The Who was formed in 1964 by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend. Over the years, the band has undergone several lineup changes, but the core members have always been Daltrey and Townshend. As the lead vocalist and guitarist, respectively, these two have been the driving force behind the band’s sound and success.
In addition to Daltrey and Townshend, the Who has had several other members over the years. The most notable of these include John Entwistle, who played bass guitar and was known as “The Ox,” and Keith Moon, who was the band’s original drummer and is widely considered to be one of the greatest rock drummers of all time.
Despite the passing of Entwistle and Moon, the Who continues to perform and record today, with Daltrey and Townshend at the helm. They have released numerous albums and have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. So, the members of the Who may have changed over the years, but the band’s iconic sound and legacy remain as strong as ever.
The Who is a rock band that was formed in London, England in 1964. The original members of the band were Roger Daltrey (lead vocals), Pete Townshend (guitar, vocals), John Entwistle (bass, vocals), and Keith Moon (drums). The band is known for their energetic live performances and influential music, which blended elements of rock, pop, and blues. Over the years, the band has gone through various lineup changes, with Daltrey and Townshend remaining as the constant members. The Who has sold millions of records worldwide and is widely regarded as one of the most influential rock bands of all time.
The History of the Who
Formation of the Band
Origins of the Name
The Who was formed in 1964 by Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend, two childhood friends who had been playing music together since their teenage years. The name “The Who” was chosen as a play on words, combining the phrase “who’s” (as in “who’s who”) with the colloquialism “the” to create a unique and memorable band name.
First Lineup
The original lineup of the Who included Roger Daltrey on lead vocals and tambourine, Pete Townshend on guitar and vocals, John Entwistle on bass guitar and vocals, and Keith Moon on drums. Entwistle and Moon were recruited by Townshend and Daltrey to complete the band’s sound, and their individual talents would later become integral to the band’s success.
Early Performances
The Who’s early performances were characterized by their energetic and dynamic live shows, which often featured smashed guitars and drums as part of their stage act. These early gigs helped the band to develop a loyal following in their hometown of London, and their reputation for putting on a spectacular show soon spread throughout the UK. As the band’s popularity grew, they began to play larger venues and attract more attention from the music industry, setting the stage for their eventual rise to international fame.
Key Members
Roger Daltrey
Roger Daltrey, born on March 1, 1944, in London, England, is a prominent figure in the history of the Who. He served as the lead vocalist and is widely recognized for his powerful voice and energetic stage presence. Throughout the band’s history, Daltrey has played a significant role in shaping their sound and image, contributing to the development of some of their most iconic songs. His distinctive voice and dynamic performance style have been a defining characteristic of the Who’s live shows, captivating audiences for decades.
Pete Townshend
Pete Townshend, born on May 19, 1945, in London, England, is another crucial member of the Who. As the band’s guitarist, songwriter, and back-up vocalist, Townshend has been instrumental in crafting the band’s sound and writing many of their most famous songs. He is known for his innovative guitar style, incorporating techniques such as windmilling and using his guitar as an instrument of percussion. Townshend’s songwriting has also played a vital role in the Who’s success, with many of their most beloved songs, such as “My Generation” and “Tommy,” bearing his signature style.
In addition to his musical contributions, Townshend has also been a driving force behind the band’s visual presentation, often incorporating elements of theater and multimedia into their live shows. This approach has helped the Who maintain a unique and dynamic stage presence, further cementing their status as one of the most influential and enduring bands in rock music history.
Lineup Changes and Evolution
Later Years
During the later years of the Who’s career, the band experienced significant changes in their lineup. In 1974, drummer Keith Moon passed away due to a drug overdose, which led to the departure of John Entwistle, also known as “The Ox,” in 1980. With the loss of two of its founding members, the band was forced to regroup and recruit new members to continue their legacy.
Current Status
Following the departure of Moon and Entwistle, the remaining members, Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend, continued to record and perform as the Who. In 1989, the band released their final studio album, “The Who Shot JR,” with Simon Phillips on drums and Steve “Bolt” Sheppard on bass. Despite the loss of Moon and Entwistle, the band continued to tour and perform live shows, often with guest musicians filling in for the missing members.
In 2002, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2019, they announced their first new studio album in 13 years, “WHO,” which was released in 2019. The album featured contributions from both Townshend and Daltrey, as well as longtime collaborator, producer, and engineer, Glyn Johns.
Despite the numerous lineup changes and evolution of the band over the years, the Who has remained a beloved and influential force in rock music, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations of fans and musicians alike.
