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”.
The BeatlesThe Beatles are often referred to as the most influential and successful rock band in history. They made significant contributions to both the music world and the 1960’s counterculture movement. The Beatles formed in 1960 in Liverpool, England with members Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and John Lennon.
Their first hit was “Love Me Do” in 1962 and they achieved great success in their home country. By 1964, they were international superstars. As their fame grew, the frenzy that followed them was known as “Beatlemania” and they were nicknamed “The Fab Four”. In 1964, they led “The British Invasion” with their first trip to the United States, appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show to an estimated 73 million viewers.
While all their albums are considered classics, the most influential ones are Revolver in 1966, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band in 1967, a masterpiece with many innovations, The White Album and Abbey Road. The Beatles broke up in 1970 after their final album release Let It Be. Following the break up, all four Beatles would go on to successful solo careers.
In 1980, John Lennon was shot and killed outside his apartment in New York City, dashing any hopes for a Beatles reunion. The Beatles are the most successful band of all time, with worldwide sales of over 600 million records, including a record setting 20 number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100. They’ve won seven Grammys and an Academy Award for Best Song Score, were inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and were #1 on Rolling Stone’s list of the greatest artists in history.
Their first hit was “Love Me Do” in 1962 and they achieved great success in their home country. By 1964, they were international superstars. As their fame grew, the frenzy that followed them was known as “Beatlemania” and they were nicknamed “The Fab Four”. In 1964, they led “The British Invasion” with their first trip to the United States, appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show to an estimated 73 million viewers.
While all their albums are considered classics, the most influential ones are Revolver in 1966, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band in 1967, a masterpiece with many innovations, The White Album and Abbey Road. The Beatles broke up in 1970 after their final album release Let It Be. Following the break up, all four Beatles would go on to successful solo careers.
In 1980, John Lennon was shot and killed outside his apartment in New York City, dashing any hopes for a Beatles reunion. The Beatles are the most successful band of all time, with worldwide sales of over 600 million records, including a record setting 20 number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100. They’ve won seven Grammys and an Academy Award for Best Song Score, were inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and were #1 on Rolling Stone’s list of the greatest artists in history.
