Many people today do not realize that John Entwistle defined how the bass was to be played in rock. Pete Townshend said that it would take seven people to replace what he did in their music. When he died, it became a truth. They had to add multiple pople to cover his playing live. Anybody who doesn't have him in their top three bassists just doesn't understand music. The great drummers of today, including the Professor, Neil Peart, credit Keith Moon as a high influence in their style and playing. Keith completely broke the mold on how to drum. I heard Roger say that he drummed to the singer, the vocals. As an old drummer, he was my main influence. One of the greatest truths about the Who is that Pete played lead guitar, John played lead bass, Keith played lead drums and Roger sang lead vocals. The genius of the band, much like Rush, is that they all played lead and made it fit together into a perfectly formed mixture of chaos that made complete and total sense. I was fortunate enough to see them several times, including Keith's last performance in Southern California. From my desk at home, I look over my computer to see a huge poster of the greatest photo of Pete I've ever seen, an autographed guitar directly above it,, and surrounded by autographs of all four members, as well as Keith's godson and current drummer, Zak Starkey, Ringo's son. They were a huge influence on me. Another great reaction, Bethany! Much love!
Nailed it! Could not say it any better. First time I saw Keith, I knew I had to play drums (started on guitar 2 years earlier) and then I saw Buddy Rich on the Tonight Show and that sealed it for me! Obviously 2 completely different drumming styles, but both played with the same furiosity and drive - both were absolutely brilliant!
@@hyzeronhisrizer Right on, my friend!! There is something extremely cathartic about beating the hell out of a kit in rhythm with music. Wish my hands could still hold the sticks, I still have my Ludwig kit from 1969,
It is quite funny all these vocal analysts pick the same songs after each other. Anyhow, I agree Mr. Thunderfingers - John Entwistle is actually ranked 3rd overall in the world bass players by Rolling Stone magazine
John Entwistle is without a doubt one of the greatest rock bassists ever and because he was calm on stage and just stood still and let his fingers do the entertaining he is often overlooked and underrated.
@@grahamokeefe9406 This reminds me of a quote about John or from him, which was something like "If you're standing on the wing of a plane and the other three guys are waving their arms, you're going to be looking at the guy who's not" :D
The Who was such a powerhouse of British Rock. 3 manic band members - Daltrey swinging his mic around, Townsend windmilling his guitar and Moon, well, being one of the best rock drummers ever and having his headphones taped to his head so they don't fall off. Then Entwistle standing over there laying down those incredible bass lines. Townsend wrote some amazing music for them. They'll always be one of my favorites.
FWIW, I went to see a Roger Daltrey solo gig in Boston last week. I've seen The Who and Who solo shows too many times to count, but last week - Roger's show was simply amazing. His sense of humor was off the charts that night, especially when he asked the crowd to do the Won't Get Fooled Again scream so that he'd be able to talk the next day. Also, Pete Townshend claims The Who will tour again in 2025. Time will tell.
Fun facts time: those lasers used in the instrumental section were also used in the movie Alien. Alien was filiming on another sound stage at Shepperton at the same time The Who were recording this, and some of the Alien crew, including director Ridley Scott, sneaked into their stage to watch. Scott was really impressed by the lasers so they asked if they could borrow them, and the stage crew agreed. They're what makes the "layer of mist that reacts when touched" the egg chamber.
I had an English teacher in high school back in the 90s that made us read the book Animal Farm by George Orwell. After the class completed the book he brought in a vinyl record of this song and made us read the lyrics while we listened this song together. We then had a class discussion about the meaning of the song and how it tied into the book.
Unfortunately, he was not playing at his peak. His health was not good, his stamina was not great. Compare this video to his playing on Young Man Blues from Isle of Wight and you'll see a much more energized Moon. The whole band was at it's peak for that performance from 1970. I also had the good fortune to see The Who in 1975 and the entire show was amazing. Keith was stunningly good as was the whole band. Perhaps the best concert I ever saw. It was 2 hours long and seemed to be over in a blink of an eye. You just didn't know who to watch between Roger, Keith and of course Pete.
Notice that Keiths (the drummer) his headphones are taped to his head so they don't fall off while he's having a blast doing his job, lol. always loved that.
Roger is 80 now and still sings a lot of his songs in their original keys. He nails the pitch. As Rick Beato always says, before there was pro tools, there were pros.
You don't wanna be in the nose bleed section when you watch a band as loud as The Who. That's where I sat in 72' at the Denver Coliseum, four rows from the rear wall in the upper balcony. All the sound bouncing off the wall meets the new sound & if you're in that zone you'll get nailed. After the show I walked to my car in a daze. The lot was about empty by the time I got there. I got into my 68' Chevelle SS & tried to start it, but nothing, or that's what I thought at first. Then I noticed the front left corner of the car start bouncing & rocking with the right corner like it does when it first starts & I'm pumping the gas & it's trying to lurch forward. That's when I realized I was completely deaf. Drove home, went to bed, & woke up in the morning feeling deep pain in my ears & feeling like blood was pouring out of both ears, but when I ran to the mirror & looked there was no blood, just the warm pulsing sensation like it was blood coming out. It felt like someone had driven a ten penny nail in each ear, the pain was so bad. Made an emergency appointment at the hearing clinic & went right in. That concert made me permanently deaf forever of the three highest notes/sounds our ears are supposed to be able to hear. I'm not complaining whatsoever about The Who, mind you, just the physics of the building & where you don't wanna ever sit... Thanks for your reactions!
The synthesizer you hear at the beginning, this was written when synthesizers were just becoming a thing, and the first ones would take up a small room. Pete had to not only play it, but actually program the sounds that came out of it. That is the level of brilliance in his composing ability.
