just for laughs,could u compare them to a grateful dead concert, who way more live huh?but not as trippy?
@@dalegamburg8995 g d not in the same league; sorry, but where do you get your ideas?
As a product of the 70s, Tommy, Pinball Wizzard in particular- was the first tune I REALLY dug.
Dale Gamburg A dead concert was a whole experience, like a gypsy carnival. But the music was lackadaisical and a bit sloppy. The Who was straight to the point rock and roll.
@@jameshw9751 dead were more of a avante guard country jazz band.and as universal as they are still in a narrow niche.The Who are universal Rock n roll.
I have loved The Who forever, and saw them three times in concert!! Also met Moon and Entwistle!!! What memories to cherish!!!! RIP MOON AND ENTWISTLE!!
What was
Moon like?
@@jcw9539quiet apparently
I first saw the Who in 1976 aged 16 , at Swansea football stadium, I saw them a few weeks ago at Sandringham, an absolutely amazing day.
One of the greatest bands ever!
A live bootleg copy of the show at Swansea is out there, and it is one of the best live recordings of the Who ever made public. I recommend this LP to any real Who fan.
Last night I was watching that clip of the who doing smoke stack lightning at the Marquee back in the 60s. They were definitely the forerunners of heavy metal and punk and any kind of aggressive music that would follow. What an incredible band they are. Long live the who 😁
You made only one small error... I wouldn't have said "Influential ACTS," but "Influential ACT," singular. Here's why.
Most all of the early "British Invasion" bands first began imitating black Mississippi bluesmen like Howlin' Wolf, Robert Johnson, and Muddy Waters. Everyone from Jeff Beck, to Eric Clapton, to Jimmy Page. Then they began playing the popular music of their day. But The Who were ENTIRELY DIFFERENT. First, their unique lineup: A solo lead singer, an energetic lead guitarist, a virtuoso bassist, and an austentatious drummer unlike anything the world had ever seen before. This became the blueprint for every single American hard rock band from Cream to Jimi Hendrix, who all conformed their players to this new standard... a powerhouse lead singer up front, with guitar, bass, and drums forming the entire musical component. Add to this explosive innovation the The Who's huge amplifiers and wild stage antics, and you have the very basis of every heavy metal group in existence. The fact is, Keith Moon began tearing up hotel rooms when Led Zeppelin was still playing Bar Mitzvahs. There is no other band that has even come CLOSE to all of the landmark innovations first created by The Who, including the first bona fide rock opera, and in my opinion, the very start of the punk rock generation. They were simply, "One of a Kind."
The Who Sell Out is an often overlooked gem. I think it's one of their best.
In damn deed
Sell Out is my Best!
@@adampoe2797 Yessir! Fantastic album.
It is their best album. I hate their rock operas and pretentious operatic later songs. Roger too often sings with a baritone voice that is raw, strong, and powerful but I just don't like it. The Who Sell Out showcases his best voice. manly but not too much so.
@@oppothumbs1 I love the music of Tommy but don't like the concept of it. Great songs, stupid story line. Quadrophenia was a great concept but only a couple of good songs. Lame music, great story line. That leaves us with The Who Sell Out as their finest album! The concept and the music were fantastic. I don't understand why it is so overlooked.
@@oppothumbs1
He's a pub singer at best.
This was excellent! You now need to do the years from 69 to 73 (their greatest period) and then a third special from 74 to 82!
Greatest period from 1967 to 1975.
From drug-sodden youth to drug-sodden adulthood: The Who are my favorite band ever. The songs, their topics, the group, their live performance. Rock music does not get any better than that.
110% mate 👍
i hear ya.
i grew up in the early 60's never like drugs was so afraid of them, my drugs were sports, music and of coarse girls, THE Who the greatest rock band ever PERIOD!
@@healthyone100wow being afraid of drugs when you were actually getting the clean shit - wot a waste.
Jsem pamětník šedesátých let a Who jsem poslouchal na RFE. Rádio Svobodná Evropa. Nádherný časy. Děkuji a zdravím srdečně from Czech Republic.
