The huh rock band. British band "The Who"

The American rock group Dors was formed in 1965 in Los Angeles. The Doors instantly became popular, not even the usual promotion in such cases was required. The group "Dors", whose photos never left the pages, became the first in the record number of sold "gold" albums, and eight such records were sold in a row, which has never happened in the history of rock music.

This success is due to the unusual style of performances and the unsurpassed talent of the soloist, Jim Morrison. The Doors' music was beautiful, it acted hypnotically: those who listened to the first composition did not leave until the rest were heard. This phenomenon of the Dors group was studied by psychologists, but they could not explain the reason for such super-attractiveness.

A bit of history

In the summer of 1965, Ray Manzarek and Jim Morrison, who had once known each other, met. Young people discussed the situation in American show business and decided to create a rock group. Both had good data, Jim Morrison wrote poetry and composed music, and Ray was already a professional musician at that time. They were later joined by Densmore John, drummer and backing vocalist. At the same time, guitarist Robbie Krieger was accepted into the group. The Dors group did not escape the so-called turnover, the musicians left and returned several times. Only Morrison and Manzarek never doubted the correctness of the choice.

This line-up is considered the main one, but, in addition to the main participants, musicians from outside were periodically invited to record discs and hold concerts. These were bass and rhythm guitarists, keyboardists and harmonica virtuosos, without whom blues compositions could not take place.

The Dors group differed from similar musical groups in that it did not include its own bass player. For session studio recordings, he was invited, and in concerts the bass part was imitated by Ray Manzarek on a Fender Rhodes Bass keyboard. And he did it with one hand, and with the other he played the main melody on an electric organ.

Musicians invited to participate in concerts

• Douglas Luban, bass player, has featured on three studio albums.
• Angelo Barbera, bass player.
• Eddie Vedder, lead vocals.
• Raynol Andino, drums, percussion.
• Conrad Jack, bass player.
• Bobby Ray Henson, rhythm guitar, percussion, backing vocals.
• John Sebastian, mouthpiece blues harmonica.
• Lonnie Mac, lead guitar.
• Harvey Brooks, bass guitar.
• Ray Neapolitan, bass guitar.
• Mark Benno, rhythm guitar.
• Jerry Schiff, bass guitar.
• Arthur Barrow, synthesizer, keyboards.
• Bob Globe, bass guitar.
• Don Wess, bass guitar.

Lead singer of the group "Dors"

Jim Morrison, vocalist, composer, author of poems to his own songs, was born on December 8, 1943 in the family of a naval officer. He is one of the most notable and charismatic musicians of the 20th century. The singer's entire creative life was associated with the Dors group, which he himself created together with pianist Ray Manzarek.

According to Rolling Stone magazine, Morrison is considered the greatest rock music performer of all time. The musician's history is a series of successful projects created by him in collaboration with other members of the Dors group. The philosophical approach to life brought to the work of Jim Morrison that special flavor that was absent in the songs of other representatives of rock music of that time. Affected by the passion for the works of Friedrich Nietzsche, Arthur Rimbaud, the work of William Faulkner,

Morrison studied at the Faculty of Cinematography in Los Angeles, where he managed to shoot two author's films, and these works were not related to music, but were full of philosophical reflections. In 1965, after the creation of the Dors group, Jim Morrison devoted himself entirely to rock music. And just six years later, on July 3, 1971, he died of a heroin overdose.

Dors Group without Jim Morrison

After the death of the soloist, the rest of the participants tried to continue their creative activity, but were unsuccessful. There were no more hypnotic songs like Jim Morrison's Riders On The Storm. The Dors group ceased to exist.

Further projects

In 1978, the Dors album An American Prayer was released, which featured phonograms of Jim Morrison's poetry readings in his own performance. The recitation was combined with the musical and rhythmic accompaniment of other band members. Editing was done using a simple overlay method.

This project was also unsuccessful, neither commercial nor artistic. Some critics called the album blasphemous. And some people compared it to a masterpiece cut into pieces by Pablo Picasso, when each of the fragments separately is of no value.

In 1979, one of the famous Dors hits, The End, was included in the film Apocalypse directed by Francis Ford Coppola, which is dedicated to the Vietnam War.

Discography

Studio session albums recorded at different times in the studio:

1. The - recorded in January 1967, the first "gold" format, sold over 2 million copies.
2. Strange Days - Created in October 1967.
3. Waiting For The Sun - The album was recorded in July 1968.
4. The Soft Parade - The disc was released in July 1969.
5. Morrison Hotel - Released February 1970.
6. L.A. Woman ("Women of Los Angeles") - the album was recorded in April 1971.
7. Other Voices ("Other voices") - created in October 1971 as a symbolic farewell to the untimely departed Jim Morrison.
8. Full Circle - an attempt to record an album with new songs in July 1972, with a dedication to the anniversary of the death of the main soloist.
9. An American Prayer is a failed compilation of Morrison's poems set to music.