Like they're both not loveable as hell individually, but when you know the imfamous muppet was modeled after our dear boy here, Mr. Moon, endearing is a pale description for the feeling that inspires.
@@grahamokeefe9406 I can always tell is someone is a true Who fan if they are aware of "Do ya" on the studio version of WGFA. The real test though is if they know there is actually a song called "Teenage Wasteland". The lyrics are semi-similar to "Baba O'Riley" but the song is completely different. You can hear "Teenage Wasteland" if you search on youtube.
One of the best screams in rock right there, by Roger Daltrey, along with Keith Moon's drumming that's amazing and truly powerful when blended with Pete Townsend's hard hitting riffs. Also, Pete Townshend had one of the best right hands in guitar history. He had an amazing way of playing lead and rhythm guitar at the same time.
I got to see them in '75, what a show! No big screens back then, and I remember moving my eyes back and forth, trying to watch all that was going on. Toots and the Maytells opened.
50 years ago my stepfather put headphones on my ears and played this song for the first time while I was laying on a bean bag. The song had only been released 3 years prior. At that time I was 6 years old and was never the same after that experience. This was my gateway drug to hard rock and heavy metal.
This is from the afternoon of their last performance, Keith Moon would pass away three months later. May 25, 1978, The Who performed some of their songs twice in the afternoon, this was one of those songs.
I had forgotten just how much this performance highlights the genius of John Entwhistle, the bassist. Just stunning. Love me some Roger Daltrey, love me some Pete Townshend, Keith Moon of course... but wow.
When this gig was being filmed at Shepperton Studios for the movie "The Kids Are Alright" by The Who, in the studio next door - the movie "Alien" was being filmed. The cast and crew of the "Alien" movie took a break and went over to watch the gig. They liked the laser show at the end of Won't Get Fooled Again so much, the borrowed the laser equipment from The Who and used it in the "Alien" movie. So the next to you watch Alien, keep an eye out for The Who's lasers! On a different note, a young and unknown Chrissie Hynde (from the Pretenders) was in the crowd that day too.
I remember when this came out as a single in 1971, we were as cynical of political institutions then as we are now. "The parting on the left is now a parting on the right".. ..."Meet the new boss, same as the old boss..... We won't get fooled again" - but we always do. Plus ca change!
The Who, as a whole, as well as individually, set standards for rock music and performance, visually and musically, that still stand. Incredible! No matter how many times I watch this video, as well as reactions to it, I still get the hair-raising feels.
Pete said they never let the music get in the way of their performance! I saw them a few years ago and they still kill it. Wish I could have seen them in their height.
I read an interview of Roger Daltry that in live performance that sometimes he would go for a note he knew he may not make but he felt the audience with him and it didn't matter. There's a lot to be said for in the moment.
22:41 i appreciate your respect for what musicians of this era did. They did the best they could with the instruments (and vocals) that they had. No auto-tune, no digital enhancements (well, except the sequencer), no song-writing committee.
indeed! bands or artists not writing their own songs or playing their own instruments? They gotta have the producers and label bring in a bunch of writers to finish their albums? no wonder the songs all sound the same. You really gotta look hard for bands with originality, a sound, a certain style...
On top of all that live sound reinforcement was still pretty bad for live performances because those amps just did not pump the power they needed for these large stadium shows with enough headroom to not be overdriven. Literally just a couple years later amplifiers improved enough to give good fidelity at stadium volumes. That this performance sounds this good from the mixer feed is pretty astonishing for 1978.
“Today, I am finally hearing The Who.”‘I can’t imagine. Not my favorite band, but they are in the same league as the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin. This song was a mainstay of FM radio in the 70s and 80s. One thing you are not missing is hearing loss. They were playing very loudly.
Back in the late '60s, the conventional wisdom was that the Beatles were #1, the Stones #2 and the Who #3 in terms of ranking the bands for greatness. Obviously, that's somewhat subjective, but it speaks to how revered the Who was at the time.
I was lucky enough to have seen The Who about a year and a half before this was filmed, and it blew my high school mind into pieces. They ended the concert with "Won't Get Fooled Again", and it was exactly as this video showed it, including the blue lasers that filled the arena in the dark. I've seen many, many great bands over the years, but this song, by this band, might be the single greatest thing I've ever seen and heard live.
For you Entwistle fans you know you can find the isolated bass of this very performance and Baba O'Reilly on UA-cam and you get a great sense he is the glue that held the music together.
@@Snickers4211 You are welcome, these are from The Kids are Alright DVD and were shot and recorded for the movie and a big part of why I love the bass and play it often, only with 1/10 the skill of Johns pinky finger.
I really enjoy the fact that you let the music play for a while before you give your commentary and react to it. You can tell you are listening to the song and elements as a whole rather than over analyze and stop every 10 seconds like some other channels do. And awesome reaction to one of the greatest rock bands that walked this planet.
As a kid, I saw them on the Smothers Brothers show on TV. I didn't know a thing about them before that. They played the hell out of My Generation and then smashed their instruments. They immediately became my favorite band. Good catch on the pronunciations, by the way. British rock musicians of that generation drew a lot of their inspiration from American blues and R&B, and you could tell. (That went both ways - you could also hear the American musicians who were heavily influenced by the Beatles and so on.)
I saw The Who live in Miami years ago and they are outstanding live. They (Roger Daltrey and Pete Townsend) performed live on Jimmy Fallon around 2017 or so and still sounded great.
The Who released an album in 2019 entitled "WHO". I saw them perform at Fenway Park in Boston on the 2019 tour. Pete Townshend claims they will release a new album and tour again in 2025. BTW, if you haven't heard the most recent album (WHO), check out the song "Beads On One String". Classic Who!!!