66 thru 75 they were at the height of live rock shows, no band could touch them, the whole band was like a weapon
I always get hammered when I write as great as the Beatles were there is nothing the Beatles recorded that is as beautiful inspiring and profound as Tommy 1969. And as complex and profound as quadrophenia 1974. And in between they released one of the greatest albums of all time Whos Next1971. Plus the greatest live band in rock history.
I appreciate how Paolo Hewitt made the distinction between The Who and the Small Faces and their related connection to Mod culture as well as pointing out that British bands had to cut their teeth on American r ‘n’ b. ✊🏼
Pete 'hope I die before I get old' Townshend is 77 this year
Bid deal genius.
Moony’s miming, in those promos, is so realistic… I swear he’s actually playing 😂
Out of so many great bands I loved from a early age for some reason I felt like the who were family . " The kids are alright ".
:I was one of the lucky ones to see the concert at the Cow Palace in the 70s when Keith Moon passed out on a horse tranquilizer and a kid from Iowa was picked by Pete to replace him
This was a good documentary. Just to see that youthful inventiveness of the group develop toward all those interesting and quirky songs. Speaking of which, I was especially drawn in by the "Bucket T" segment. Magic Bus is probably my favorite of 1960s Who songs. It is one the few that I didn't take to at first, but over the years, just grew on me.
Same here with Magic Bus, but by the time I heard it, it was the late 70’s, early 80’s and still going strong on FM radio!
I will never understand why people deride Magic Bus. It pulled me in- though I soon found The Seeker, Miles and Miles as well as Boris Is the Spider
i first saw the Who at the Village Theater, later to become Fillmore East in 1966. Awesome, first concert ever actually. They did no ballads, no slow blues, just high energy full ahead maximuz, they sang like angels and then they smashed everything! Then i saw them maybe 12 other times including Woodstock. I don't think there is a best band in the world but I do think there is a most exciting band in the world, and that would be the Who.
Wow, great that you remember the Vilage Theater. I remember Tim Leary speaking there several times on Legalizing Spiritual Discovery. LSD
Thanks for posting this simply excellent documentary on the early years. I've been a fan since hearing "I can see for Miles" at age 9 in 1968. Your documentary has taken me down a memory lane filled with happiness and Love for this Band. Hoping you will continue with a Part 2, that goes into more detail with classic Rock Opera "Tommy", followed by one of the best albums of all time "Who's Next". Compliments to all who worked hard on this project. Very well done.
I was 15
I became a big fan of the Who with Tommy and saw the Who at Woodstock, but agree with you that the Who's Next is as good as it gets.
@@charlesmcintyre8142 So we're both just a couple of still rocking young lads lol
The sadly neglected Quadrophenia holds up as well as Tommy.
@@davidyohalem629 Better.
This video fails to mention one of the most influential aspects of The Who or specifically Pete Townshend's purchasing relationship with Marshall amps. It was Pete's quest for a muddier overdriven guitar amp that had a huge influence on the voice & tone of Marshall amps given them a signature & well sought after sound for years to come.
I didnt like those hiwatt amps
Thanks very much for posting. One video I love to watch is of the Who at the Railway Club. Many of the B & W clips here are from that video both of the who performing and of lads and lasses dancing and being very cool in desert boots.
And then came "Who's Next" and "Quadrophenia", both pushed the boundaries.
Great documentary on one of THE greatest. I love the Who. Before real Punk r Hard Rock was the Kinks and Stones, and definitely the Who. RIP Malcolm Dome (a class-act and a gentleman). I miss his input on rock history a lot.
Sell Out is my favourite Who album by a country mile. Every song is great.
Who's Next and Boston. Two of the greatest albums ever produced. A series of hit singles from start to finish.
For those who are JUST starting out and don't know much about the Who....get their album called "Meaty, Big, and Bouncy"...it's a great collection of early hits.
Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy
@@mudstone6497 Yeah..I can't believe I messed that up....you are absolutely correct.
@@dancalmpeaceful3903 The album that I first heard The Who! Over 40 years later, still like that album!
