The Who: Did You Know?
10 Fun Facts About The Who You (Probably) Didn’t Know!
The Who is one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time, with a career spanning over five decades. Known for their electrifying live shows, rebellious anthems, and pioneering rock operas, The Who has left an indelible mark on rock history. But beyond their legendary status, there are some fascinating and lesser-known stories about the band. Let’s dive into some fun facts about The Who that may surprise you!
1. The Who Was Almost Called…The Hair!
Before they became The Who, the band went through several name changes. Initially known as The Detours, they briefly considered calling themselves The Hair. Eventually, they landed on The Who, thanks to guitarist Pete Townshend's suggestion, which stood out with its simple and rebellious tone.
2. Keith Moon Blew Up His Drum Kit—Literally
Drummer Keith Moon was famous for his wild antics, but one of his most notorious stunts occurred on live TV. During a 1967 performance on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, Moon packed his drum kit with explosives. At the end of their performance of “My Generation,” the explosion was so powerful it temporarily deafened Pete Townshend and left Moon with cuts on his arms.
3. Pete Townshend Invented the Windmill Guitar Move by Accident
One of Pete Townshend's most iconic stage moves is the windmill guitar strum. But it wasn’t planned! The move was inspired by watching The Rolling Stones’ guitarist Keith Richards warming up by swinging his arm around in a similar fashion. Townshend tried it on stage, and it became one of his signature moves.
4. They Smashed Over 100 Guitars
The Who became synonymous with destroying their instruments on stage, especially Pete Townshend’s guitar smashing. Townshend reportedly smashed over 100 guitars during the band’s career, turning it into a symbol of rebellion and excess. Fun fact: the very first time he did it was unintentional—his guitar hit the ceiling at a small club, so he broke it out of frustration!
5. Their Rock Opera Was Almost About a…Pinball Wizard?
Yes, it was! The band’s famous 1969 rock opera, "Tommy", tells the story of a deaf, dumb, and blind boy who becomes a pinball champion. The "Pinball Wizard" character and song were added at the last minute to impress influential music critic Nik Cohn, who was a huge pinball fan. It worked—Cohn gave the album a glowing review!
6. Keith Moon Drove a Car Into a Pool
Keith Moon’s legendary wild behavior extended beyond the stage. One of his most famous exploits happened on his 21st birthday in 1967 when he drove a Lincoln Continental into the pool at a Holiday Inn in Michigan. The incident got The Who banned from every Holiday Inn in the U.S. and solidified Moon’s reputation as one of rock's most outrageous drummers.
7. They Almost Became a Ska Band
In the early days of their career, The Who experimented with Ska music, inspired by the Jamaican scene that was popular in Britain in the early 1960s. They even recorded some early demos with a heavy Ska influence before settling into the Mod rock sound they’re best known for today.
8. "Baba O'Riley" Was Inspired by an Indian Spiritual Master
The title of one of The Who’s most famous songs, "Baba O'Riley", is a combination of two key influences: Meher Baba, Pete Townshend's spiritual guru, and Terry Riley, a minimalist composer who influenced the song's electronic keyboard riffs. Although many fans mistakenly think the song is called “Teenage Wasteland” due to its lyrics, it’s actually a tribute to these two inspirations.
9. Roger Daltrey Was Almost Kicked Out of The Who
In the early 1960s, Roger Daltrey was known for being tough and controlling, which led to some serious clashes with the other band members. In 1965, they briefly kicked him out after he flushed Keith Moon’s drugs down the toilet, but he was allowed back after promising to change his behavior. Thankfully, this didn’t last long, and Daltrey became one of rock’s most iconic frontmen.
10. The Who Played the Loudest Concert Ever
The Who earned a place in the Guinness World Records in 1976 for the loudest concert ever. Their show at The Valley, the home of Charlton Athletic Football Club in London, reached a staggering 126 decibels. The volume was so extreme that it caused permanent hearing damage to some of the audience members, and it’s part of the reason why Pete Townshend suffers from hearing loss to this day.
From smashing guitars and driving cars into pools to inventing iconic stage moves and writing rock operas, The Who's journey is filled with wild tales and incredible achievements. They helped define what it means to be a rock star and influenced generations of musicians. Choosing the best song line from The Who is no easy task, as their lyrics are filled with powerful imagery and deep emotion. However, one of the most iconic lines that resonates with many fans is from the song "Baba O'Riley":
“Don't cry, don't raise your eye, it's only teenage wasteland.”
This line captures the restless spirit of youth, encapsulating feelings of rebellion, confusion, and the search for meaning in a world that often seems chaotic. It’s become an anthem for generations who feel caught between growing up and holding on to their youthful ideals.