The Who : Concert Memories from the Classic Years, 1964–1976

Most know that the legendary English rock band the Who performed concerts at ear-splitting volume, smashed their instruments, and became one of the world’s most influential groups. Their period from 1964 to 1976 saw the creation of such classic songs as “My Generation,” “Pinball Wizard,” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” as well as the Tommy, Who’s Next, and Quadrophenia albums. But how many know the stories of those fans affected by their music and live performances, or the angst and insecurities that drove bandleader Pete Townshend to new heights during this time? Who saw Pete Townshend handing his guitar from the stage to a grateful fan, and what happened next? Or who has seen photos of bassist John Entwistle being anything but the “Quiet One”? Or what happened backstage at Woodstock and the Monterey Pop Festival? This book offers what Pete Townshend himself describes as an “intriguing and extremely insightful take on the Who and myself.” The reader will be thrown into untold stories, hundreds of previously unpublished photographs, and uncirculated recordings clarifying the misinformation, myths, and legends. It’s a labor of love from a fan for fans that gives voice to a collective consciousness that might otherwise fall silent over time.