@@sunshine3914 The Last Waltz (with The Band) is up there too, as is Stop Making Sense (Talking Heads) a few years later - to get this kind of quality it had to be approached as a feature film level of commitment.
tears in my eyes. Love this band and song so much. Your appreciation by "walking with us (me!)" through that master piece saved my day (again). Pls continue, love your enthusiasm and wonderful work! Good night from Munich (0;
Enjoyed your review! Hard to believe it was 46 years ago and still relevant. 46 years from 1978 when this was performed would have taken us back to 1932! Love the contrast of John Entwistle's controlled bass playing master-performance.
For reasons I'm not going to get into, for spoiler reasons and it's best kept as a surprise, Boris The Spider also by The Who needs to be added to the reaction list.
Probably the best scream in rock history. (In my opinion) So much fun to watch them. I always loved the contrast of the band spazzing out and John is just cool as it gets ripping some of the most incredible bass playing ever put to record.😂
What a classic! All mics wired and the light show saved for the climactic ending. Takes me back to the era of concept albums and rock operas and early synths. Genesis, early King Crimson, PFM and the like. Thanks for the time trip. It's so long ago i can't even find an emoji to suit. 🤍
The WHO was and is a tremendous rock group. In stage presence was insane As you said they were so tight, they and the crowd fed off one another to an experience like none other. Keith Moon on drums is legendary!! So influential to all drummers then and now. Rodger Daltrey a great frontman loved his voice. Please try Baba O’Reilly plus they have a big catalog.
One of the best bass players you will ever see of all time. I love watching you and your reactions. I've seen so many of them and adore every single one. Granted I do pick out my favorite songs that you do and Skip others. But I really appreciate you. Thank you for what you do. ❤
Points of interest. At one time The Who had more money invested in laser and hologram technology than anyone else in the world apart from maybe the odd government (hence the onstage laser show - unique at that time) and the keyboard pulse all the way through the song is a tape taken from Pete Townshend's original demo track of this song and some band performances are remarkably close to his originals. He has a lighter, more vulnerable sounding voice than Daltrey and the two work well together.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Greetings from Scotland. My favourite song by my favourite band. The greatest Rock 'n' Roll band in the world. Over the years I've seen them many times. I treasure each and every one. More please and thank you.
In 1982, The Who was performing 2 gigs at Shea Stadium on Oct 12 and 13...with The Clash as the opening act. I had tickets for the show on Oct 13. My friends and I were on a flight from Boston to NYC on the night of Oct 12. LaGuardia Airport is right next to Shea Stadium. As we were coming in for a landing, we flew past Shea Stadium and you could see the laser beams coming out from inside the ballpark. Gave me goosebumps! BTW, I was 16 years old. Yep, back in those days our parents let 16 year old kids get on flights from Boston to NYC to see a rock concert! I think my parents would be arrested for allowing that in 2024!
They were also known for introducing the rock opera, Quadrophenia and Tommy, currently on Broadway. You might also remember some of the songs as the openings of the CSI series
Ok, so there are MANY REASONS I love your reactions- here's a few; you 'emote'! Your smile, eyes, voice...you actually let your emotions go! 2cnd- you describe 'why' the song/note/pitch is effective. 3rd you give explanations!...you have credentials in the music industry! Fan for life!!!
I saw them in about 72 at Manchester Academy…… the one in the UK. Sutherland Brothers and Quiver were opening for them. I had to feel sorry for them when Moon ran across the back of the speakers and the place erupted. Everyone forgot about Quiver…. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss…. How many times have I used that over my 70 years.
This is such a great performance and your reaction throughout is so fun to watch! That scream/slide moment has got to be one of the coolest ever! Being able to experience their performances through their concert videos is awesome (a little too young to have seen them live). I recommend “Love Reign O’er Me” and “Baba O’Riley” as other great choices. “Won’t Get Fooled Again” also is used as background music in the movie Top Gun Maverick during some of the flying sequences - very cool!
The Who had their management & stage equipment at Shepperton Studios. They realized that they needed form "film" material of their classic songs, so set up an invited fan crown on a sound stage with lighting, sound and cameras to record some of their classic songs. Keith Moon was having some success with his drug & alcohol rehabilitation and enjoyed the whole event. Tragically this was his last live performance as he passed away no longer after
Hall of Famers at every position! You would also like live performance of A Quick One While He’s Away at Rolling Stones Rock n Roll Circus. They were younger and it’s one of a kind.
I have goosebumps. Best first-time reaction and so predictable and welcome. I get them every time. You will need to listen multiple times to appreciate the meaning of the lyrics, and other elements as well. The song applies to US politics today.
If I ever needed to explain rock&roll to someone who had never experienced it I'd be hard pressed to come up with a better definition than just showing them this performance.
Part II 😁 Ahhh the passion from 50's through the 90's. Much after that it's about taking "Samples" or trying to construct a "Hook"!! Lucky to have been a witness! 🕊️☮️
Tee hee, Bethany 😂 Your reaction when Pete bounced his guitar at the end was priceless 🙃 At least he didn't smash it up or the amps or ... Need more goose bumps? Back to 1965 and play their first dozen or so singles. Or watch their "Ready, Steady, Go!" TV appearances. Make sure you have a darkened room to calm down in afterwards
As a former youngster who figuratively dissected so many songs by The Who, picking up the needle of the record player and repeatedly repeating musical phrases and beats, memorizing every squeak of the strings and the durations of the pauses, and especially the deceptively freestyle but actually finely crafted vocals…it’s gratifying to see someone with actual knowledge and training who can appreciate it, though in a more articulate way. Also, it was a treat to see your joy and amazement at the “surprises,” such as Keith’s penultimate drum flurry, Roger’s scream, Pete’s gymnastics and guitar smashing, and even your appreciation for the stolid John “The Ox” Entwistle with his fingers blurred from their speed. In one of their earlier songs (“My Generation”), his was the first recorded bass solo in modern music. And yes, please listen to “Love, Reign O’er Me,” the studio version is more pure and clean.
