Decoding The Who - The Incomparable Legacy

The Who has created a timeless legacy in the music world and their influence can be heard in many of today's popular songs. From their first hit record in 1965, My Generation, to their 2019 tour as Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers’ opening act – more than 50 years later – they are internationally known for being one of rock's most enduring bands. However, despite all of the accolades and accomplishments this band has achieved, some people still find fault with them; questioning whether they actually deserve all the praise that is heaped upon them? Fortunately though, there are plenty of things to admire and celebrate about The Who that make them justly deserving of their iconic status. In this blog post we'll take an honest look at both sides - discussing not only what things have been criticized but also highlighting the commendable qualities which truly makes this rockband great!

The Who has been a pioneering force in rock music since the '60s. Their music has a hard-hitting punch brought forth by impressive guitar riffs, Pete Townsend’s legendary windmills, and Roger Daltrey’s raw vocal abilities. Over the years, this band has often been criticized for their wild behavior, impulsive stage antics, and even for not being musically adept. Despite the criticisms, the band has created an indelible legacy, influencing several generations of musicians. In this article, we will give an honest assessment of the band, focusing on both the criticisms and the commendable qualities that make The Who one of the most thrilling rock bands of all time.

Let's start by acknowledging the criticisms directed at The Who, for a band of such legendary prowess. Most of the criticisms center around their unrestrained behavior and the often controversial antics from their live performances, such as smashing guitars and other instruments on stage. While these antics showcased their wild and rebellious spirit, some saw it as disrespectful towards the instruments themselves. However, as time has passed, fans and critics alike appreciate their on-stage behavior as a representation of the rebellious culture of the 60s rock era.

Another criticism The Who received was regarding their musical abilities. Detractors argued that their limited arrangements lacked musical depth and had the odd structure that was not appealing to them. But it is essential to remember that The Who was one of the earliest bands to incorporate unconventional instruments like keyboards and synths, adding a new dimension to their music. Their music was also driven by Keith Moon's intricate drumming skills, complementing the guitar and bass instrumentation. Hence, while their music may not have appealed to everyone, it was still raw, energetic, and entirely original.

Despite these criticisms, there are numerous factors that make The Who one of the greatest rock bands. One of them is the thematic scope of their music. The band conveyed epic themes dealing with teenage angst, social issues, and life's complexities. For instance, their album Tommy (1969) was a concept album that dealt with a deaf, dumb, and blind boy, and his spiritual awakening. This epic and innovative representation of rock music has influenced many musicians to think beyond the traditional form of songwriting and album creation.

The Who's evolution as a band is another factor that makes them great. The band experimented with different sounds and styles throughout their career, evolving from the garage-rock sound of their early records to the more sophisticated sound of multi-layered productions in their later work. They were known for taking risks, pushing boundaries, and never settling into a set formula. Their experimentation and trials resulted in some of the greatest rock music of all time.

In conclusion, despite the criticisms and the controversies surrounding The Who, it is hard to deny their contribution to the rock music scene. Their iconic status is well deserved due to their pioneering efforts, an emphasis on innovation, and their lasting impact on the rock music canon. As listeners, we should acknowledge the shortcomings as much as we appreciate the brilliance of The Who's music. They remain influential to this day and will continue to inspire future generations of musicians for years to come.