This is a really interesting documentary of the early Who. Especially like Shel Talmy's POV...
daltrey said they were never a mod band .. we are a rock band.
Totally enjoyed it great documentary
Zhe Who belong for me to my most favorite bands thinking of their fantastic songs like "Pictures of Lily", "Happy Jack", "The Kids are alright", My Generation, Substitue, I am a Boy, "Won`t Get fooled again", "I can see for miles" and then their fantastic Rock Opera "Tom"my" featuring such superb songs like "Pinball Wizard",, What about the Boy?, Amazing Journey, How can he be saved?, Eyesight to the Blind" , Acid Queen, Do You think it`s alright",Tommy can You hear me? Smash the Mirror, I`m Free Miracle Cure; Sensation, Welcome, Tommy`s Holiday Camp; We`re not gonna take it, See me, Feel me, / Listening to You. Listening to You those were teh wonderful songs from one of the absolutely best ever recorded Rock-Albums telling the touching story of a blind, deaf and dumb boy that tries everything imaginable to get his eyesight , and capability to listen and speak back again. . So he visits also the Acid Queen played by Tina Turner and then iafter many other fruitless trials Tommy gets the advice "Go to the mirror Boy" Tommy follows this advice and finally he succeeds to get back his vision, and all listeners to the records are happy to see that he succeeds in the end. The Who actually Pete Townsend wrote this superb and fantastique Opera is may be the best Rock record ever recorded because all the songs are great songs exhibiting nice and wonderful melodies and stunning lyrics. You have to listen to it again and again what an artistic achievement that was absolutelly the peak of writing and amazing story containing such an amazing story with fairy tale elements and many just so beautiful things happening to Tommy in the course of this journey he lives through until he finds a way to gain his vision back. The Opera was turned into an amazing movie directed by Ken Russel featuring acors such as Guitarist Eric Clapton, Ann-Margret, Oliver Reed, Jack Nicholson, Paul nicholas, Elton John, Tina Turner and of course The Who.. Amazing movie ,touching scenes awesome Rock Sound, lovely songs and a lot of action that totally fascinates the viewer. J.J.
Da ragazzo conoscevamo credence,Beatles, rolling, led,etc...,quando conobbi gli who fu un amore a primo ascolto ,per me sempre numeri uno
Promoted as a mod band, I was a Rocker, born 1950, this was my time, studded leather jacket, cafe racers, I thought the Who were a great RnR band no matter, the music was what mattered.
The Who were a band that became Mods as opposed to The Small Faces who were Mods that became a band.. what a great line.
Thanks for this! It's great! Although I never saw the Who with Keith, I've seen them pretty much every time they've come through Toronto since I first saw them with Kenny Jones. Being born in '55 I found that music was lacking a certain aggression. Then I hear "I Can See For Miles" and all was right in the world!
Saw them in San Diego, 1970....they were incredibly loud, and amazingly talented...they played for over two hours for us...Moon came out on stage, after their set, and trashed us for being so appreciative!...My ears were ringing for a couple of days.
bad luck, jeremy: i saw them live in chichester in the 60s. they were brilliant!
The 82' show in Toronto was fantastic. Had it on video and it's online now.
Small faces was real mods.
I love The Who. Entwistle was a French Horn player and instrumental in keeping the band together at times. They were all into "surf" music and it was very influential on their sound.
Moon was the surf music fan, the others played along to keep him happy
I was also a horn player who took up bass. I am also an admirer of Entwhistle (more as a bass player than as a horn player. Dennis Brain, though... )
@@simonmatthews9413 I'd go a step further and say the others played along reluctantly and as sporadically as possible to keep him happy. Not only was Pete not into "surf" music, I believe he hated it.
The Who were, in my opinion the1st punk band. Long Live Rock, be it dead or alive!
The Kinks?
Both of those bands and many more garage bands from around the time. Iggy & the Stooges were really punk before punk. Look up the song "I got a Right" .
on 'Magic Bus' in the studio, Pete plays acoustic guitar, and here "live", he's holding an electric guitar.
Though The 'Oo did great stuff in the 70s and beyond, the 60s tunes are the most *fun* to my ears.