†
Kenny Jones

The Who became famous in their homeland both due to their innovative technique - breaking instruments on stage after a performance, and due to hit singles that fell into the Top 10, starting with the 1965 hit single "I Can" t Explain "and albums that fell into Top 5 (including the famous "My Generation"). The first hit single to hit the Top 10 in the US was "I Can See For Miles" in 1967. The rock opera "Tommy" was released, which became the first album to hit the Top 5 in the US, followed by Live At Leeds (), Who's Next (), Quadrophenia () and Who Are You ().

The Who found a way to attract fans after Townsend accidentally broke the neck of a guitar on a low ceiling during a concert. During the next gig, fans yelled for Pete to do it again. He broke his guitar and Keith followed, smashing his drum kit. At the same time, the "air mill" appeared - a style of guitar playing invented by Pete, which was based on the stage movements of Keith Richards.

Pete's next work is also autobiographical. "Psychoderelict" follows a hermit rock star who is sent into retirement by a dastardly manager and cunning journalist. Despite a solo US tour, the new work did not receive much attention.

In early 1994, Roger took a break from filming for a grand 50th birthday concert at Carnegie Hall. The music played by the band and orchestra was a tribute to Pete's work. Roger not only invited many guests to sing Pete's songs, but also invited John and Pete to play on stage. After that, Roger and John went on a US tour performing songs "The Who". Pete's brother Simon was on the guitar, Ringo Starr's son Zach Starkey was on drums.

The same summer, a four-disc box set of the songs "The Who" was released. The MCA label began releasing remastered and sometimes remixed editions of the group. "Live at Leeds" was released first with eight added tracks and was followed by many CDs with bonus tracks, illustrations and booklets.

1996 began with the creation of a new group, The John Entwistle Band, which toured the United States. The band's new album, The Rock, was sold on the show and after the show, John met with fans.

In 1996, it was announced that The Who would get back together to play Quadrophenia at a benefit concert at Hyde Park. The show, on June 26th, combined Pete's multimedia ideas with some ideas from the Deep End / 1989 tour, accompanied by Roger's band. It was supposed to be only one show, but three weeks later The Who played a show at Madison Square Garden in New York and began a North American tour in October. They were not announced as "The Who", but performed under their own names.

The tour continued in Europe in the spring of 1997 and after another six weeks in the United States. In 1998, Pete and Roger were finally reconciled. In May, Roger presented Pete with a whole list of grievances over Pete's neglect of the group since 1982. Pete burst into tears and Roger forgave him heartily.

Concert activities (1999-2004)

On February 24, 2000, Pete posted the Lifehouse Chronicles 6-disc box set on his website. The Who's new tour began on June 25, 2000. Roger pushed Pete to write new material, which made the release of the new album a reality. Pete's attempts to promote The Who's music as soundtracks met with success when the television series C.S.I .: Crime Scene Investigation selected "Who Are You" as the main theme of the series.

Following the September 11 attacks, The Who performed at a charity festival for police and firefighters on October 20, 2001. The concert was broadcast worldwide. Unlike many of the members, whose sets were filled with importance and restraint, The Who made a real show. The band performed at the Royal Albert Hall Charity Festival in support of children with cancer on February 7th and 8th, 2002. These were the last shows with John.

On June 27, 2002, John died in his sleep at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas from a cocaine-induced heart attack. It happened the day before the band's big US tour started.

The band's fans were shocked when Pete announced that the tour would be without John. Session bassist Pino Palladino replaced him. Critics and fans alike cursed this decision as another example of fundraising. Later, Pete and Roger explained that they and a lot of other people contributed a lot of money for this tour and could not lose it.

After a year of hiatus, Pete, Roger, Pino, Zach and "Rabbit" performed as The Who at the Kentish Town Forum on March 24, 2004. On March 30, a new collection of the band's best songs, "Then and Now!" 1964-2004 "with brand new songs 13 years later" Real Good Looking Boy "and" Old Red Wine ", which was a dedication to John.

Endless Wire (2005-2007)

Daltrey, Townsend, Karin. 2005 year

In 2004, the group toured Japan and Australia for the first time. On February 9, 2005 Roger received an order from Queen Elizabeth II of Britain for his charitable work.