The Keyboardists
John Entwistle
Role in the Band
John Entwistle, also known as “The Ox,” was a founding member of the Who and played the role of the band’s bass guitarist and keyboardist. He was a key contributor to the band’s sound and was known for his unique and innovative approach to playing the bass guitar.
Contributions to the Sound
Entwistle’s contributions to the band’s sound were significant. He was known for his powerful and distinctive bass lines, which were often melodic and played with a great deal of creativity and innovation. He also played keyboards on many of the band’s songs, adding a different dimension to their sound.
Unique Techniques
Entwistle was known for his unique and innovative techniques on the bass guitar. He was one of the first bass players to use a pick, which allowed him to play with more precision and create more complex melodies. He was also known for his use of distortion and other effects, which added a new dimension to the sound of the bass guitar.
Additionally, Entwistle was a skilled composer and contributed several songs to the band’s repertoire, including “The Real Me” and “Success Story.” His contributions to the band’s sound and legacy were significant and continue to be celebrated by fans of the Who to this day.
Keith Moon
Influence on the Band
Keith Moon, the drummer of the Who, was a significant influence on the band’s sound and success. His innovative approach to drumming, along with his energetic and charismatic stage presence, helped to create the unique sound that the Who became known for. Moon’s powerful and dynamic drumming style was a crucial element in the band’s live performances, as he would often engage in explosive and unpredictable drum solos that captivated audiences. His influence on the band’s music extended beyond his drumming, as he was also known for his creative input in the songwriting process.
Innovative Drumming Style
Moon’s drumming style was highly influential and innovative, as he was one of the first rock drummers to use a two-tom setup, which allowed him to play more complex and intricate rhythms. He was also known for his use of unconventional drumming techniques, such as playing with his feet instead of using a bass drum pedal, which added to his unique sound. Moon’s style was characterized by his aggressive and explosive approach to drumming, which often included smashing cymbals and drums, and even destroying drum kits during live performances.
Tragic End
Despite his undeniable talent and influence on the band, Moon’s life was marked by struggles with drugs and alcohol, which ultimately led to his tragic death at the age of 31. On September 7, 1978, Moon died from an overdose of hemoglobin, a substance found in blood, which he had obtained through a medical prescription. His death was a shock to the music world and a significant loss for the Who, as Moon’s contributions to the band were instrumental to their success. Despite his untimely death, Moon’s legacy as a groundbreaking and innovative drummer continues to inspire generations of musicians.
The Legacy of the Who
Impact on Rock Music
Influence on Other Bands
The Who, consisting of Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon, has had a profound impact on rock music. Their unique sound, combining powerful vocals, intricate guitar work, and innovative songwriting, has inspired countless other bands over the years.
Musical Innovations
The Who’s contributions to rock music extend beyond their influence on other bands. They were also pioneers in several areas of music production and performance. One notable innovation was their use of synthesizers and other electronic instruments, which they incorporated into their music as early as the 1960s. This experimentation with technology helped to push the boundaries of what was possible in rock music, and influenced many other bands to explore new sounds and techniques.
Additionally, the Who’s live performances were legendary, with their energetic and chaotic stage presence setting a new standard for rock concerts. Their use of pyrotechnics, destruction of instruments, and general mayhem on stage became iconic, and influenced many other bands to take their live shows to new heights.
Overall, the Who’s impact on rock music is immeasurable. Their innovative approach to songwriting, their groundbreaking use of technology, and their dynamic live performances have inspired generations of musicians and continue to influence the genre to this day.
Enduring Popularity
The Who, throughout their storied career, have achieved a level of enduring popularity that few bands can match. Despite the fact that they officially disbanded in 1982, their music and influence continue to resonate with new generations of fans. This enduring popularity is evident in the numerous tours and reunions that the band has undertaken over the years, as well as the continued inspiration they provide to other musicians and artists.
One of the primary reasons for the Who’s enduring popularity is the timelessness of their music. The themes and emotions explored in their songs – alienation, anger, rebellion, and a longing for connection and meaning – are universal and eternal. Their music speaks to people of all ages and backgrounds, and its power and impact have not diminished over time.
Another factor contributing to the Who’s enduring popularity is the band’s pioneering role in the development of rock music. Their innovative use of synthesizers, powerful guitar riffs, and explosive live performances helped to define the sound and style of rock music as we know it today. The Who’s influence can be heard in the music of countless other bands and artists, and their contributions to the genre have been widely recognized and celebrated.
