Description
ABOUT THE WHO
The Who, one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century, is known for several unusual and intriguing facts. Firstly, they were pioneers of the rock opera, with “Tommy” (1969) being one of the first albums to tell a cohesive story through its songs.
Interestingly, their iconic guitarist, Pete Townshend, invented the concept of the “rock star” smashing guitars during performances, using it as a form of expression and rebellion. This signature move became a hallmark of their explosive live shows.
The band also holds the record for one of the loudest concerts ever, reaching 126 decibels at a performance in London in 1976. Additionally, Keith Moon, their flamboyant drummer, had a penchant for the outrageous, often engaging in wild antics, including driving a motorcycle through a hotel lobby.
Another quirky fact is that the band’s name originated from a suggestion by Townshend’s friend, who thought it would be a good way to describe the sound of his amplifiers—“the who.” Lastly, the band’s song “Baba O’Riley” is often misnamed “Teenage Wasteland,” a phrase from the chorus, showcasing their lasting impact on popular culture and music history.