Friday Most Gear Fab 2024 Merry Birthday to Musical Genius Peter Townshend of the Who
by Robert Wilkinson
Today we send out a huge birthday salute to one of my favorite songwriters of all time, the amazing Peter Townshend, powerhouse behind the band known as the Who, the best live band I've ever seen. If you don't know who he is or what he's written, prepare for a treat like few others!
Pete Townshend (19 May 1945) is a multi-instrumentalist and force majeure, whose work is beyond amazing. One of the most prolific songwriters in history, many of his songs are profound, extraordinary in their breadth and scope of imagination, and sometimes deeply disturbing and haunted.
I saw the Who 6 times between 1967 and 1976. They were a unique pyrotechnical sonic spectacle, and were the first to pioneer the destruction of their instruments as a work of performance art. Even though it started by mistake, it became a standard of their act, and was the influence imitated by Jimi, the Yardbirds in the movie Blow Up, and a hundred acts since then.
At the forefront of it all was Peter Townshend, thrashing at his guitar, making windmill moves that hit on the strings until his fingers were bloody. As Pete leapt with both feet in the air, Roger Daltrey was slinging the mic in circles that grew ever wider until the mic went straight up to the ceiling only for him to jerk it down at the exact moment he needed to sing, yell, or scream some memorable line into it.
Keith Moon had the biggest drum kit I'd ever seen, and played every one of those drums and every cymbal including both bass drums going simultaneously, a powerhouse pounding out rhythms and counter rhythms no other drummer had ever done, or has ever done since. He played a thousand beats a minute in every form imaginable, and destroyed his kit after every performance I ever saw. I also gather he blew up more hotel toilets than any person in history, but that's a story of "Moon the Loon."
Through it all John Entwhistle stood stiff and tall, expressionless, pounding out bass lines that with the drums created the most frenetic lead rhythm section imaginable. Basically, John created the concept of bass as a lead instrument, with Keith on drums as another "lead" instrument, leaving Pete's guitar to carry the rhythm. All of this was held together by the songs, sonic and powerful and soaring and deep and driving and ringing the hall until the audience just stood there in awe.
The Who at their peak are generally considered one of the best rock bands in history, right up there with the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin. They played both the Monterrey Pop Festival AND Woodstock! And I'm not kidding when I say they are generally accepted as performing the most exciting live concerts ever done! They were certainly the most electrifying I’ve ever seen, and I saw some amazing shows back in the day.
Pete wrote what are considered the first "rock operas" in pop music, beginning with "A Quick One," moving into "Rael," and then the masterpiece "Tommy." He followed with "Life House" (never quite completed) and "Quadraphenia." He's still composing and occasionally performing, but not in amplified settings due to tinnitus.
Unfortunately, since bandmates Keith Moon and John Entwistle have been dead for years, he and Roger are the only original members left. Still, whether with or without Roger, if he ever decides to tour again, and I'm within a few hundred miles of the venue, you can bet I'll find a ticket somewhere!
So for your enjoyment of what was in an era of sonic sounds, smashing guitars and singular concerts unlike any other, for your enjoyment, here's The Who, the best live band I’ve ever seen! Immerse yourself in the videos you're about to see, since the energy is kinetic from a now gone era. Music videos first, then a ton of amazing live performances!!
We now go back in time to some music videos of the Who doing their early hits from 1965-67!
Pete once called this early hit “straightforward Kink copying.” Here's a promotional video done in 1964 for their first smash hit, "I Can't Explain." (They're VERY young!)
Here’s an early gem from 1965, a video of the Who lip-synching to the awesome studio version of “Substitute” John's "lead bass" pumps big time!
From their first album, "The Kids Are All Right"
This one's a lost gem! From an uncompleted movie in 1964, back when the Who were known as the High Numbers, here's a video of two songs done at the Railway Hotel. They were still more about maximum R&B than the sonic group they became now long after. "The High Numbers performing "Ooh Poo Pah Doo" and "I Gotta Dance To Keep From Crying."
We’ll leave this era of the High Numbers with the entire one hour 11 audio show from the Railway Hotel in Wealdstone on October 20, 1964. "The High Numbers Live at Wealdstone -1964
Also from 1965, here’s another twofer with the Shindig version of “I Can’t Explain” on the first half of the clip and another one from Ready Steady Go, the only song Roger and Pete wrote together, the very maximum R&B of "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere”
Here's The Who on the last Shindig! show in 1965! Last year I had all three in a medley, but this year it’s disappeared. Still, I found all three tunes, so keep dancing to "I Can't Explain," followed by "Daddy Rolling Stone," and we close with major attitude, "My Generation."