My Mother was Townsend’s child minder, also went to school with Doug Sandon’s son Keith.
I could see how Keith Moon would love surf music, big drum sounds on a lot of surf music.
I consider "I Can See For Miles" to be the greatest rock song of all time, followed by "Purple Haze" by Hendrix, then "Elephant Talk" by King Crimson.
i can see for miles is easily the best . . . .
Interesting, I've never heard anyone say that (or seen anyone write that) about I Can See For Miles. I don't even consider it to be the best Who song of all time. I'm curious, what makes you say it's the greatest?
@@davemakarchuk5127 Like so many other things, it is a question of taste, and experience. "I Can See For Miles" was peaking in popularity just as I was becoming aware of "The Who." And I don't know many people who would deny it is a great song. If you want to say you think "Behind Blue Eyes" or "My Generation" or "Cry If You Want" are better songs, have at it.
@@chasekimball5999 I wasn't being critical of what you said, nor do I wish to turn this into an argument, but I sense a touch of hostility from your response. I agree with you that it's a great song, like so many Who songs. In fact I'm not sure if I could pick one to call their greatest ever. I'm a huge Who fan, as I presume you are, or maybe not, and I was somewhat intrigued by your comment and I was genuinely curious as to why you consider I Can See for Miles to be the greatest song of all time. Sadly for me your reply was a little lame, with respect.
@@davemakarchuk5127 I'm sorry you feel that way, no hostility whatever was meant, I just tend to be direct. It remains a matter of taste, and as Frank Zappa (allegedly) said, "Writing about music is like dancing about architecture." I also consider the outro of "Cry If You Want" to be Pete Townsend's last really great guitar solo, but I might get called on that also. Your opinion is just as valid as mine. I have seen The Who live so many times I am not sure anymore, but at least four, and I have the eardrums to prove it.
I saw the Who in 1968 for the first time, three more times while Keith was alive. The group had such an impact live that I have trouble sorting out how much I actually like their music. Many consider "Who's Next" as their best effort. I don't. I prefer their live recordings. Leeds, Hull, Rock and Roll Circus, Isle of White. The Who live were unbeatable. But their singles, Happy Jack, I Can See for Miles, My generation, Magic Bus, Pictures of Lily I liked. But rarely listen to now. I still consider Happy Jack to be one of Townshend's best. That song is pure Who. Did not like their Surf covers or I'm a Boy or the Kids are Alright. Their best studio album, "The Who Sell Out"
When I think back, late 60s early 70s, two groups stand out, the Who and the Beatles. The Beatles did in the studio what the Who did on stage. They were the best at what they did best. I listen to the Beatles, I watch videos of the Who. Awestruck by both bands.
The who are the greatest live band ever, but their best album was Quad.
No Woodstock? probebly the greatest live concert by a British rock band ever
This doc. covered The Who 64 - 68 . Woodstock was in 1969. May be in a later doc .😕
among the great things about seeing them live is the little banter that Pete would do almost between every song, little stories, tongue in cheek humor, insights on stuff, barely audible even on Leeds--he was funny and such a brilliant guy
What is that he says when they go into young man blues on live at leeds never could make out what townshend says it is either him or keith
@@Scott-ly2nk it is hard, it's real low
A very talented band !
Thanks!
The greatest rock band ever. No more needs to be said.
Hey MopTop, 1000% Mate. Case closed, case re-opened and case closed Again.
Oh the lads from Liverpool?
@@kendallsmith1458 The best band of all but not ‘rock’.
@@kendallsmith1458 frauds
@@moptopbaku6022 Maximum R&B
The Who were the best live act during the 70's to mid 80's. Pete is a masterful song writer and composer. Long Live Rock!
Very interesting to learn more about The Who prior to Tommy.
We had Who records in 1960s Seattle. I Can See For Miles was on the AM radio quite a bit. Used to see them at The Seattle Center Coliseum when I'd skip school. Really fun shows that made a big impression.
I'm from Seattle and still l live here. The Paramount Theater is where I've seen Jeff Beck, Cheap Trick, Blue Oyster Cult, Three Dog Night, Queen, Kansas, etc... I still live here in Chinatown.
