LEGEND: (n) someone very famous and admired , usually because of their ability in a particular area.
In 2022, a word often overused or used out of context. However, there remain certain persons that rise above the modern day 15-minute TicTok infamy to be the living word personified. Two living legends just happen to be in a band called The Who. Who are these legends? That’s simple, Pete Townsend and Roger Daltrey.
We were first introduced to them in 1964, and now in their 70s, The Who is “hitting back” at North America this spring and fall with The Who Hits Back!
The tour – and the legends – will stop in all the major cities, including two tremendous shows in the L.A. area. The band will appear at Honda Center in Anaheim on October 28th and Hollywood Bowl on November 1st before heading to Sin City for a two-night venture at the Dolby Live.
The band will be touring the UK over the summer to replace the dates they had to reschedule due to COVID, so if you’re on the other side of the pond and have tickets to those original events, you’re in luck because they are still valid!
Started in 1964 as a London rock band, The Who has gone on to sell over 100 million records worldwide to date and are still going strong. They are cited as being one of the most influential rock bands of all time, and large PA systems, using a synthesizer, rock operas, feedback and power chords, and so much more, wouldn’t have happened as they did without The Who. They even helped push modern fashion to the rock stage by embracing pop art.
THE WHO
Honda Center | Anaheim
October 28, 2022
Hollywood Bowl | Los Angeles
November 1, 2022
The Who has always been a groundbreaking band. Not following the lead of The Beatles by writing about romance and heartbreak, or The Rolling Stones by being a “showy” band with their on-stage struts, The Who were inspired by American rhythm and blues. With their straight-to-it lyrics about teenage tribulation, they helped the loner feel normal and the outsider feel understood. At a time when rock music was somewhat new and young people were just starting to come together for the love of rock music, The Who knew they wanted to be a part of it, but in their own way.
The 1965 release of the revolutionary song “My Generation” propelled The Who to the start of their greatness. In fact, the song holds a slot as one of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll because of its “historical artistic and significant” value. Their importance has led them to inspire other artist such as Pink Floyd, Paul McCartney, Bono, Eddie Vedder, AC/DC, The Ramones, and Billie Joe Armstrong.
Despite these big names that they have influenced, it is impossible to name the number of bands and artists The Who has inspired. In part because some are too young to even know the inspiration behind their favorite band’s sonic and artistic visions go back to The Who.
Sure, the guys went in their own direction and found success elsewhere, but they are magic when they take the stage together!
Other songs that remain part of the soundtrack of our lives include “Pinball Wizard,” “I Can See For Miles,” “Happy Jack,” “Squeeze Box,” “You Better You Bet,” and “Who Are You.”
OG Who members still bringing the rock are Roger Daltrey on vocals and Pete Townshend on guitar, while current touring members are Zak Starkey on drums, Simon Townshend on guitar and backing vocals, Loren Gold on keyboard and backing vocals, and Jon Button on bass guitar
Tickets are on sale now, so grab yours this very second. Of course, be sure to check your venue’s COVID protocols. You don’t want to be stuck singing “Baba O’Riley” from the parking lot!
