Which classic rock band rules?
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Fun Facts: Both of the bands have been around for over 50 years and are still touring! With countless hits between them, they certainly are two of the most popular rock bands in history. Some of the The Who's most well known songs are Baba O'Reilly, Who Are You?, Won't Get Fooled Again and My Generation. The Rolling Stones are known for Start Me Up, Jumpin' Jack Flash and (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction. Only one can band can be #1 - what's your vote?
The StonesThe Rolling Stones were formed in 1962 in London. For over sixty years, they have been one of the most popular rock bands with a string of hits and successful tours. Their initial lineup consisted of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Brian Jones, Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts. Initially focusing on cover songs, they eventually came into their own including #1 hits in the mid-60’s “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”, “Get Off My Cloud” and “Paint It Black”. This was followed by several other successful albums and songs including “Let’s Spend the Night Together”, “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”, “Honky Tonk Women”, “Sympathy for The Devil”, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” and “Gimme Shelter”. In 1969, Jones left the band and died shortly thereafter; he was replaced by Mick Taylor.
In 1971, they released the album Sticky Fingers which was the first of their eight consecutive #1 albums, and included the classic song “Brown Sugar”. In 1974, Ronnie Wood replaced Taylor in the band and they continued to have successful albums and tours with songs such as “Angie”, “Start Me Up” and “Miss You”. They are one of the best selling bands of all time, with sales of over 200 million records. Over their career, they’ve won 3 Grammys, the Lifetime Grammy Achievement award, were inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and were ranked fourth on Rolling Stone’s “Greatest Artists of All Time”. They were also a significant contributor to the counterculture movement of the 1960’s.
In 1971, they released the album Sticky Fingers which was the first of their eight consecutive #1 albums, and included the classic song “Brown Sugar”. In 1974, Ronnie Wood replaced Taylor in the band and they continued to have successful albums and tours with songs such as “Angie”, “Start Me Up” and “Miss You”. They are one of the best selling bands of all time, with sales of over 200 million records. Over their career, they’ve won 3 Grammys, the Lifetime Grammy Achievement award, were inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and were ranked fourth on Rolling Stone’s “Greatest Artists of All Time”. They were also a significant contributor to the counterculture movement of the 1960’s.
The WhoThe Who was founded in London in 1964 with members Roger Daltry (lead singer), Pete Townsend (guitarist and singer), John Entwhistle (bass) and Keith Moon (drums). They are major rock innovators and have influenced countless bands across rock genres. Their innovations include using synthesizers and large PA systems, along with the influential playing styles of Entwhistle, Moon and Townsend.
Their first single “I Can’t Explain” reached the UK top ten, followed by several other hits, including “Substitute” and “My Generation”. They gained notoriety for smashing their guitars and drums at the end of many shows. In 1967, the single “I Can See For Miles” resulted in their only top 10 US single. In 1969 they released what is considered the first rock opera, Tommy, including the famous single “Pinball Wizard”. In 1971 they released Who’s Next, considered by many as their best album, with such famous songs as “Baba O’Reilly”, “We Won’t Get Fooled Again” and “Behind Blue Eyes”. They followed this with a film adaptation of Tommy and the release of the Who Are You album, highlighted by the popular song “Who Are You?”.
Keith Moon died shortly after this release due to drug overdose, leaving behind a legacy of whimsical antics and a frenetic drumming style. The band was determined to carry on, and they returned to the stage in 1979 with drummer Kenny Jones replacing Moon. Later that year, the film adaptation of their concept album Quadrophenia was released. In December at a concert in Cincinnati, a crowd rush resulted in the death of 11 people. They continued to release albums and tour, and had several minor hits such as “You Better You Bet” and “Eminence Front”.
Their first single “I Can’t Explain” reached the UK top ten, followed by several other hits, including “Substitute” and “My Generation”. They gained notoriety for smashing their guitars and drums at the end of many shows. In 1967, the single “I Can See For Miles” resulted in their only top 10 US single. In 1969 they released what is considered the first rock opera, Tommy, including the famous single “Pinball Wizard”. In 1971 they released Who’s Next, considered by many as their best album, with such famous songs as “Baba O’Reilly”, “We Won’t Get Fooled Again” and “Behind Blue Eyes”. They followed this with a film adaptation of Tommy and the release of the Who Are You album, highlighted by the popular song “Who Are You?”.
Keith Moon died shortly after this release due to drug overdose, leaving behind a legacy of whimsical antics and a frenetic drumming style. The band was determined to carry on, and they returned to the stage in 1979 with drummer Kenny Jones replacing Moon. Later that year, the film adaptation of their concept album Quadrophenia was released. In December at a concert in Cincinnati, a crowd rush resulted in the death of 11 people. They continued to release albums and tour, and had several minor hits such as “You Better You Bet” and “Eminence Front”.