On September 24, 2005, Pete posted The Boy Who Heard Music on his blog. Written in 2000, this sequel to "Psychoderelict" provided the basis for many of Pete's new songs. Following the premiere of the new songs on the Rachel Fuller Show, the band embarked on a new tour that included both new and old songs. On June 17, 2006, the band performed in Leeds, the same university where they recorded their famous live album 36 years ago.

• A Quick One (December 9)
• The Who by Numbers (October 3)
• Who Are You (August 18)
• Face Dances (March 16)
• It's Hard (September 4)

Notes (edit)

Links

• Joe Giorgianni's Who Page Fan site The Who site
• The Who.info (eng.)

The Who is a British rock band formed in 1964. The original lineup consisted of: Pete Townsend, Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle and Keith Moon. The group has gained immense success through extraordinary live performances and is considered as one of the most influential bands of the 60s and 70s, as well as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.

The Who became famous in their homeland both due to their innovative technique - breaking instruments on stage after a performance, and due to hit singles that fell into the Top 10, starting with the 1965 hit single "I Can" t Explain "and albums that fell into Top 5 (including the famous "My Generation"). The first hit single to hit the Top 10 in the US was "I Can See For Miles" in 1967. In 1969, the rock opera "Tommy" was released, which became the first album to hit in the Top 5 in the US, followed by Live At Leeds (1970), Who's Next (1971), Quadrophenia (1973) and Who Are You (1978).

In 1978, the band's drummer Keith Moon died, after his death the group released two more studio albums: Face Dances (1981) (Top-5) and It's Hard (1982) (Top-10). Kenny Jones' The Small Faces The group disbanded in 1983. After that they reunited several times to perform at special events: Live Aid festival in 1985, reunion tours for the band's 25th anniversary and performance of "Quadrophenia" in 1995 and 1996.

In 2000, the band started discussing the topic of recording an album from new material. These plans were delayed by the death of the band's bassist John Entwistle in 2002. Pete Townsend and Roger Daltrey went on to perform under the name The Who. 2006 saw the release of a new studio album, Endless Wire, which peaked in the Top 10 in both the US and UK.

Group history

Origins (1961-1964)

The Who started out as The Detours, a band formed by guitarist Roger Daltrey in London in the summer of 1961. In early 1962, Roger recruited bassist John Entwistle, who played in bands based at the Acton County Grammar School, which he and Roger attended. John offered an additional guitarist - his high school friend Pete Townsend. Also in the group were drummer Doug Sandom and vocalist Colin Dawson.

Colin soon left the band and Roger took over as vocalist. The composition of the group: 3 musicians and a vocalist will remain so until the end of the 70s. The Detours started out with pop tunes, but soon began doing covers of American rhythm and blues. In early 1964, The Detours learned that there was a band with the same name as theirs and decided to change it. Pete's art school friend Richard Barnes proposed the name The Who and the name was officially adopted. Doug Sandom left the band shortly thereafter and was replaced by young drummer Keith Moon in April.

The Who found a way to attract fans after Townsend accidentally broke the neck of a guitar on a low ceiling during a concert. During the next gig, fans yelled for Pete to do it again. He broke his guitar and Keith followed, smashing his drum kit. At the same time, the "air mill" appeared - a style of guitar playing invented by Pete, which was based on the stage movements of Keith Richards.

In May 1964, The Who were taken under the patronage of Pete Meeden, the leader of the new British youth fashion movement. Meeden renamed The Who to The High Numbers (Numbers was what the mods called each other, and High implied the use of lipers, pills that adopted mods to spend all weekend in discos).

Meeden wrote The High Numbers' only single, "I’m the Face" (the song was an old R&B song with new mod lyrics). Despite all of Meeden's attempts, the single failed, but the band fell in love with the mods. At this time, young director Keith Lambert (son of composer Christopher Lambert) and actor Chris Stump (brother of actor Terence Stump) were looking for a group about which they could make a film. Their choice fell on the group The High Numbers. In July 1964, they became the group's new managers. After a flop at EMI Records, the band's name was reintroduced to The Who.

First successes and disagreements in the group (1964-1965)

The Who rocked London after night gigs at the Marquee Club in November 1964. The group was advertised throughout London with black posters designed by Richard Barnes that included "air-mill" Pete Townsend with the words "Maximum R&B" in it. Shortly thereafter, Keith and Chris pushed Pete to start writing songs for the band in order to get the attention of The Kinks producer Shell Talmy. Pete adapted his song "I Can't Explain" to the style of The Kinks' songs and convinced Talmy. The Who signed him to a contract and he became their producer for the next 5 years. Talmi, in turn, helped the band to sign a contract with Decca Records in the United States.

