Which band is better?
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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”.
Led ZeppelinLed Zeppelin formed in 1968 in London with members Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Bonham and John Paul Jones. They were one of the most influential rock groups of the 1970’s, laying the foundation for hard rock, heavy metal and Album Oriented Rock (AOR). Every one of their albums achieved commercial success and they were one of the biggest touring groups of the time.
Their first album was released in 1969 named Led Zeppelin and was a top 10 album in several countries. It featured such classics as “Dazed and Confused”, “Communication Breakdown” and “Good Times Bad Times”. Their initial sound drew heavily on blues and folk music influences. Their follow-up album, Led Zeppelin II, was their first #1 album and featured “Ramble On” and “Whole Lotta Love”. Led Zeppelin III was followed by Led Zeppelin IV, released in 1971, which would become one of the best selling albums ever, reaching over 37 million units sold. It features “Stairway to Heaven”, which many consider the greatest rock song ever.
They continued to release major albums such as House of the Holy and Physical Graffiti, a double album masterpiece. Into the late 1970’s, their output slowed and they released what would be their final two albums, In Through the Out Door and Presence. John Bonham died in 1980 and the band disbanded after that. The band and individual members are often considered the best in rock history. Their success is unparalleled, with total album sales estimated between 200-300 million worldwide, They had 6 US Billboard #1 albums, were inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received a Lifetime Grammy award.
Their first album was released in 1969 named Led Zeppelin and was a top 10 album in several countries. It featured such classics as “Dazed and Confused”, “Communication Breakdown” and “Good Times Bad Times”. Their initial sound drew heavily on blues and folk music influences. Their follow-up album, Led Zeppelin II, was their first #1 album and featured “Ramble On” and “Whole Lotta Love”. Led Zeppelin III was followed by Led Zeppelin IV, released in 1971, which would become one of the best selling albums ever, reaching over 37 million units sold. It features “Stairway to Heaven”, which many consider the greatest rock song ever.
They continued to release major albums such as House of the Holy and Physical Graffiti, a double album masterpiece. Into the late 1970’s, their output slowed and they released what would be their final two albums, In Through the Out Door and Presence. John Bonham died in 1980 and the band disbanded after that. The band and individual members are often considered the best in rock history. Their success is unparalleled, with total album sales estimated between 200-300 million worldwide, They had 6 US Billboard #1 albums, were inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received a Lifetime Grammy award.
