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.
Wont Get Fooled Again
The Who Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With our children at our feet
And the morals that they worship will be gone
And the men who spurred us on
Sit in judgement of all wrong
They decide and the shotgun sings the song
I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again
The change, it had to come
We knew it all along
We were liberated from the fold, that's all
And the world looks just the same
And history ain't changed
'Cause the banners, they are flown in the next war
I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again, no, no
I'll move myself and my family aside
If we happen to be left half alive
I'll get all my papers and smile at the sky
Though I know that the hypnotized never lie
Do ya?
Yeah
There's nothing in the streets
Looks any different to me
And the slogans are replaced, by-the-bye
And the parting on the left
Is now parting on the right
And the beards have all grown longer overnight
I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again
Don't get fooled again, no, no
Yeah
Meet the new boss
Same as the old boss
"Won't Get Fooled Again," by The Who, is an iconic song that was recorded for their 1971 album, Who's Next. This song reflects the sentiments of the band at the time of writing regarding revolution, change, and the consequences of remaining complacent. The lyrics suggest that there is always a possibility of being "fooled again" due to the cyclical nature of society.
The first verse of the song describes a situation of chaos and instability: "We'll be fighting in the streets, with our children at our feet." The second line of the verse suggests that the morals that people hold dear are lost, and the people who spurred on this chaos are in power, wielding a great deal of judgment. The final couplet, "They decide and the shotgun sings the song," hints at the violent means which those in power will resort to in order to maintain the status quo.
The chorus of the song sets out the challenge: "I'll tip my hat to the new constitution, take a bow for the new revolution, smile and grin at the change all around, pick up my guitar and play, just like yesterday, then I'll get on my knees and pray, we don't get fooled again." The singer acknowledges the change that has occurred, but questions whether it will ultimately benefit the people. The final verse continues in this vein, with the singer declaming that the world still looks much the same and that history still repeats itself, and that they hope not to be "fooled again."
Line by Line Meaning
We'll be fighting in the streets
With our children at our feet
And the morals that they worship will be gone
And the men who spurred us on
Sit in judgement of all wrong
They decide and the shotgun sings the song
We will be fighting for our beliefs in the streets, with our children by our side, while the morals that were once sacred are abandoned. The people who encouraged us to fight sit in positions of power, making decisions about what is right and wrong. If they disagree, violence will ensue.
I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again
As society changes, I will acknowledge and celebrate the progress made, but also remember how things used to be. I will express myself through music and hope that we don't make the same mistakes again.
The change, it had to come
We knew it all along
We were liberated from the fold, that's all
And the world looks just the same
And history ain't changed
'Cause the banners, they are flown in the next war
The change that we fought for was inevitable and long overdue. Even though we are liberated from past beliefs, the world remains the same and history repeats itself. Those who promote war will continue to do so, regardless of any changes made.
I'll move myself and my family aside
If we happen to be left half alive
I'll get all my papers and smile at the sky
Though I know that the hypnotized never lie
Do ya?
Yeah
If my family and I survive the fight, I will leave the chaos behind and continue with my life as usual. The power-hungry people who initiated the conflict are manipulating others' thoughts and actions to their advantage, even if it involves deceit.
There's nothing in the streets
Looks any different to me
And the slogans are replaced, by-the-bye
And the parting on the left
Is now parting on the right
And the beards have all grown longer overnight
After all the fighting and changes, the streets look the same and the slogans have just been replaced with different ones. What used to be left-leaning is now right-leaning, but superficial changes like longer beards are still occurring.
I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again
Don't get fooled again, no, no
Yeah
Meet the new boss
Same as the old boss
I will acknowledge the new changes happening around me, but I also hope that we don't repeat the same mistakes as before. Despite the changes in leadership, the outcome will be the same as before. Hence, we should not allow anyone to fool us again.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Peter Townshend
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@patrickbateman9722
Absolutely! John Entwistle, the bassist for The Who, was often referred to as "The Ox" because of his sturdy stage presence and seemingly unshakeable demeanor. But beneath that calm exterior was a whirlwind of creativity and technical prowess.
Entwistle revolutionized the role of the bass in rock music. Before him, bass was often relegated to the background, simply providing rhythm and foundation. Entwistle, however, approached the bass as a lead instrument, crafting intricate lines that were both rhythmically complex and melodically rich.
A few characteristics that made his style unique include:
Lead Bass Approach: He often played solos and intricate fills, complementing Pete Townshend's rhythm guitar.
Tone: He had a treble-heavy tone, allowing his bass lines to cut through the mix and be clearly audible.
Finger Technique: Instead of the more common fingerstyle or slap techniques, he often used a plectrum (pick), which gave his playing a distinctive sound.
Harmonics: Entwistle was known for using harmonics in his bass lines, adding a unique sonic texture.
Songs like "The Real Me," "Baba O'Riley," and "My Generation" showcase his innovative bass work. Despite his impressive technical abilities, he never seemed to break a sweat on stage, making everything look utterly effortless. For many bass players and music enthusiasts, John Entwistle remains a significant influence and one of the greatest bassists in rock history.
@alexisj4999
Jesus. This has to be one of the best performances by any band ever. Just insane intensity. Visceral.
@justinjennings9840
Nothing beats this performance in music.
@mystic1160
this song still rings true today
@brittanylake6815
Your high out of your mind lmaooo. Go to an insane clown posse concert. Tell me that isn't wild. This shits a joke lmaooo
@cakredi4132
John is like that cool babysitter watching three hyperactive kids.
@transformationgeneration
LOL
@FactsRFearless
Thank you
@MrVenona
RIP John - you left too soon.
@jake105
The dudes hands were hyperactive!
@Becksdad0803
Entwistle was a bass god