A rare (and very twisted!) gem! I found the original studio version of a song John wrote for the B side of "Substitute," "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde."
Here’s the original promo video! "I'm A Boy,"
From the Happy Jack album, stills set to the studio cut of Entwistle's "Doctor, Doctor." From the same album, "Run Run Run."
Some live performances! The performance from the movie The Kids Are All Right, is gone, so from January 1967 at The Beat Club, here’s a performance of "Happy Jack"
At the Beat Club the same year, "I'm A Boy,"
Another of my favorite tunes from that era! Here are the Who again at The Beat Club in 1967 doing “So Sad ‘Bout Us.”
A weird slice of video history obscured by the Marquee! Said to be Marquee Club performances in 1967, this one begins with The Smoke performing “My Friend Jack” followed by Jimi Hendrix doing “Hey Joe” and “Purple Haze” with the Who closing the show with ”Happy Jack,” “So Sad ‘Bout Us,” and “My Generation.”
From French tv in 1965, here are the Who live doing the great Martha and the Vandellas hit, “Heat Wave”
From 1967 on Twice A Fortnight, "I Can See for Miles," and here's a 1968 lipsynched performance of "I Can See for Miles." This is another staged video on Pop Go the Sixties from 1969 still mimed. "I Can See for Miles,"
Also from the album The Who Sell Out, the prototype for Tommy, the soaring "Rael."
Here are the Who on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour in 1967, lip synching the first tune and doing the second live, which is strange! Here they are in a “live” performance of “I Can See for Miles.” And I found it again! Here’s the video of “My Generation” (with occasional commentary) where Keith had stashed many more cherry bombs than usual in his drum kit, guaranteeing a huge explosion at the end of the song while Pete destroys his guitar! This was a standard feature of their shows back then, culminating in Moon’s drum set literally exploding on stage, disrupting the television signal and creating ear damage for Pete! Here's the finale. No encores after this one! ”My Generation”
From the legendary Monterey Pop Festival in June 1967 “Summer of Love,” the very young and very mod Who took America by storm! "Substitute" and the iconic "Summertime Blues." At that show, they also performed their “controversial masterpiece,” "Pictures of Lily."
Here’s the audio from Monterey of their classic mini-opera, "A Quick One"
The closer was a performance that made history! Here's where the pyrotechnics were in full expression!! "My Generation"
Here’s their entire set (audio-only) from the legendary Monterey Pop Festival in June 1967 “Summer of Love!” The Who Live at Monterey Pop 1967 – Whole set
I found the video again! This is their legendary performance on the legendary Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus, of the Who doing their classic "A Quick One"
These are live performances set to stills. From the BBC sessions, some early hits you may not have heard.
Live at The Fillmore East in 1968, the entire one hour audio show! The Who Live at the Fillmore East - 1968
From that show, the opener! "Summertime Blues"
Here’s an hour and 28 audio-only from their Minneapolis show! The Who Live in Minneapolis - June 1969
They showed up at Woodstock in 1969 and became superstars!
It’s back! This is an amazing performance and Keith’s obviously having fun. This is rock at it’s best. ”Christmas” and "The Acid Queen"
This looks to be the Woodstock performance of "I'm Free"
"See Me Feel Me" (This is one amazing performance!)
We’ll close the Who’s set at Woodstock with an audio-only clip of the pounding rocker “Shakin’ All Over”
It’s back! Partially live video, partially stills, here’s the Who’s entire 65 minute set at Woodstock! The Who at Woodstock – The Entire Set
A brief interlude from the music as Pete sets the story straight with 8 minutes about Pete Townshend on Woodstock and The Acid Queen
Though not the Who, it's a great clip from the movie! Here’s 9 minutes of the fabulous Tina Turner wailing out "The Acid Queen"
I found it again! Here’s their historic 1 hour and 10 set at the 1969 Isle of Wight! The Who at the 1969 Isle of Wight (The set list was “Heaven and Hell,” “I Can’t Explain,” “Fortune Teller,” “Young Man Blues,” “It’s A Boy,” “1921,” “Amazing Journey/Sparks” “Eyesight To the Blind,” “Christmas," "The Acid Queen," "Pinball Wizard," "Do You Think It's Alright," "Fiddle About," "There's A Doctor," "Go To The Mirror," "Smash The Mirror," "I'm Free," "Tommy's Holiday Camp," "We're Not Gonna Take It," "See Me Feel Me / Listening To You,” “Shakin’ All Over.”)