They still perform - you should see them. I saw them just a couple of years ago and they filled the outdoor arena with tens of thousands of people. It’s so worth it.
There is so much happening here; a cymbal flying of the drum kit near the end, Pete Townsend jumping straight on to his knees, John Entwhistle’s great bass playing and so much more.
It's as if Townshend was playing the part of the guitar hero, and hugely enjoying it. And the drums coming in at the end of the synth break - for me one of the most thrilling rock moments ever.
I encourage everyone to watch the video of Roger Daltrey performing the song "I Want It All" with Queen at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert at Wembley Stadium. Tony Iommi is also featured on that live performance. The crowd at Wembley Stadium absolutely erupts into pure pandemonium!!! Here's a link: ua-cam.com/video/4CSSnrY3Ezs/v-deo.htmlsi=glRLEynjp-uIjirS
Always been one of my favourite bands and I have been fortunate to see them so many times and with all the various line ups since the passing of Moony and the Ox. One of the first bands to have used laser lighting in their concerts
I never get tired of the Energy these guys put into their performances. The facial expressions from Keith while he becomes One with the kit are timeless. Each of them had an iconic presence on stage. Thanks for being there when I was growing up.
This video is very well done. The audio and video quality still stand up. And, you're right, there's no fooling with the audio. Yes, it's properly mixed and I'm sure there was some post production going on, as well. But, the audio is engineered to give the experience of being there. No heavy limiting or pitch correction, either. All of this adds to the experience.
Roger Daltrey scream is the most rock n roll sound in the whole of rock n roll
Listen to the studio version - his scream overloaded the microphone. Takes incredible power to do that.
The scream followed by one of the most iconic lines in the history of rock and roll "Meet the new boss, Same as the old boss".
The last moments of this song are among the greatest in Rock history.
No better power slides than Pete either.
@@shegocrazy When I saw your comment on my notification, I thought it was for a baseball video about Pete Rose 🤣🤣
Many people today do not realize that John Entwistle defined how the bass was to be played in rock. Pete Townshend said that it would take seven people to replace what he did in their music. When he died, it became a truth. They had to add multiple pople to cover his playing live. Anybody who doesn't have him in their top three bassists just doesn't understand music. The great drummers of today, including the Professor, Neil Peart, credit Keith Moon as a high influence in their style and playing. Keith completely broke the mold on how to drum. I heard Roger say that he drummed to the singer, the vocals. As an old drummer, he was my main influence. One of the greatest truths about the Who is that Pete played lead guitar, John played lead bass, Keith played lead drums and Roger sang lead vocals. The genius of the band, much like Rush, is that they all played lead and made it fit together into a perfectly formed mixture of chaos that made complete and total sense. I was fortunate enough to see them several times, including Keith's last performance in Southern California. From my desk at home, I look over my computer to see a huge poster of the greatest photo of Pete I've ever seen, an autographed guitar directly above it,, and surrounded by autographs of all four members, as well as Keith's godson and current drummer, Zak Starkey, Ringo's son. They were a huge influence on me. Another great reaction, Bethany! Much love!
Nailed it! Could not say it any better. First time I saw Keith, I knew I had to play drums (started on guitar 2 years earlier) and then I saw Buddy Rich on the Tonight Show and that sealed it for me! Obviously 2 completely different drumming styles, but both played with the same furiosity and drive - both were absolutely brilliant!
@@hyzeronhisrizer Right on, my friend!! There is something extremely cathartic about beating the hell out of a kit in rhythm with music. Wish my hands could still hold the sticks, I still have my Ludwig kit from 1969,
Entwistle was a phenomenal Bass Player.
It is quite funny all these vocal analysts pick the same songs after each other. Anyhow, I agree Mr. Thunderfingers - John Entwistle is actually ranked 3rd overall in the world bass players by Rolling Stone magazine
100%
That Daltry scream/Townsend knee slide is one of those all time Iconic moments in Rock History. So glad you enjoyed this.
It was the delivery of the promise, of rock n’ roll! The moments you live for.
You must, MUST, listen to their song Love, Reign O’er Me! So much emotion in that one.
Yes, yes, YES!!!
Absolutely!
I was thinking that myself. Please listen.
I just recommended the 2015 Hyde park performance of it. Soo amazingly good
The whole album, Quadrophenia, One of, if not the, best albums every made.
John Entwistle is without a doubt one of the greatest rock bassists ever and because he was calm on stage and just stood still and let his fingers do the entertaining he is often overlooked and underrated.
I also think he was a great visual counterpoint to the other three onstage. They're flying around and he's got them anchored.
Pete always has said he plays rhythm guitar and Entwistle plays lead bass
@@grahamokeefe9406 This reminds me of a quote about John or from him, which was something like "If you're standing on the wing of a plane and the other three guys are waving their arms, you're going to be looking at the guy who's not" :D
Entwistle was named Bass Player of the Millennium. Well deserved.
He is not overlooked nor underrated. I'd give that honor to John Paul Jones. 😅
The Who should always be listened to raw and unedited. It brings out the passion that they put into their music and performances.
Hard to argue with that, but kudos to Pete for his amazing production innovations in the studio as well.
absolute. rock on, play it loud. etc
They were/are primarily a live band first...then came the records.