The Who’s enduring popularity is also reflected in the numerous tours and reunions that the band has undertaken over the years. Despite the death of founding member Keith Moon in 1978 and the retirement of John Entwistle in 2002, the remaining members of the band have continued to perform and record together. These tours and reunions have often been highly anticipated events, drawing crowds of devoted fans who are eager to experience the music and energy of the Who live.
In addition to their tours and reunions, the Who’s enduring popularity is also evident in the continued inspiration they provide to other musicians and artists. Many bands and artists have cited the Who as a major influence on their own music, and their songs have been covered by a wide range of performers. The Who’s music continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans, and their enduring popularity shows no signs of waning.
The Who Today
Current Members
Roger Daltrey, born on March 1, 1944, in London, England, is a singer, songwriter, and actor. He is best known as the lead vocalist and one of the founding members of the rock band, The Who. Over the years, Daltrey has been responsible for many of the band’s signature hits, including “My Generation,” “Pinball Wizard,” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” In addition to his work with The Who, Daltrey has also pursued a successful solo music career and has acted in several films and television shows.
Peter “Pete” Townshend, born on May 19, 1945, in London, England, is a guitarist, songwriter, and composer. He is the other founding member of The Who and is known for his innovative guitar playing style, which has influenced many rock musicians. Townshend has written many of the band’s most popular songs, including “My Generation,” “The Seeker,” and “Tommy.” He is also known for his work as a solo artist and has composed music for several films and theater productions.
John Entwistle Tribute Band
Following the death of John Entwistle, also known as “The Ox,” in 2002, a tribute band was formed in his honor. The John Entwistle Tribute Band, often abbreviated as JET, features a rotating lineup of musicians who pay homage to Entwistle’s contributions to The Who. The band plays a mix of classic Who songs and covers of songs that Entwistle enjoyed, and has performed at various venues and events around the world.
Continued Creativity
Despite being one of the most iconic and influential bands in rock history, the members of the Who have continued to create new music and engage in various projects even in their later years.
Recent Releases and Tours
In recent years, the Who has released several new albums, including “Endless Wire” in 2006 and “Who” in 2019. These albums showcase the band’s continued creativity and innovation, as they experiment with new sounds and styles while staying true to their signature sound.
The band has also embarked on several tours, including the “The Who Hits 50!” tour in 2014, which celebrated their 50th anniversary, and the “Moving On!” tour in 2019, which featured new music as well as classic hits.
Charitable Efforts
In addition to their musical endeavors, the members of the Who have also been involved in various charitable efforts. In 2000, they launched the “Teenage Cancer Trust” charity, which has raised millions of dollars for young people with cancer. The band has also performed at several benefit concerts, including the “Concert for New York City” in 2001 and the “Tsunami Relief Concert” in 2005.
Future Plans
While the band has experienced some setbacks, including the death of drummer Keith Moon in 1978 and the departure of bassist John Entwistle in 2002, the members of the Who have continued to make music and engage in various projects. In a 2019 interview, guitarist Pete Townshend stated that the band had “a lot of great new material” and planned to release another album in the near future. It remains to be seen what the future holds for the Who, but one thing is certain: their continued creativity and influence on the music industry will endure for years to come.
FAQs
1. Who are the members of the Who?
The members of the Who are Roger Daltrey (lead vocals), Pete Townshend (guitar, vocals), John Entwistle (bass, vocals), and Keith Moon (drums, vocals).
2. What instruments do the members of the Who play?
Roger Daltrey plays lead vocals, Pete Townshend plays guitar and vocals, John Entwistle plays bass and vocals, and Keith Moon plays drums and vocals.
3. When was the Who formed?
The Who was formed in 1964 in Shepherd’s Bush, London, England.
4. What genre of music does the Who play?
The Who is known for playing rock music, specifically mod, pop, and rock.
5. How many albums has the Who released?
The Who has released over 100 albums throughout their career, including studio albums, live albums, and compilations.
6. What is the Who’s most famous album?
The Who’s most famous album is arguably “Who’s Next” released in 1971, which includes hits such as “Baba O’Riley” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again.”
7. What is the Who’s most famous song?
The Who’s most famous song is arguably “My Generation” from their 1965 album “My Generation.”
8. Has the Who ever had any lineup changes?
Yes, the Who has had several lineup changes throughout their career, with the most notable being the death of Keith Moon in 1978 and the death of John Entwistle in 2002.