Pete's early songs were written in opposition to the stage persona of Roger the macho. Roger used force to lead the group. Pete's growing ability as a songwriter threatened that status, especially after the hit single "My Generation". When the single hit the charts in December 1965, Pete, John and Keith forced Roger to leave the group due to his violent behavior (this happened after Roger discovered Keith's drugs and flushed them down the toilet. Keith tried to argue, but Roger knocked him out with one blow) ). Roger later promised to be "peaceful" and was accepted back.

First albums (1965-1966)

At the same time, The Who released their first album, My Generation. Due to a lack of advertising in the US and a desire to sign Atlantic Records, Keith and Chris terminate Talmy's contract and sign contracts with Atlantic Records in the US and Reaction in the UK. Talmi responded with a counterclaim that completely halted the release of the next single, "Substitute". The band then paid Talmy's royalties for the next 5 years and returned to Decca in the US. This event, and extremely expensive replacements for destroyed instruments, soon led The Who into heavy debt.

Keith kept insisting that Pete write songs. While showing Keith one of his home demos, Pete joked that he was writing a rock opera. Keith liked this idea very much. Pete's first attempt was called "Quads." It was a story about how parents raised 4 daughters. When it was discovered that one of them was a boy, they insisted on raising him as a girl. The band needed a new single and this first rock opera squeezed into a short song "I’m a Boy". In the meantime, to make money, the band started making the next album, with the caveat that each member of the band had to record two songs for him. Roger only succeeded in one, Keith - one song and one instrumental. John, however, wrote two songs - "Whiskey Man" and "Boris The Spider". This was the start of John's career as an alternative songwriter with a dark sense of humor.

There was not enough material for the new album, so Pete wrote a mini-opera to close the album. “A Quick One While He’s Away” is a story about a woman, waiting in separation for her husband, who was seduced by a racer. The album was titled "A Quick One", which carried some sexual innuendo (for this reason the album and its single were renamed "Happy Jack" in the USA).

After settling a lawsuit with Decca and Talmi, The Who were able to tour the United States. They began with a series of short performances at D.J. Murray The K's in New York. The equipment wreck they had abandoned in England was revived and the Americans were in awe. This was the beginning of the wild popularity of The Who in the United States.

They returned to the US in the summer to play at the Monterey Festival in California. The performance drew The Who to the attention of San Francisco hippies and rock critics who would soon found Rolling Stone magazine.

They toured that summer as the support band for Herman's Hermits. It was during this tour that Keith's reputation as an insane party-goer was cemented by celebrating his 21st birthday, even though he was only 20, attending a post-concert party at the Holiday Inn in Michigan. The list of what was done is truly impressive: a birthday cake fell to the floor, fire extinguishers were sprayed on cars, and Keith knocked out a tooth, slipping on the cake, running from the police. Over time, it turned into an orgy of destruction, culminating in a Cadillac at the bottom of the hotel's pool. The Who was banned from staying at Holiday Inn hotels, and this, along with occasional hotel room crashes, became part of the legend of the band and Keith.

The Who Sell Out, Live At Leeds and the rock opera Tommy (1967-1970)

While their popularity grew in America, their careers in the UK began to decline. Their next single "I Can See For Miles", the most successful single in the US, only reached the Top 10 in the UK. The success of the following singles "Dogs" and "Magic Bus" was even less successful. Released in December 1967, the album "The Who Sell Out," sold worse than the previous ones. It was a concept album designed to be broadcast from a banned pirate radio station. This album would later be considered one of the best albums of the group.

During this recession, Pete stops taking drugs and accepts the teachings of the Indian mystic Meher Baba. Pete will become his most famous follower and his future work will reflect his knowledge of Baba's teachings. One of his ideas was that one who can perceive earthly things cannot perceive the world of God. From this, Pete had a story about a boy who became deaf, numb and blind and, having got rid of earthly sensations, was able to see God. Once healed, he becomes the messiah. As a result, the story became world famous as the rock opera "Tommy". The Who worked on it from the summer of 1968 to the spring of 1969. It was the last attempt to save the band and they began to play new material.

When Tommy was released it was only a moderate hit, but after The Who started performing live it became a masterpiece. "Tommy" made a strong impression when the band performed it at the Woodstock Festival in August 1969. The last song "See Me, Feel Me" was sung at sunrise. Filmed and featured in Woodstock, The Who became an international sensation. Keith also found a way to promote the album by performing at opera houses in Europe and America. There were ballets and musicals based on "Tommy", the group had so much work to do that many thought the name was "Tommy".