From the album Tommy, here’s the studio version of one of my favorites set to an interesting video of the band! "I'm Free"
Before we leave the 60s, here’s an audio-only full 27 song show! The Who Live in Amsterdam – Sept 1969
Last year I had their 42 minute video of their October 1969 show at the Capitol Theater in Ottawa but it’s disappeared. Instead, here’s an hour and 9 audio-only of that show! The Who Live in Ottawa – Oct 1969
The Who closed out the year Live at London Coliseum in December 1969! This was the first filmed concert of the rock opera “Tommy.” Two years ago I had the entire show, but it's disappeared. However, here’s an hour and 13 film of that Who concert Live at London Coliseum in December 1969! The Who Live at London Coliseum - 1969
Here are a few from the show if you’d rather hear individual tunes than the whole show. As usual, they kicked it off with John Entwistle's troubled tale of morality and their first hit, "Heaven and Hell" and “I Can’t Explain”
The video is still not available, but here’s the audio of "Young Man Blues"
”Amazing Journey” and "Sparks"
Audio’s lousy, but I found the video again! “The Acid Queen”
“Do You Think It’s All Right?”
Here’s a great 15 minute medley from that show. The Who Live at the London Coliseum 1969 (My Generation, We’re Not Going to Take It, Love Reign O'er Me, Overture)
From the film Listening to You, the full hour and 26 set of their performance at the 1970 Isle of Wight festival! The Who at the 1970 Isle of Wight
From that show, “I’m Free”
A great video score! It’s the entire 93 minute set of the Who at Tanglewood on July 7, 1970! The Who Live at Tanglewood - 1970
”Meet the new boss, same as the old boss!” From 1971, their biggest hit, "Won't Get Fooled Again."
From the same time, live in the studio, the Who cranking out "Who Are You”
Live at the Young Vic in Spring 1971, an audio hour and 15! The Who At the Young Vic - 1971
These are more live performances set to stills. From the Odeon Cinema, Newcastle, October 30, 1971:
Here's another great audio-only performance in Long Beach, California from December 10, 1971 of "Bargain"
Here’s an hour and 19 audio-only show from December 1971 in SF! The Who in San Francisco - 1971
Same show, different recording of several parts of it.
The Who in San Francisco – 1971 – Pt. 1 (“I Can’t Explain,” “Substitute,” “Summertime Blues,” “My Wife.”)
The Who in San Francisco – 1971 – Pt. 2 (“Baba O’Reilly,” “Behind Blue Eyes.”)
The Who in San Francisco – 1971 – Pt. 3 (“Bargain,” “Won’t Get Fooled Again.”)
The Who in San Francisco – 1971 – Pt. 4 (“Baby Don’t Ya Do It,” “Pinball Wizard,” “See Me Feel Me/Listening to You.”)
I found 4 great video clips of the Who’s performance at Voorburg in 1973! First, “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” which we’ll follow with “Pinball Wizard,” then “Summertime Blues” and close with “My Generation”
All the single clips I had last year from their Cow Palace gig in SF on 20 November 1973 have disappeared, but I did find these with Keith before he collapsed! “I Can’t Explain” and “Summertime Blues”
Also from that show, 13+ minutes of The last part of “Magic Bus” and “See Me Feel Me”
Here’s 9+ minutes of video at the Cow Palace of “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” and I found this 8+ minute clip which picks up at the end of “Won’t Get Fooled Again” and runs until Keith Moon Collapses on stage at the Cow Palace.
The b/w clip of the entire hour and 52 Who Live in San Francisco has disappeared this year. Too bad, because they rock from the first note! However, I found this 1 hour and 40 video of that show! The Who Live at the Cow Palace – Nov 1973
Here’s a clip from a documentary where the story of his collapse begins about 4 minutes in. Keith Moon Collapses on stage at the Cow Palace.
After Keith collapsed, they called for a drummer from the audience, and Scott Halpin volunteered. Whether brave or foolhardy, he had one unique experience! Here is a great 12+ minute video clip of the Who with Scott on drums doing “Smokestack Lightning,” "Spoonful," and “Naked Eye”.
From London in 1973, an audio-only clip of "Love Reign O'er Me"
From the same year in Philly, and audio-only clip of "Dr. Jimmy" from Quadrophenia, Pete's scathing social commentary. You can find the original studio version of "Dr. Jimmy and Mr. Jim here, complete with very raw lyrics and the much better sound quality!
From 1973 on UK tv, the rock anthem "Long Live Rock."