And I've seen great shows at the old Coliseum.
1967 i remember the first time i heard "I can see for miles" i said Holy Shit what is this!
They broke:
the mold
the stage
numerous Rickenbacker guitars
numerous amplifiers....
And Abby Hoffman's head (as well as his ego)
I'm just singing along to these old "Who" tunes. Good old Ivan the engine driver and Happy Jack,
I don't have a Top 10 Best rock songs, but "I Can See for Miles" is way up there. It impressed me then and does now.
The greatest rock band of all times. The Doors might have been there but Jim died.
The Who, the worlds first and best Punk band.
Don't forget about The Kinks also.
Suberb video covering the only era for the Who relevant to me.
Great band. Wasn't a huge fan in the 60s or 70s but really got into them with Who's Next. At the moment my favorite Who album is Live At Leeds. I'm not a huge live album fan but Leeds is just furious. Leeds and Band Of Gypsys are my favorite live albums ever.
"The Who Sings My Generation" "I Can't Explain" "I Can See for Miles" "THE REAL ME" -- The Who -- The ROAR of the British Rock Lion!
how much did keith love surf music?
when pet sounds was released...he was beside himself...he hated it
he didnt want the beach boys to change or evolve...he just wanted songs about surf, girls and cars
I still remember Tommy and the impact it had on me. Quadrophenia i bought more than any other. First on record, then 8 track, then cassette, then compact disk. Had my car broke into and all my cd's taken. First cd I bought after that, Quadrophenia. Is it me for a moment...
Great doc
We know who you are snd you know who I am but do you know who The Who are?
To this day, The Who is THE BEST live show I’ve ever seen. I never had the pleasure of seeing them with Keith but I’ve seen just about reincarnation. No one is better, live
I saw them with Moon... no question, they were the best Rock "group"....Hendrix was the best guitarist of them all.
Without a doubt the greatest rock and roll bands in the world of all time
Keith's playing was simply amazing. Playing his kit as if he was playing lead is not what I heard. It was wonderful fills that made them sound solid. Keith was like the big guy in the back that held the band together. Of course The Ox was playing so many notes with the bass and Kieth could just keep up.
In 1966 a 14 year old Gary Moore saw The Who in Belfast & said he felt like he had been in a fight when he came out afterwards. He also said they were the first punk band.
They áre still on the stage, the time has passed , the Voice of Roger it s not the same but The Who continuos being the greatest rock Band. I love these guys.
Pete Townsend is a Galactic-level hero. "The Seeker" invested itself in my bones and never left. My yearbook (HS, 1972) said Ambition: To be the drummer for The Who. Life intervened, but it doesn't read as ducky as it did in 1980 now, does it?
Long Live “The Two”, although I suppose the last survivor can reprise ‘ I am One’
@@christinecollins6648 One of their best songs . I remember it off of Quadrophenia .
In their summation, the producers and commentators neglect (as too many do) the importance of The Kinks to the development of rock music. Without The Kinks as obvious precursors there would have been no punk nor new wave nor grunge, the musical sub-genres that dominated the 80s and 90s. While The Yardbirds led to heavy metal, the Kinks led to the music of alienated youth as much as did The Who.
Smart dude! I agree that Ray Davies and Peter Townshend were the most creative of the Big 4 British Invasion bands song writers.
The garage band groups in the US were more important to punk and new wave than The Kinks or the Who. Punk and New Wave started in the US, just like RnB and RocknRoll.
Totally Agree!!!! I believe The Kinks had a massive influence on the youth and their contemporaries Alike. Bands like The Who and even the Beatles. Pete Townsend remarked that "You Really Got Me" inspired him to write "I Can't Explain". He & Ray were Art school friends. He has stated numerous times that "You Really Got Me" with it's distorted guitar and aggressive sound changed the game. Many artists point to that song as the birth of Hard Rock and Punk music. Many have commented that it was the Toughest sound they ever had heard including Pete Townsend. Others have stated that before that track the world was in Black & White and after it was in Color. It's important that The Kinks receive their due recognition.