Meanwhile, Pete continued to compose songs using a new musical instrument - the ARP synthesizer. To kill time before their next project, The Who recorded a live album at the University of Leeds. "Live At Leeds" became the group's second worldwide hit.

In 1970, Pete had an idea for a new project. Keith struck a deal with Universal Studios to direct and direct Tommy. Pete came up with his idea called "Lifehouse". It would be a fantastic story about virtual reality and a boy who discovered rock music. The hero would play an endless concert and at the end of the film would find the Lost Chord, which brings everyone to the state of nirvana.

Who's Next (1971)

The band organized concerts open to all at the Young Vic Theater in London. The audience and the band itself were to be filmed during the concert. Everyone would be a part of the film, their life stories would be replaced by computer sequences accompanied by synthesizer music. But the result was disappointing. The audience simply asked to play old hits and soon all the band members got bored.

Pete's project was shelved and the band entered the studio to record songs Pete had written for Lifehouse. So the album "Who's Next" was recorded. It became another international hit and is considered by many to be the band's best album. "Baba O'Riley" and "Behind Blue Eyes" were played on the radio, and the song "Won't Get Fooled Again" the band closed their concerts throughout their career.

As their popularity grew, the band members became dissatisfied with the sound of Pete's songs. John first began his solo career with the album "Smash Your Head Against The Wall" released before "Who's Next". He will continue to record solo albums throughout the early 70s, releasing his own black humor songs. Roger also embarked on a solo career after building a studio in his barn. The single "Giving It All Away" from his album "Daltrey" hit the UK Top 10 and gave Roger the power he had in the band.

Using this charge, Roger launched an investigation into the financial affairs of Keith Lambert and Chris Stump. He discovered that they had misused the group's financial fund. Pete, who saw Keith as his mentor, took his side, which led to a rift in the group.

"Quadrophenia" (1972-1973)

Pete, meanwhile, has begun work on a new rock opera. It was supposed to be the story of The Who, but after meeting Pete with one of the die-hard fans who had followed the band since The Detours, Pete decided to write a story about The Who's fan. It became the story of Jimmy, a fashion fan of The High Numbers. He works dirty jobs to cash in on a GS scooter, stylish clothes, and enough pills to spend the weekend. High doses of speed lead to the fact that his personality is split into 4 components, each of which is represented by a member of The Who. Jimmy's parents find the pills and kick him out of the house. He travels to Brighton to recapture the glory days of mods, but finds the mod leader turned humble hotel porter. In desperation, he takes a boat and goes out to sea in a violent storm and observes the appearance of God.

The album "Quadrophenia" had a lot of problems after the recording. It was mixed on a new stereo system, which did not work quite adequately. Downmixing the recording to stereo resulted in a loss of vocals on the recordings, much to Roger's dismay. On stage, The Who tried to recreate the original sound. The tapes were denied work, and everything turned into complete chaos. On top of that, Keith's wife left him before the tour and took her daughter with her. Keith stifled his sorrow in alcohol and even wanted to commit suicide. At the San Francisco show that opened the US tour, Keith passed out in the middle of the show and was replaced by Scott Halpin, who was invited from the audience.

Film "Tommy" and "The Who By Numbers" (1975-1977)

Upon his return to London, Pete had no rest, production of Tommy began immediately. The film was not overseen by Keith Lambert, but by the mad British filmmaker Ken Russell. He expanded to work with guest stars: Elton John, Oliver Reed, Jack Nicholson, Eric Clapton and Tina Turner. The result turned out to be quite tasteless and, although it was liked by the fans of the group, it was not a big success with the public. There were two consequences: Roger, who starred in the film, became a star outside the group, and Pete suffered a nervous breakdown and began to drink more than usual.

Everything reached its peak during the concerts at Madison Square Garden in June 1974. The audience shouted to Pete - "jump, jump", and he realized that he didn't want anything. The Who's passion began to cool down. This can be seen on the band's next album - "The Who By Numbers". It traces the tough rivalry between Pete and Roger, about which all British music publications wrote.

Subsequent tours in 1975 and 1976 were much more successful than the album. There was a lot of emphasis on old material. After 1976, The Who stopped touring. This was the end of the group's collaboration with managers Keith Lambert and Chris Stump; in early 1977 Pete signed papers to dismiss them.

"Who Are You" and Change (1978-1980)

After a two-year hiatus, the band entered the studio and recorded the album "Who Are You". In addition to the new album, The Who made a film about their history, The Kids Are Alright. To do this, they bought the Shepperton Film Studio. After returning from America, Keith was in very sad shape - he gained weight, became an alcoholic and looked in his 30s at all 40s.