From Charlton in 1974, "Baba O'Riley"
I was at this show! Last year I had the video, but it’s disappeared. Instead here’s 18 audio clips of that show. Enjoy this band who maintained the most exciting live show of the 70s! The Who Live at the Summit - November 1975
Because I assembled these in past years, we still have these audio-only clips from that show. This is solid, kinetic, explosive rock as only the Who did it!
The Who Live at the Summit November 1975 – “Substitute”
The Who Live at the Summit November 1975 – “I Can’t Explain”
The Who Live at the Summit November 1975 – “Boris the Spider”
The Who Live at the Summit November 1975 – “Drowned”
The Who Live at the Summit November 1975 – “However Much I Booze”
The Who Live at the Summit November 1975 – “Dreaming From the Waist”
The Who Live at the Summit November 1975 – “Behind Blue Eyes”
The Who Live at the Summit November 1975 – “Amazing Journey” and “Sparks”
The Who Live at the Summit November 1975 – “Acid Queen”
The Who Live at the Summit November 1975 – “Fiddle About”
The Who Live at the Summit November 1975 – “Pinball Wizard” and “I’m Free”
The Who Live at the Summit November 1975 – “Tommy’s Holiday Camp”
The Who Live at the Summit November 1975 – “We’re Not going to Take It”
The Who Live at the Summit November 1975 – “My Generation” and “Join Together”
TheWho Live at the Summit November 1975 – “My Generation Blues”
The Who Live at the Summit November 1975 – “Naked Eye” and “Roadrunner”
The Who Live at the Summit November 1975 – “Won’t Get Fooled Again”
The Who Live at the Summit November 1975 – “Magic Bus”
From Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, December 11, 1975, a great video of the Who doing John Entwistle's early hit tune "Boris the Spider." From the same Toronto show, the audio of "Magic Bus"
From The Who's second to last show with Keith Moon in Kilburn 1977, an audio-only clip of "Baba O'Riley"
Here’s a great 8 minute live performance in 1979 at Hammersmith of "Who Are You"
From 1979, Pete at the Secret Policeman’s Ball! “Pinball Wizard,” “Drowned,” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again”
Here they are live in Essen in 1981 doing “You Better You Bet”
Here’s the official music video from 1981 of the Who doing "You Better You Bet."
Now for some albums!
His first solo album in 1972, dedicated to Meher Baba! Who Came First
From 1974, a collection of rarities! Odds and Sods
From 1975, the full album The Who By Numbers
From 1982, the full solo album All the Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes
From 1983, the double album Rarities – Volumes 1 & 2
From 1989, the full musical! Iron Man - the Musical by Pete Townshend
2 years ago I had the 2 hour movie Amazing Journey – The Story of the Who but it’s disappeared. So has the extraordinary 2 hour and 22 video of Pete cranking out old hits and new tunes titled Pete Townshend in Concert at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Better luck next year!
Here’s a great 1 hour 27 show in 1986 when Pete assembled a bit of a “super group” for a charity benefit titled Pete Townshend in Deep End Live
Our closing show and encores come from their 21st century incarnation. From Ireland, an entire hour and 23 where they still rock, and rock hard! The Who live at Oxegen Festival – 2006
Our first encore is from April 2015, a 46 minute set at the N’Awlin’s Jazz Fest! Roger’s voice is as good as ever! The Who Live at the New Orleans Jazz Fest - 2015
For our second encore, live in Rio in 2017, a full hour and 52 of The Who Live at Rock in Rio - 2017
For the third encore, they’re still rocking hard! From October 2019 at the Hollywood Bowl, an hour and 34 of The Who – The Moving On! Tour
For our last encore, their first new album in years! Released in 2019, like all their albums, it rocks! For your enjoyment, the newest studio from the Who titled simply WHO
The great 44 minute documentary from VH1 Legends narrated by Levon Helm titled The Who – VH1 Legends from 1997 has disappeared.
I found the Who commenting about Virgo Keith Moon. This offers up a little about this amazingly self-destructive human gyro.
Here’s a short clip of The Who on Keith Moon
Keith's last tv interview from Good Morning America in '78.
I found it again! Here’s the 1 hour documentary Living Famously – Keith Moon
We also have a 48 minute documentary titled Final 24 – Keith Moon
So thanks for everything, Pete. From one of your biggest fans, Happy and Merry Birthday! May you have many more, may your tinnitus heal to the degree it can, and may you keep writing phenomenal tunes!
© Copyright 2024 Robert Wilkinson
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