Oh, no! All music should be auto-tuned, censored and heavily compressed!
@@buckleymordecai9605 Yes, even though Who's Next has always been praised for the production and clear sound, I think it lacks power.
The Who was such a powerhouse of British Rock. 3 manic band members - Daltrey swinging his mic around, Townsend windmilling his guitar and Moon, well, being one of the best rock drummers ever and having his headphones taped to his head so they don't fall off. Then Entwistle standing over there laying down those incredible bass lines. Townsend wrote some amazing music for them. They'll always be one of my favorites.
FWIW, I went to see a Roger Daltrey solo gig in Boston last week. I've seen The Who and Who solo shows too many times to count, but last week - Roger's show was simply amazing. His sense of humor was off the charts that night, especially when he asked the crowd to do the Won't Get Fooled Again scream so that he'd be able to talk the next day. Also, Pete Townshend claims The Who will tour again in 2025. Time will tell.
Well said my friend.
Fun facts time: those lasers used in the instrumental section were also used in the movie Alien. Alien was filiming on another sound stage at Shepperton at the same time The Who were recording this, and some of the Alien crew, including director Ridley Scott, sneaked into their stage to watch. Scott was really impressed by the lasers so they asked if they could borrow them, and the stage crew agreed. They're what makes the "layer of mist that reacts when touched" the egg chamber.
I had an English teacher in high school back in the 90s that made us read the book Animal Farm by George Orwell. After the class completed the book he brought in a vinyl record of this song and made us read the lyrics while we listened this song together. We then had a class discussion about the meaning of the song and how it tied into the book.
Very cool! Loved Animal Farm, so relevant 👌. 😊
I was an English teacher in the 70s and did the same thing!
@@Whofan1000 that's cool!
Pete is a prophet. This song is more relevant today than when he wrote it.
Im a history teacher who gives Animal Farm as the assignment in our Cold War unit. I'm gonna have to add this to the curriculum. Thanks
I love Keith Moon's facial expressions in this performance. The man was WORKING back there!
Unfortunately, he was not playing at his peak. His health was not good, his stamina was not great. Compare this video to his playing on Young Man Blues from Isle of Wight and you'll see a much more energized Moon. The whole band was at it's peak for that performance from 1970. I also had the good fortune to see The Who in 1975 and the entire show was amazing. Keith was stunningly good as was the whole band. Perhaps the best concert I ever saw. It was 2 hours long and seemed to be over in a blink of an eye. You just didn't know who to watch between Roger, Keith and of course Pete.
He was a working man. Rush later on, right?
I could see you smiling every time you looked at The Ox on the bass, thinking "yeah, she sees it!" What a complete monster.
One of the greatest live bands to ever grace a stage
The archetype
The
Notice that Keiths (the drummer) his headphones are taped to his head so they don't fall off while he's having a blast doing his job, lol. always loved that.
...and how he rips them off at the end. Sends a cymbal flying too. Love it.
Roger is 80 now and still sings a lot of his songs in their original keys. He nails the pitch. As Rick Beato always says, before there was pro tools, there were pros.
You don't wanna be in the nose bleed section when you watch a band as loud as The Who. That's where I sat in 72' at the Denver Coliseum, four rows from the rear wall in the upper balcony. All the sound bouncing off the wall meets the new sound & if you're in that zone you'll get nailed. After the show I walked to my car in a daze. The lot was about empty by the time I got there. I got into my 68' Chevelle SS & tried to start it, but nothing, or that's what I thought at first. Then I noticed the front left corner of the car start bouncing & rocking with the right corner like it does when it first starts & I'm pumping the gas & it's trying to lurch forward. That's when I realized I was completely deaf. Drove home, went to bed, & woke up in the morning feeling deep pain in my ears & feeling like blood was pouring out of both ears, but when I ran to the mirror & looked there was no blood, just the warm pulsing sensation like it was blood coming out. It felt like someone had driven a ten penny nail in each ear, the pain was so bad. Made an emergency appointment at the hearing clinic & went right in. That concert made me permanently deaf forever of the three highest notes/sounds our ears are supposed to be able to hear. I'm not complaining whatsoever about The Who, mind you, just the physics of the building & where you don't wanna ever sit... Thanks for your reactions!
I had the same experience seeing The Who at Madison Square Garden in 1981. My hearing was muffled after the concert like I had been near an explosion.
That Roger Daltry scream dominated FM rock radio ad spots. Epic vocals
And this kids is one of many reasons why your grandparents are the way they are...
Was a great era to grow up in.
The synthesizer you hear at the beginning, this was written when synthesizers were just becoming a thing, and the first ones would take up a small room. Pete had to not only play it, but actually program the sounds that came out of it. That is the level of brilliance in his composing ability.
Actually…. It’s a Lowery organ run through (I believe) an ARP2600 module.
If you ever wondered who influenced Animal from The Muppets, he's here.
Like they're both not loveable as hell individually, but when you know the imfamous muppet was modeled after our dear boy here, Mr. Moon, endearing is a pale description for the feeling that inspires.
I get it, but always thought Mick Fleetwood was inspiration in his style.
@@ProphetAndLoss bunch of drummers, also John Bonham and Bill Ward among others
"Cuz I know that the hypnotized never lie!"
"DO YA??"
Today - America - the truth.
@@brianboye8025 Almost every reactor misses that bit. Maybe it doesn't stand out as much if you don't know the studio version
@@grahamokeefe9406 I can always tell is someone is a true Who fan if they are aware of "Do ya" on the studio version of WGFA. The real test though is if they know there is actually a song called "Teenage Wasteland". The lyrics are semi-similar to "Baba O'Riley" but the song is completely different. You can hear "Teenage Wasteland" if you search on youtube.