In 1978, The Who finished recording the album and filming for a concert in Shepperton on May 25th. After 3 months, the album went on sale. 20 days after that - on September 7, 1978, Keith Moon died of an overdose of medication prescribed to control his alcohol addiction. Many thought that The Who would cease to exist after Moon's death, but the group still had a lot of projects. In addition to the documentary "The Kids Are Alright", a new film based on the "Quadrophenia" album was in preparation. In January 1979, The Who began looking for a new drummer and found Kenny Jones, a former drummer for The Small Faces and a friend of Pete and John. His playing style was very different from Moon's, which led to his rejection by fans. John Bandrick was recruited to the group as keyboardist, and later the group was supplemented with a brass section. The new line-up began touring in the summer, giving concerts in front of huge crowds in the United States. At a concert in Cincinnati in December 1979, tragedy struck - 11 fans were killed in a stampede. The group continued the tour, but controversy over whether it was correct remained.

1980 began with two solo projects. Pete released his first fully solo album, Empty Glass (Who Came First (1972) was a collection of demos, and Rough Mix (1977) was paired with Ronnie Lane). This album was rated alongside the albums of The Who, and the single "Let My Love Open The Door" became very popular. At the same time, Roger released the movie McVicar.

The last albums and the breakup of the group (1980-1983)

In 1980, Pete's problems became apparent. He was drunk almost always, played endless solos or talked for a long time from the stage. His drunkenness grew into a cocaine addiction, and later into an addiction to heroin. He began spending nights in company with members of the "new wave" groups for whom he was God.

The Who's next album, "Face Dances", was heavily criticized. Despite the quite successful single "You Better, You Bet", the album was deemed to be of inferior quality than the band's previous standards.

Roger realized that Pete was destroying himself and offered to stop touring in order to save him. Pete almost died after a heroin overdose at Club For Heroes in London and was rescued at the hospital in the last minutes. Pete's parents pressed him and Pete flew to California for treatment and rehabilitation. After returning, he did not feel confident to write new band material and asked to suggest a topic to him. The band decided to record an album reflecting their attitude to the growing tensions of the Cold War. The result was the album It’s Hard, which examined the changing role of men with the rise of feminist sentiment. But both critics and fans did not like the album, as did "Face Dances."

A new tour of the USA and Canada began in September 1982 and was called a farewell tour. The final show on December 12, 1982 in Toronto was broadcast worldwide. After the tour, The Who was contractually scheduled to record another album. Pete began work on the Siege album but quickly abandoned it. He explained to the band that he was no longer able to write songs. Pete announced The Who's disbandment at a press conference on December 16, 1983.

Solo projects of the participants and association (1985-1999)

Pete started working at the publishing house Faber & Faber. His work did not distract him much from his new occupation - preaching against heroin use. This campaign lasted throughout the 80s. He also found time to write a book of short stories "Horses" Neck "and to make a short film about life in the White City. Pete's new band Defor is in the film. Along with the film" White City "was also released a live album and video" Deep End Live! "The Who got together on July 3, 1985 to perform at the Live Aid benefit concert in support of the starving Ethiopians. The band was supposed to play Pete's new song" After The Fire, "but due to lack of rehearsal, they had to play old songs." After The Fire "later became Roger's solo hit.

In the 80s, Roger and John continued their solo careers. In 1985 Roger embarked on a solo tour, followed by John in 1987. The Who's loyal fans continued to support their work.

In February 1988, the band got together to receive the BPI Life Achievement Award. After the awards ceremony, the band performed at the Royal Albert Hall. Pete began writing a new rock opera based on The Iron Man by Ted Hughes. As guest artists, Pete includes Roger and John for the two recordings that The Who signed on the album. This led to talk of a tour of the reunited team. The tour began in 1989. It was timed to coincide with the band's 25th anniversary, but the line-up was very different from what it had been in 1964. Pete stuck to an acoustic sound with another lead guitarist. Most of the Deep End lineup were on stage including a new drummer and percussionist. The show began the first full performance of "Tommy" since 1970 and ended in Los Angeles with a star-studded cast including Elton John, Phil Collins, Billy Idol and more. After that, Pete rewrote the album "Tommy" with American theater director Des McAniff into a musical that included moments from Pete's own life. After first screening at La Jolla Playhouse in California, "The Who's Tommy" opened on Broadway on April 23, 1993. The Who fans had mixed feelings about the musical, but theater critics in London and New York loved it. With him, Pete won the Tony and Laurence Olivier Award. Pete's next work is also autobiographical. "Psychoderelict" follows a hermit rock star who is sent into retirement by a dastardly manager and cunning journalist. Despite a solo US tour, the new work did not receive much attention.

