The Who developed from an earlier group, the Detours, and established themselves as part of the pop art and mod movements, featuring auto-destructive art by destroying guitars and drums on stage. Their first single as the Who, "I Can't Explain", reached the UK top ten, followed by a string of singles including "My Generation", "Substitute" and "Happy Jack". In 1967, they performed at the Monterey Pop Festival and released the US top ten single "I Can See for Miles", while touring extensively. The group's fourth album, 1969's rock opera Tommy, included the single "Pinball Wizard" and was a critical and commercial success. Live appearances at Woodstock and the Isle of Wight Festival, along with the live album Live at Leeds, cemented their reputation as a respected rock act. With their success came increased pressure on lead songwriter Townshend, and the follow-up to Tommy, Lifehouse, was abandoned. Songs from the project made up 1971's Who's Next, which included the hit "Won't Get Fooled Again". The group released the album Quadrophenia in 1973 as a celebration of their mod roots, and oversaw the film adaptation of Tommy in 1975. They continued to tour to large audiences before semi-retiring from live performances at the end of 1976. The release of Who Are You in 1978 was overshadowed by the death of Moon shortly after.
Kenney Jones replaced Moon and the group resumed activity, releasing a film adaptation of Quadrophenia and the retrospective documentary The Kids Are Alright. After Townshend became weary of touring, the group split in 1982. The Who occasionally re-formed for live appearances such as Live Aid in 1985, a 25th anniversary tour in 1989 and a tour of Quadrophenia in 1996–1997. They resumed regular touring in 1999, with drummer Zak Starkey. After Entwistle's death in 2002, plans for a new album were delayed. Townshend and Daltrey continued as the Who, releasing Endless Wire in 2006, and continued to play live regularly.
The Who's major contributions to rock music include the development of the Marshall stack, large PA systems, use of the synthesizer, Entwistle and Moon's lead playing styles, Townshend's feedback and power chord guitar technique, and the development of the rock opera. They are cited as an influence by hard rock, punk rock and mod bands, and their songs still receive regular exposure.
The Who is one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century. Their appearances at Monterey and Woodstock helped give them a reputation as one of the greatest live rock acts and they have been credited with originating the "rock opera". The band has sold over 100 million records worldwide.
The group's contributions to rock include the power chord, windmill strum and the use of non-musical instrument noise such as feedback. The band influenced fashion from their earliest days with their embrace of pop art and the use of the Union Jack for clothing. The guitar-smashing incident at the Railway Hotel in 1964 is one of Rolling Stone magazine's "50 Moments That Changed the History of Rock 'n' Roll".
Pink Floyd began to use feedback from their early shows in 1966, inspired by the Who, whom they considered a formative influence. Shortly after arriving in London in 1966, Jimi Hendrix visited Marshall's music shop demanding an amp setup like Townshend's and manipulated electronic noises in ways that Townshend had pioneered. The Beatles were fans and socialised with Moon in particular during the mid-1960s. In 1965, Paul McCartney said the Who "are the most exciting thing around" and was inspired to write "Helter Skelter" in the group's "heavy" style; John Lennon borrowed the acoustic guitar style in "Pinball Wizard" for "Polythene Pam".
The loud volume of the band's live show influenced the approach of hard rock and heavy metal. Proto punk and punk rock bands such as the MC5, the Stooges, the Ramones, the Sex Pistols, the Clash and Green Day cite the Who as an influence. The Who inspired mod revival bands, particularly the Jam, which helped other groups influenced by the Who become popular. The Who influenced hard rock bands such as Guns N' Roses. In the mid-1990s, Britpop bands such as Blur and Oasis were influenced by the Who. The Who have also influenced pop punk band Panic! at the Disco.
The Who has inspired many tribute bands; Daltrey has endorsed the Whodlums, who raise money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Many bands have covered Who songs; Elton John's version of "Pinball Wizard" reached No. 7 in the UK.
Tommy's Holiday Camp
The Who Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm your Uncle Ernie
And I'll welcome you to Tommy's Holiday Camp
The camp with the difference
Never mind the weather
When you come to Tommy's
The holiday's forever
The camp with the difference
Never mind the weather
When you come to Tommy's
The holiday's forever
The introductory lines of The Who's song 'Tommy's Holiday Camp' are spoken by Uncle Ernie, a character in the rock opera titled Tommy. The lyrics represent a wistful recollection of the camp that offered a very different holiday experience. Uncle Ernie plays the role of the camp's host and gladly welcomes all the "campers" with open arms. He emphasizes the fact that Tommy's Holiday Camp was unlike any other, as regardless of the weather or season, the visitors were always guaranteed an incredible and unforgettable holiday experience.
As the song progresses, Uncle Ernie celebrates the lasting memories that the visitors take back with them from Tommy's Holiday Camp. The singer repeatedly accentuates the "difference" that the camp offers to distinguish it from other camps. Using these lyrics, The Who aimed to embody the essence of a nostalgic summer camp, filled with joy, laughter, and endless fond memories.
To sum up, The Who's song Tommy's Holiday Camp encapsulates the spirit of an idyllic summer camp where one can rejoice and celebrate the holiday's forever. Uncle Ernie's voice adds a touch of warmth and comfort that perfectly suits the song's theme.
Line by Line Meaning
Good morning Campers!
I greet you with enthusiasm and energy, as if we are all united in a communal activity or experience.
I'm your Uncle Ernie
I am here to lead and guide you, as a father figure or mentor to those in this community.
And I'll welcome you to Tommy's Holiday Camp
I am introducing you to a place of fun and excitement, where people gather to enjoy themselves and relax.
The camp with the difference
This place offers something unique and special not found elsewhere. It is not a typical campground or vacation spot.
Never mind the weather
Don't worry about any adverse weather conditions that might deter from the experience. It won't ruin your time here.
When you come to Tommy's
Being here is an experience in its own right, one that has a distinct atmosphere and appeal.
The holiday's forever
This camp is so enjoyable that it feels like a permanent vacation. It provides a long-lasting, positive memory and experience for all who attend.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: KEITH MOON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
David Rollo
An absolute Masterpiece. Nobody came close to the pure energy of The Who. What a musical journey!
Tiger
“Amazing” journey
Rege Suchma
Haven’t seen this since mtv
matthew o'brien
You got that right, Dave. This blows everything else away, before and since!!!
Greg LaPointe
Quite possibly the greatest rock album ever.
Nick Constantinidis
Roger on "drums". I love it. But, wow, when everyone took their regular positions, it was magic.
Luis Magalhães Pereira
The Greatest Rock N Roll band that ever was and ever will be! This song and this band are the soundtrack of my life
C Preston
What an amazing song. And watching Keith Moon was always a treat.
matthew obrien
An amazing song from an amazing album. As a matter of fact, THE BEST ALBUM OF ALL-TIME!!!!!!!!!!!
Cade
matthew obrien facts