One of the best screams in rock right there, by Roger Daltrey, along with Keith Moon's drumming that's amazing and truly powerful when blended with Pete Townsend's hard hitting riffs.
Also, Pete Townshend had one of the best right hands in guitar history. He had an amazing way of playing lead and rhythm guitar at the same time.
"One of"?
Yeps. A lot of great guitar players were influenced by Pete, he is a genius!!
That scream with the transition from darkness to a leaping Pete landing in slow motion is an Iconic rock and roll image
you could just play the scream and everybody knows what it is.
Pete doing his 'Artful Dodger' walk at 16.59!
So glad I got to see them in concert in 1976. My ears are still ringing.
I got to see them in '75, what a show! No big screens back then, and I remember moving my eyes back and forth, trying to watch all that was going on. Toots and the Maytells opened.
50 years ago my stepfather put headphones on my ears and played this song for the first time while I was laying on a bean bag. The song had only been released 3 years prior. At that time I was 6 years old and was never the same after that experience. This was my gateway drug to hard rock and heavy metal.
" Behing Blue Eyes" is your next dive into The Who!
Correct
This is from the afternoon of their last performance, Keith Moon would pass away three months later. May 25, 1978, The Who performed some of their songs twice in the afternoon, this was one of those songs.
I had forgotten just how much this performance highlights the genius of John Entwhistle, the bassist. Just stunning. Love me some Roger Daltrey, love me some Pete Townshend, Keith Moon of course... but wow.
Roger is on tour now and he still sounds amazing. He asked the crowd to do the scream for this song, he is 80 and doing 2+ hours shows.
When this gig was being filmed at Shepperton Studios for the movie "The Kids Are Alright" by The Who, in the studio next door - the movie "Alien" was being filmed. The cast and crew of the "Alien" movie took a break and went over to watch the gig. They liked the laser show at the end of Won't Get Fooled Again so much, the borrowed the laser equipment from The Who and used it in the "Alien" movie. So the next to you watch Alien, keep an eye out for The Who's lasers! On a different note, a young and unknown Chrissie Hynde (from the Pretenders) was in the crowd that day too.
You beat me to the Alien trivia!
I remember when this came out as a single in 1971, we were as cynical of political institutions then as we are now. "The parting on the left is now a parting on the right".. ..."Meet the new boss, same as the old boss..... We won't get fooled again" - but we always do. Plus ca change!
The Who, as a whole, as well as individually, set standards for rock music and performance, visually and musically, that still stand. Incredible!
No matter how many times I watch this video, as well as reactions to it, I still get the hair-raising feels.
Pete said they never let the music get in the way of their performance! I saw them a few years ago and they still kill it. Wish I could have seen them in their height.
I read an interview of Roger Daltry that in live performance that sometimes he would go for a note he knew he may not make but he felt the audience with him and it didn't matter. There's a lot to be said for in the moment.
When you first commented on the song I thought wait till you hear the end. Been a who fan for fifty years. My favorite band ever.
Subscribed! Finally, someone mentions the southern accent on some of the vocals!
Ah, I've been hoping to catch one of your reactions to The Who, one of the greatest ever group of performers. Awesome sauce!
22:41 i appreciate your respect for what musicians of this era did. They did the best they could with the instruments (and vocals) that they had. No auto-tune, no digital enhancements (well, except the sequencer), no song-writing committee.
indeed! bands or artists not writing their own songs or playing their own instruments? They gotta have the producers and label bring in a bunch of writers to finish their albums? no wonder the songs all sound the same. You really gotta look hard for bands with originality, a sound, a certain style...
On top of all that live sound reinforcement was still pretty bad for live performances because those amps just did not pump the power they needed for these large stadium shows with enough headroom to not be overdriven. Literally just a couple years later amplifiers improved enough to give good fidelity at stadium volumes. That this performance sounds this good from the mixer feed is pretty astonishing for 1978.
You’re joking right? Overdrive distortion made the sound.
You absolutely MUST listen to “Live Reign O’er Me” from the album Quadrophenia!
I'd just watched a whole bunch of videos on this channel and was about to log off and go to bed when this gem of an analysis / reaction dropped
😁👍
“Today, I am finally hearing The Who.”‘I can’t imagine. Not my favorite band, but they are in the same league as the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin. This song was a mainstay of FM radio in the 70s and 80s.
One thing you are not missing is hearing loss. They were playing very loudly.
Measured 160dB, same as a 747 on take off.
Pete had ALL THREE Hiwatt heads maxed out and on.
Back in the late '60s, the conventional wisdom was that the Beatles were #1, the Stones #2 and the Who #3 in terms of ranking the bands for greatness. Obviously, that's somewhat subjective, but it speaks to how revered the Who was at the time.
I'm always amazed by the quality and production of this performance video. Way ahead of it's time
I was lucky enough to have seen The Who about a year and a half before this was filmed, and it blew my high school mind into pieces. They ended the concert with "Won't Get Fooled Again", and it was exactly as this video showed it, including the blue lasers that filled the arena in the dark.
I've seen many, many great bands over the years, but this song, by this band, might be the single greatest thing I've ever seen and heard live.
The Who is really worth diving into. Try "Pinball Wizard"
For you Entwistle fans you know you can find the isolated bass of this very performance and Baba O'Reilly on UA-cam and you get a great sense he is the glue that held the music together.
OOhh spicy thanks!
@@Snickers4211 You are welcome, these are from The Kids are Alright DVD and were shot and recorded for the movie and a big part of why I love the bass and play it often, only with 1/10 the skill of Johns pinky finger.