In early 1994, Roger took a break from filming in order to hold a grand concert at the Carnegie Hall, dedicated to his 50th birthday. The music played by the band and orchestra was a tribute to Pete's work. Roger not only invited many guests to sing Pete's songs, but also invited John and Pete to play on stage. After that, Roger and John went on a tour of the United States, performing songs by The Who. Pete's brother Simon was on the guitar, Ringo Starr's son Zach Starkey was on drums. In the same summer, a 4-disc box set of The Who songs was released. The MCA label began releasing remastered and sometimes remixed editions of the group. "Live at Leeds" was released first with 8 added tracks and was followed by many CDs with bonus tracks, illustrations and booklets. 1996 began with the creation of a new group, The John Entwistle Band, which toured the United States. The band's new album, "The Rock," was sold on the show and after the show, John met with fans.

In 1996, it was announced that The Who would reunite to play "Quadrophenia" at a benefit concert at Hyde Park. The show, on June 26th, combined Pete's multimedia ideas with some ideas from the 1989 Deep End tour, accompanied by Roger's band. It was supposed to be only one show, but 3 weeks later The Who played a show at Madison Square Garden in New York and began a North American tour in October. They were not announced as The Who, but performed under their own names.

The tour continued in Europe in the spring of 1997 and after another 6 weeks in the US. In 1998, Pete and Roger were finally reconciled. In May, Roger presented Pete with a list of grievances over Pete's neglect of the band since 1982. Pete burst into tears and Roger forgave him heartily.

Concert activities (1999-2004)

On February 24, 2000, Pete posted the Lifehouse Chronicles 6-disc box set on his website. The Who's new tour began on June 25, 2000. Roger pushed Pete to write new material, which made the release of the new album a reality. Pete's attempts to promote The Who's music as soundtracks met with success when the television series C.S.I .: Crime Scene Investigation selected "Who Are You" as the main theme of the series.

Following the September 11 attacks, The Who performed at a charity festival for police and firefighters on October 20, 2001. The concert was broadcast worldwide. Unlike many of the members, whose sets were filled with importance and restraint, The Who made a real show. The band performed at the Royal Albert Hall Charity Festival in support of children with cancer on February 7th and 8th, 2002. These were the last shows with John.

On June 7, 2002, John died in his sleep at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas from a cocaine-induced heart attack. It happened the day before the band's big US tour started.

The band's fans were shocked when Pete announced that the tour would be without John. Session bassist Pino Palladino replaced him. Critics and fans alike cursed this decision as another example of fundraising. Later Pete and Roger explained they and many more people contributed a lot of money for this tour and could not lose it.

After a year of hiatus, Pete, Roger, Pino, Zach and "Rabbit" performed as The Who at the Kentish Town Forum on March 24, 2004. On March 30, a new collection of the band's best songs, "Then and Now!" 1964-2004 "with completely new songs 13 years later" Real Good Looking Boy "and" Old Red Wine ", which was a dedication to John

Endless Wire (2005-2007)

In 2004, the group toured Japan and Australia for the first time. On February 9, 2005 Roger received an order from Queen Elizabeth II of Britain for his charitable work.

On September 24, 2005, Pete posted The Boy Who Heard Music on his blog. Written in 2000, this sequel to "Psychoderelict" provided the basis for many of Pete's new songs. Following the premiere of the new songs on the Rachel Fuller Show, the band embarked on a new tour that included both new and old songs. On June 17, 2006, the band performed in Leeds, the same university where they recorded their famous live album 36 years ago.

The new album Endless Wire, featuring acoustic and rock songs and a mini-opera based on The Boy Who Heard Music, was released on October 31, 2006. The album was originally planned to be released in spring 2005 under the tentative title WHO2. The date was rescheduled due to drummer Zach Starkey's performance on Oasis' Don’t Believe the Truth album and a subsequent tour. The album immediately peaked at number 7 on the Billboard magazine charts. Fragments of it are included in the program of The Who Tour 2006-2007.

"The who"- one of the most influential British rock bands of the 60s and 70s. This is another long-lived rock group, formed in 1964! They played with the same lineup for 15 years. After the death of drummer Keith Moon, they continued to perform with a new drummer Kenny Jones is over 20. To date, only two of the first line-up survived - Roger Daltrey and Pete Townsend, but they are in vests, because they still continue to delight the audience with their performances. London was not without the participation of The Who. There are still people who call this group the best rock band in the world. So what is the secret of the success of "The Who"?

