TheWho

One of the most enduring and influential rock groups of all time, the Who -- Roger Daltrey (vocals), Pete Townshend (guitar), John "The Ox" Entwistle (bass) and Keith Moon (drums) -- first caught the public's attention in the mid-1960s by smashing their instruments on stage. They have continued to hold it for more than 30 years thanks to a powerful blend of R&B and straight-up rock 'n' roll. After Moon's death in 1978 and two final albums, the other members of the Who went on to successful solo careers, and the band has sporadically reunited for tours; their numerous hits remain classic rock radio staples. The Who have their roots in the West London music scene of the early 1960s, where Daltry, Townshend, Entwistle, and drummer Doug Sandom performed in a band called the Detours. Initially taking their cues from the Beatles, the band soon developed a Rolling Stones fetish and replaced Sandom with local drummer Keith Moon, who had a stronger R&B background. Around this time the Detours discovered another band ofthe same name already existed, and changed their name to the ever-confusing moniker the Who. In 1963 London scenester Pete Meaden "discovered" the Who and took control of their career, repackaging them as a mod band, changing their name to the High Numbers, and having them record two songs that he wrote himself to appeal to the British mod scene. Their first single did not chart and the band broke with Meaden to go their own way. Changing their name back to the Who, the band came to the attention of Decca Records in late 1964 after Pete Townshend smashed his guitar in anger at a show and caused a media stir. Their first Decca single, "I Can't Explain," climbed to No. 9 in the U.K. and was followed by their first LP, 1965's (The Who Sings) My Generation, a mix of R&B covers and original songs penned by Townshend.