The Who

The Who - Join Together Live at Fillmore East, New York

Fillmore East
New York, NY, United States

• On May 6, 1968, The Who performed at the Fillmore East in New York City, a notable moment in their career that showcased their explosive live energy. ... Read Full Description >

  On May 6, 1968, The Who performed at the Fillmore East in New York City, a notable moment in their career that showcased their explosive live energy. This performance occurred during a prolific period for the band, shortly after the release of their seminal album "The Who Sell Out," which came out in December 1967. The live recording captured the band at the height of their artistic and musical development, blending rock with innovative sound effects and studio techniques that were influential at the time. "Join Together," the song featured in the video, was later released as a single in 1972, but its roots and live renditions from this era helped solidify the band's reputation for dynamic performances. Interestingly, The Who were known for their stage presence and the destruction of instruments, which added to their legendary status in rock history, a trend that had already begun during this era.

The Who - Join Together Live at The Fillmore East Concert

The Fillmore East
New York, NY, United States

• In May 1968, when The Who performed "Join Together" live at The Fillmore East, they were riding high on the success of their fifth studio album, "The ... Read Full Description >

  In May 1968, when The Who performed "Join Together" live at The Fillmore East, they were riding high on the success of their fifth studio album, "The Who Sell Out," released earlier that year in December 1967. This album showcased their innovative approach to rock, incorporating radio jingles and advertisements, which was a significant departure from traditional formats. The live performance at The Fillmore East is notable not only for capturing the raw energy of the band but also for being part of their early forays into the American music scene, which was pivotal for their career. By this time, The Who had established themselves as a leading force in rock, and they began to gain a substantial following in the United States. The performance exemplifies their electrifying stage presence, which contributed to their reputation as one of the greatest live bands of their era.

The Who's A Quick One (While He's Away) Live at The Rolling Stones Rock And Roll Circus

Intertel TV Studios
London, England, United Kingdom

• During the time of The Who's live performance of "A Quick One (While He's Away)" on December 11, 1968, they were enjoying significant success followin... Read Full Description >

  During the time of The Who's live performance of "A Quick One (While He's Away)" on December 11, 1968, they were enjoying significant success following the release of their album "The Who Sell Out" earlier that year, which debuted in March. This album showcased their innovative style, blending rock and pop with unconventional concepts, and was notable for its satirical advertising jingles, reflecting the band's growing point of view on commercialism in music. Following this live recording, The Who would continue to evolve their sound leading up to the release of "Tommy" in 1969, a rock opera that would solidify their place in music history. The performance at The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus is particularly memorable, not only for the energy of the band, but also for Keith Moon's iconic on-stage antics, highlighted by moments such as him throwing his drum across the stage, showcasing the band's dynamic and chaotic live presence.

The Who - A Quick One (While He's Away) from The Rolling Stones Rock And Roll Circus

Intertel TV Studios
London, England, United Kingdom

• In December 1968, The Who were on the cusp of significant acclaim, following the release of their landmark album, "The Who Sell Out," earlier that sam... Read Full Description >

  In December 1968, The Who were on the cusp of significant acclaim, following the release of their landmark album, "The Who Sell Out," earlier that same year. This album, which showcased their innovative blend of rock and pop sensibilities, emphasized their knack for unconventional song structures and satire. The live performance of "A Quick One (While He's Away)" during The Rolling Stones Rock And Roll Circus exemplified their dynamic stage presence and musical prowess, enhancing their reputation as a quintessential live act. Interestingly, this period also marked the band's evolution towards a more theatrical performance style, highlighted by drummer Keith Moon's notorious antics, such as throwing his drum across the stage during the set. This captivating performance contributed to The Who's growing legend and set the stage for their subsequent groundbreaking work, including the rock opera "Tommy," which would arrive in 1969.