I really enjoy the fact that you let the music play for a while before you give your commentary and react to it. You can tell you are listening to the song and elements as a whole rather than over analyze and stop every 10 seconds like some other channels do. And awesome reaction to one of the greatest rock bands that walked this planet.
I strongly second this comment...
As a kid, I saw them on the Smothers Brothers show on TV. I didn't know a thing about them before that. They played the hell out of My Generation and then smashed their instruments. They immediately became my favorite band.
Good catch on the pronunciations, by the way. British rock musicians of that generation drew a lot of their inspiration from American blues and R&B, and you could tell. (That went both ways - you could also hear the American musicians who were heavily influenced by the Beatles and so on.)
Yeah, Jagger always sang with a Southern accent.
I saw The Who live in Miami years ago and they are outstanding live. They (Roger Daltrey and Pete Townsend) performed live on Jimmy Fallon around 2017 or so and still sounded great.
The Who released an album in 2019 entitled "WHO". I saw them perform at Fenway Park in Boston on the 2019 tour. Pete Townshend claims they will release a new album and tour again in 2025. BTW, if you haven't heard the most recent album (WHO), check out the song "Beads On One String". Classic Who!!!
@@bostonwhofan Good to know. Thanks!
Shot live on 35 mm film with an audience but in a film studio - hence the extremely high production values
@@sunshine3914 The Last Waltz (with The Band) is up there too, as is Stop Making Sense (Talking Heads) a few years later - to get this kind of quality it had to be approached as a feature film level of commitment.
its a beautiful recording
Are they madmen ?
I'm 66 and I still can't decide, but the song still resonates
They certainly had no restraints on stage.
universally. when people who are into "rock/music" etc and someone mentions "the scream". no explanation is necessary.
If you like this you will love their early live story play like song "a quick one while away" live at circus.
Oh emm gee, I looove that performance! 😁
tears in my eyes. Love this band and song so much. Your appreciation by "walking with us (me!)" through that master piece saved my day (again). Pls continue, love your enthusiasm and wonderful work! Good night from Munich (0;
Enjoyed your review! Hard to believe it was 46 years ago and still relevant. 46 years from 1978 when this was performed would have taken us back to 1932! Love the contrast of John Entwistle's controlled bass playing master-performance.
For reasons I'm not going to get into, for spoiler reasons and it's best kept as a surprise, Boris The Spider also by The Who needs to be added to the reaction list.
Probably the best scream in rock history. (In my opinion) So much fun to watch them. I always loved the contrast of the band spazzing out and John is just cool as it gets ripping some of the most incredible bass playing ever put to record.😂
So glad you noticed and commented on Pete’s wonderful harmonies and the way you characterized their duet singing.
What a classic! All mics wired and the light show saved for the climactic ending. Takes me back to the era of concept albums and rock operas and early synths. Genesis, early King Crimson, PFM and the like. Thanks for the time trip. It's so long ago i can't even find an emoji to suit. 🤍
The WHO was and is a tremendous rock group. In stage presence was insane As you said they were so tight, they and the crowd fed off one another to an experience like none other. Keith Moon on drums is legendary!! So influential to all drummers then and now. Rodger Daltrey a great frontman loved his voice. Please try Baba O’Reilly plus they have a big catalog.
Bethany's expression when PT throws the guitar (22:00) is priceless. That should have been the one used on the reaction video thumbnail!
No matter how many times i have seen that performance, and that is many, it is always thrilling.
"Hey John, how much bass should we add to this song?"
John: "All of it"
Love, Reign O’er Me by The Who! Listen to the original studio version because it will blow you away!
For even more energy, watch their 1970 Isle of Wight performance of "Young Man Blues", even better in the 3 camera recording available.
amazing!
One of the best bass players you will ever see of all time.
I love watching you and your reactions. I've seen so many of them and adore every single one. Granted I do pick out my favorite songs that you do and Skip others. But I really appreciate you. Thank you for what you do. ❤
Points of interest. At one time The Who had more money invested in laser and hologram technology than anyone else in the world apart from maybe the odd government (hence the onstage laser show - unique at that time) and the keyboard pulse all the way through the song is a tape taken from Pete Townshend's original demo track of this song and some band performances are remarkably close to his originals. He has a lighter, more vulnerable sounding voice than Daltrey and the two work well together.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Greetings from Scotland. My favourite song by my favourite band. The greatest Rock 'n' Roll band in the world. Over the years I've seen them many times. I treasure each and every one. More please and thank you.
My first concert. A stadium show in 1982 with festival seating.
The light show of the wonderful blue light is worth the price of admission. Thanks
In 1982, The Who was performing 2 gigs at Shea Stadium on Oct 12 and 13...with The Clash as the opening act. I had tickets for the show on Oct 13. My friends and I were on a flight from Boston to NYC on the night of Oct 12. LaGuardia Airport is right next to Shea Stadium. As we were coming in for a landing, we flew past Shea Stadium and you could see the laser beams coming out from inside the ballpark. Gave me goosebumps! BTW, I was 16 years old. Yep, back in those days our parents let 16 year old kids get on flights from Boston to NYC to see a rock concert! I think my parents would be arrested for allowing that in 2024!
They were also known for introducing the rock opera, Quadrophenia and Tommy, currently on Broadway. You might also remember some of the songs as the openings of the CSI series
saw them do Quadrophenia live sadly it was after Moon had passed still remarkable.
Ok, so there are MANY REASONS I love your reactions- here's a few; you 'emote'! Your smile, eyes, voice...you actually let your emotions go! 2cnd- you describe 'why' the song/note/pitch is effective. 3rd you give explanations!...you have credentials in the music industry! Fan for life!!!
