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”.
U2U2 formed in 1976 in Ireland with founding members Bono (lead vocals), the Edge (lead guitar), Adam Clayton (bass) and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums). Their musical style has evolved over the years and has encompassed several rock genres including post-punk, alternative rock and pop rock.
Their debut album, Boy, was released in 1980 and featured the popular single “I Will Follow”. A subsequent album War was released in 1983 and reached #1 in the UK. The album contains several of their most well known songs such as the political protest anthem “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “New Year’s Day”. They quickly gained international fame with accompanying tours. In 1984, they sought departure from their established sound with the release of Unforgettable Fire and a more serious approach. It reached #1 in the UK and was well received in the U.S. with songs such as “Pride (In the Name of Love)” and “Bad”, and they embarked on an indoor arena tour. The next album The Joshua Tree reached number one in 20 countries, and had several hit songs such as “With or Without You”, “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” and their only #1 US hit “Where the Streets Have No Name”.
The album and songs received 4 Grammy nominations, with wins for Album of the Year and Best Rock Performance by a Group with Vocals. The supporting tour was their first stadium tour and attracted over 3 million concert-goers. They continued to release albums and tour through the 1990’s and 2000’s including the over the top Zoo TV concerts. Throughout their career, they’ve been nominated for 2 Academy awards, have won several Billboard Music Awards, 2 Golden Globe wins, and 21 Grammy wins.
Their debut album, Boy, was released in 1980 and featured the popular single “I Will Follow”. A subsequent album War was released in 1983 and reached #1 in the UK. The album contains several of their most well known songs such as the political protest anthem “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “New Year’s Day”. They quickly gained international fame with accompanying tours. In 1984, they sought departure from their established sound with the release of Unforgettable Fire and a more serious approach. It reached #1 in the UK and was well received in the U.S. with songs such as “Pride (In the Name of Love)” and “Bad”, and they embarked on an indoor arena tour. The next album The Joshua Tree reached number one in 20 countries, and had several hit songs such as “With or Without You”, “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” and their only #1 US hit “Where the Streets Have No Name”.
The album and songs received 4 Grammy nominations, with wins for Album of the Year and Best Rock Performance by a Group with Vocals. The supporting tour was their first stadium tour and attracted over 3 million concert-goers. They continued to release albums and tour through the 1990’s and 2000’s including the over the top Zoo TV concerts. Throughout their career, they’ve been nominated for 2 Academy awards, have won several Billboard Music Awards, 2 Golden Globe wins, and 21 Grammy wins.