I will again judge the popularity of "The Who" in the Soviet Union from my bell tower. Yes, we knew about the existence of such a rock band and that they became famous for breaking instruments on stage. Their music was not played at the dances. With all the desire it was impossible to repeat such a frantic, unbridled sound of the bass guitar, drums. I would not say that all of her fans, but there were fans, albeit in a small number.

You should have seen their performances. How many times have I said this phrase before? That's why they are rock bands, that you need to watch and listen to them live. At concerts, the secrets of success are much easier to understand. Colossal energy, improvisational approach to performance, individuality and much more. And these tools are also crushing. The receiving party, knowing about such predilections, after the final chord, hastily carried away expensive equipment from the stage. But, of course, they could not take everything away. Such a mess looked, to put it mildly, funny.

So, the first and unique composition of The Who.

Roger Daltrey (1.03.1944) - Lead vocalist, songwriter, plays a little harmonica and guitar. He showed himself as an interesting actor, starring in films: "Tommy", "The Comedy of Errors", "Listomania", etc. At one time he was a real leader in the group, showing his strength in front of the rest of the participants. They were going to kick him out after he hit the drummer. But Daltrey apologized, reconsidered his attitude and promised not to bullshit anymore. Thus, they brought him under control and showed their place.

Pete Townshend (19.05.1945) - guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, composer and lyricist of almost all of the band's songs. Never played long soloists. Its trick is a hard rhythm and a kind of attack on the strings with rotational movements with a straightened right hand. This technique, which Pete invented, is called the "Air Mill". Here he had no equal. As well as there was no breaking of the instruments after the performance before.

Once, by accident, in the final jump, he broke the neck of the guitar. The crowd loved it. At the next concert, she demanded the same. So Pete began to destroy the equipment and was supported by the drummer. From such behavior The Who group sharply stood out from the background of other rockers. (By the way, I personally experienced what kind of action it was to smash guitars when smashing mine on the asphalt in public. Half of the crowd, as in hypnosis, half in ecstasy.)

Townsend played a big role in the development of British rock, organizing grandiose festivals, inviting his many friends to them. So he, at one time, helped Eric Clapton to get out of drug addiction. If it weren't for Pete, there wouldn't be the Eric we see and listen to now. Although, he barely got out of this shit himself in the 80s.

John Entwistle (9.10.1944 - 27.06.2002) - bassist, multi-instrumentalist. In fan circles, it's just "The Ox". On stage - phlegm. A minimum of emotions, a static figure, only fingers flicker. He used bass as a lead guitar. Powerful technique of the game, a bunch of fancy moves. Voted one of the best bass players of all time. He had a tremendous influence on the playing technique and sound of later generations of bassists such as Victor Woutin. He had a wide range of voices: from children's falsetto to low bass. He kept matches behind his back when Keith Moon blew up toilets. Died in 2002 as a result of a heart attack from a cocaine overdose.

And finally, the main participant in the killer rhythm section - Keith Moon (08/23/1946 - 09/7/1978) - a virtuoso drummer. One of the first to use two barrels in performances. The brightest and most unpredictable personality in the line-up. He was a drummer from God and not a man from this world. Half the glory of The Who can be safely given to him. In high school, an art teacher used to say about him: "In artistic terms - backward, in all other respects - an idiot."

He didn't care about reverence and respect. He lived his life. After smashing the drums, his second favorite pastime was to blow up hotel washrooms. He lowered the explosive device into the toilet bowl and flushed it away. An explosion took place, which destroyed the toilet bowl along with the sewerage system. "Porcelain flying in the air is simply unforgettable!" - he said.

Alcohol, drugs served as a means of self-expression for all participants, and only he experienced joy, shocking others. But all these scandalous antics were more humorous than spiteful. Here's another example. One day, on the way to the airport, Moon strongly insisted on returning to the hotel, as if he had forgotten something and he must urgently return. A luxury limousine drives up to the hotel. Keith jumps out of him like a bullet and runs to his room. He takes the TV and throws it out of the window into the pool. Back in the car, he says with relief: "I almost forgot!"

He could easily enter the image of anyone: from Hitler to a sexy lady, from a priest to a young schoolboy. He died suddenly in his sleep on September 7, 1978 from an overdose of sleeping pills. At autopsy, doctors found 32 tablets (!), Six of which dissolved, which led to cardiac arrest. A strange coincidence - 32 tablets and 32 years of life. He was recognized as one of the greatest drummers in the history of rock music. Hit the Guinness Book of Records as a drummer who destroyed the largest number of drum kits on stage.