Greatest rock band ever
I saw them in about 72 at Manchester Academy…… the one in the UK. Sutherland Brothers and Quiver were opening for them. I had to feel sorry for them when Moon ran across the back of the speakers and the place erupted. Everyone forgot about Quiver….
Meet the new boss, same as the old boss…. How many times have I used that over my 70 years.
Best scream in the history of Rock!
Time spent listening to your videos is time well spent, I learn so much. I could listen to you read from the menu at the local diner.
Well done! I'd request that your next reaction to the Who be another song from the same performance as this--"Baba O'Reilly"
I'm so pleased that you enjoyed this. I first saw it on The Kids Are Alright VHS in 1983 when I was 14 and it frankly blew my young mind.
The blue laser lights the WHO had were used in the movie Alien, they were filming next door to where the Who were rehearsing .
This is such a great performance and your reaction throughout is so fun to watch! That scream/slide moment has got to be one of the coolest ever! Being able to experience their performances through their concert videos is awesome (a little too young to have seen them live). I recommend “Love Reign O’er Me” and “Baba O’Riley” as other great choices. “Won’t Get Fooled Again” also is used as background music in the movie Top Gun Maverick during some of the flying sequences - very cool!
The Who had their management & stage equipment at Shepperton Studios. They realized that they needed form "film" material of their classic songs, so set up an invited fan crown on a sound stage with lighting, sound and cameras to record some of their classic songs. Keith Moon was having some success with his drug & alcohol rehabilitation and enjoyed the whole event. Tragically this was his last live performance as he passed away no longer after
Hall of Famers at every position!
You would also like live performance of A Quick One While He’s Away at Rolling Stones Rock n Roll Circus. They were younger and it’s one of a kind.
In my opinion The Who are the ones who made the rock concert what it is. Full blast right in your face.
I have goosebumps. Best first-time reaction and so predictable and welcome. I get them every time. You will need to listen multiple times to appreciate the meaning of the lyrics, and other elements as well. The song applies to US politics today.
If I ever needed to explain rock&roll to someone who had never experienced it I'd be hard pressed to come up with a better definition than just showing them this performance.
Part II 😁 Ahhh the passion from 50's through the 90's. Much after that it's about taking "Samples" or trying to construct a "Hook"!! Lucky to have been a witness! 🕊️☮️
These guys really set the standard for on-stage hyperkenesis
I remember seeing this the first time when I was 15.. The slide and scream is one of the most pure moments of Rock ever..
Tee hee, Bethany 😂 Your reaction when Pete bounced his guitar at the end was priceless 🙃 At least he didn't smash it up or the amps or ...
Need more goose bumps? Back to 1965 and play their first dozen or so singles. Or watch their "Ready, Steady, Go!" TV appearances. Make sure you have a darkened room to calm down in afterwards
As a former youngster who figuratively dissected so many songs by The Who, picking up the needle of the record player and repeatedly repeating musical phrases and beats, memorizing every squeak of the strings and the durations of the pauses, and especially the deceptively freestyle but actually finely crafted vocals…it’s gratifying to see someone with actual knowledge and training who can appreciate it, though in a more articulate way.
Also, it was a treat to see your joy and amazement at the “surprises,” such as Keith’s penultimate drum flurry, Roger’s scream, Pete’s gymnastics and guitar smashing, and even your appreciation for the stolid John “The Ox” Entwistle with his fingers blurred from their speed. In one of their earlier songs (“My Generation”), his was the first recorded bass solo in modern music.
And yes, please listen to “Love, Reign O’er Me,” the studio version is more pure and clean.
Miss you John and Keith RIP
I love The Who. Animal, of the muppets. That of course was based on the drummer, crazy Kieth Moon.
Goosebumps. Correct reaction.
They still perform - you should see them. I saw them just a couple of years ago and they filled the outdoor arena with tens of thousands of people. It’s so worth it.
There is so much happening here; a cymbal flying of the drum kit near the end, Pete Townsend jumping straight on to his knees, John Entwhistle’s great bass playing and so much more.
Pete used knee pads, but landing on them is still impressive.
Also, if you look closely, Pete ripped a fingernail off while windmilling. You can see the bloody index finger towards the end of the song.
It's as if Townshend was playing the part of the guitar hero, and hugely enjoying it. And the drums coming in at the end of the synth break - for me one of the most thrilling rock moments ever.
I've always said that Roger isn't the best vocalist but he puts a lot of heart into it which makes all the difference.
I encourage everyone to watch the video of Roger Daltrey performing the song "I Want It All" with Queen at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert at Wembley Stadium. Tony Iommi is also featured on that live performance. The crowd at Wembley Stadium absolutely erupts into pure pandemonium!!! Here's a link: ua-cam.com/video/4CSSnrY3Ezs/v-deo.htmlsi=glRLEynjp-uIjirS
Always been one of my favourite bands and I have been fortunate to see them so many times and with all the various line ups since the passing of Moony and the Ox. One of the first bands to have used laser lighting in their concerts
Who needs a Nuclear Power Station when we have the Who? Enough raw energy to power a small Country 😂.
I never get tired of the Energy these guys put into their performances. The facial expressions from Keith while he becomes One with the kit are timeless. Each of them had an iconic presence on stage. Thanks for being there when I was growing up.
If this is the first one, please give a listen to Behind Blue Eyes and Love Reign O'er' Me. 👍
This video is very well done. The audio and video quality still stand up. And, you're right, there's no fooling with the audio. Yes, it's properly mixed and I'm sure there was some post production going on, as well. But, the audio is engineered to give the experience of being there. No heavy limiting or pitch correction, either. All of this adds to the experience.