@@yang-it-yin7002 I totally AGREE with you, as the Kinks with Ray Davies writing and vocals is to my way of thinking the ultimate in true British rock and ROLL, and ultimately my favorite of the post Beatles bands
If you haven't already, listen to Pete's demo for Pictures of Lily. I don't think you'll regret it.
You're bloody well right mate!!
Fun Who fact: A lot of their early backers were Jewish and it depended on Townshend being able to play "Hava Nagila" on the guitar - he pulled off a good "Hava Nagila" and the rest is history.
And Shel Talmy saw an opportunity to cash in on?
If only we had more bands like these nowadays because the last 20yrs has been abysmal to be honest.
30 years, with the odd exception
We're trying ;p
#Muse
@@aclark903 🤣🤣 not a fan, but they're ok
no it hasn't - stop making lazy assumptions
Boris Johnson also really displays the same stuttering technique for the same reasons I guess.
Favorite band. If you wanna feel STRONG emotions, you came to the right place. After The Who the other bands sounds cheesie and plastic for the most part. They killed EVERYONE around in festival set lists, dangerous guys
Oh my god. ...you gotta love the who. Iconic
...not a mention of John "thunder-fingers' Entwhistle!? WTF?!
The only real musician in the group
Tremendous!
Life would have sucked without The Who,The Pink Floyd,Led Zeppelin and The Stones.
I switch LedZep for The Beatles and I agree with you 😁
Sorry, Paulo - it was "Misery" by The Dynamics, not "This Misery" by the Showmen. The world's leading authority on Mod should really know better!
Tommy is actually underrated among younger generations. I think it’s not taken seriously because of the movie. The great instrumentation (and unique acoustic parts) on overture and underture. The great songwriting across the album, like the way see me feel me and tommy can you hear me is built up over the whole album to culminate in we’re not gonna take it (which I consider a much more iconic song than won’t get fooled again). Quadrophenia has amazing songwriting and it’s very angsty, relatable, and deep. I think people don’t get The Who because they don’t give them a chance. I think they have a reputation to the stones as being the epitome of “dad rock.” It’s really only because of their most popular songs and the fact that their sound influenced so much that came after it that people don’t realize how original it was for the time. I mean every single band that came after took from the the power chord based “rock” sound (even though a lot of the bands didn’t even realize it themselves). 70’s hard rock, punk, metal, alternative, glam, (some) goth, even prog took some influence at times.
stupid song stupid movie have to be stoned
I think their "dad rock" label is based on their 70s output. The 60s pop art Who in eyeliner, target T-shirts and great Carnaby Street gear were about as far from "dad-rock" as is possible. While I think the stuff from Who's Next throughout most of the rest of the 70s is very good rock, I'm just not very keen on rock.
I love the brilliant songwriting on Tommy but the sound is so dull, muted and DI sounding, it nearly renders the thing lifeless.
What does “under rated” even mean? Who is rating it and what measuring scale?
Townsend took to Mod because he was an insecure guy that needed an identity
" I think it’s not taken seriously because of the movie. "
This is so true, the movie is a kind of a musical bad joke and a pain for the eyes.
I believe that if Keith Moon had had a superior singing voice, it would have saved his life.
I can't think of any band that is notably better. The Who!
Waw what a lot of info. Need a rest some air som light. Thanks aalll.
Greatest band ever
Mee too. But blowing on for aalll the stories thanks. 🙏🏼
Can't put the camera on John even during the bass solo.
FLUSHED
Brilliant
What a great singles band they were from 65 to 70. Their albums are another matter.
Just goes to show, carve your own niche. Keiths drumming is basically doing everything any teacher would tell you not to do and he's considered one of the best of all time. It was a higer cosmic power that brought him and Entwhistle together, and of course with Petes songwriting to give them a place to organize their talents.
The Who were popular , but never controversial .
GOLD!
_Boris The Spider_ is the best WHO single of this era that never issued.
64-68 Who, was the best Who.
3 seconds into the video: 🤔is that the same narrator as on the Cream's goodbye documentary??
odds and sods for me classics