Hip Hop Fan's First Reaction To Baba O'Riley by The Who

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[@janhanchenmichelsen2627]

The Who made the early sixties pop dangerous, and then became one of the loudest, baddest bands in the seventies. They skipped all the hippie dreams, this was a sometimes cynical, dark and even violent force of nature. And they are still here, in a way. Sadly without the Loon and the Ox. The Who were founding fathers of hard rock, punk, concept rock and even rock operas. And "Who’s Next" is one of the best albums ever!

[@lewisner]

I was born I 1959 and the Beatles never meant much to me because they weren't "dangerous". Bands like the Stones and the Who were crazy guys and I like that.

[@cuebj]

​@lewisner Similar. I was too cool for school about Beatles till my daughter heard Pepper, age 12, 1999. Began to realise what I'd been missing and had to admit Beatles were, even remain, the galaxy within which other stars formed and glowed and died. Wife and I still have The Who as our favourite group though a couple of Sex Pistols singles and Public Image Ltd LPs are my favourite records

[@dvbeattie]

If you’re going to continue with The Who then “Won’t Get Fooled Again” is the obvious next choice. A classic in many ways

[@ScottT248]

Agree wholeheartedly. Gotta be "won't get fooled again" next.

[@the_judge_8262]

Boris the Spider though will probably blow his mind 🤯

[@yenlard6683]

You should also watch the live version from 1978 !

[@mikedickman7210]

Won't get fooled again is the last song on the album: "Who's Next. Baba O'Riely being the first song. Makes for one of the great bookends in rock history..

[@jeffstevens4262]

'Won't Get Fooled Again' is an absolute must. Another iconic song from the boys. One of the truly great rock bands in history.

[@dragon-ed1hz]

Every song on this album is amazing. "Who's Next" is one of the top ten classic rock albums.

[@joshb23]

EASILY top 10! 🙌

[@sirbobloblaws]

@@joshb23 VERY easily.

[@chillywilly9080]

Easy!!

[@joshb23]

@@sirbobloblaws 🤘

[@dmn23]

Townshend is the godfather of the power chord. He can rip out a solo when he chooses, but his playing is most often in service of the song. Killer rhythm and bombast.

[@SyedRewinds]

this track was full of power chords indeed. Very unique style, loved it!

[@dmn23]

@@SyedRewinds If anyone hasn't mentioned it yet, the thin reedy voice at the "Don't cry..." break is Pete. I don't remember who said this but one of them made the observation that The Who was essentially chaos - a band with lead guitar, lead bass, lead drums, and a lead singer. That's not far off from the truth.

[@drogusmaxwell6640]

It would be easy to play rhythm guitar when you have a lead bassist like Entwistle. They could switch back and forth with ease, making their transitions some of the best ever.

[@stevemd6488]

He is the father of the Marshall stack, had Jim Marshall build it for him. Eventually switched to Hiwatts, he likes a loud clean sound first.

[@caiostrasser128]

@jacob marc the who>>>>>>>>>>led zeppelin

[@oldeskoolnana7543]

It's the Who. Their epic. Right up there with Zeppelin, the Stones & so on.The rock operas Tommy & Quadrephenia. I'm speechless right now.✌🌻🌻 I was a teenager in the 70's. Trust me.

[@A100-y2c]

I grew up in the '70s and can attest to The Who's tremendous popularity. This track is a real favorite of mine.

[@oldeskoolnana7543]

I'm mind boggled. It's the Who. I was a teen in the 70's as well. Lucky us.✌🌻🌻

[@izzonj]

I graduated HS in 1976 and I have to admit kids I knew were not into The Who. I don't know why, but if you went to a party, this was NOT paying. Not in college, either. It wasn't until I was in my 30s that I rediscovered them and grew to really love them.

[@henriettaskolnick4445]

You were on the right track when you said it seemed operatic in nature. This song was written by Who guitarist Pete Townsend and the title is actually a combination of Meher Baba and Terry Riley (two of Townsend's spiritual and musical inspirations at the time). It was originally intended to be a part of the new rock opera Townsend was writing (Tommy was their first "rock opera") called "Lifehouse" about a Scottish farming family trying to escape England, which has become a polluted wasteland. They hear about a concert that will wake up the apathetic population to do something about their situation. When plans for the opera changed, he kept this song and a few others that then made their way onto their album Who's Next and others. This song was to be sung by the farmer who collects his wife, Sally (her name is in the lyrics) and their children and set off for London. Part of the lyrical inspiration of "teenage wasteland" was witnessing all the trash, and destruction often left by hordes of high, strung out, tripping, wasted, etc. concert/festival goers.

[@helenespaulding7562]

👋. Settling in OK? 😁. WOW…so it isn’t only Zeppelin you’re an expert on?? Respect! For some reason The Who never reached deep into my soul. I Like Daltrey. But Jimmy and Gilmore could reach my soul with their playing…Townsend could not

[@bookman7409]

Not to disagree at all, but the vibe I get hearkens back to the Irish potato famine, naming traditions aside. The blight led many young folks and families to America, and I'm sure they were happy to escape that wasteland. But then, that's the nature of really good music, that you can see many different truths through it.

[@bobcorbin3294]

Pete Townsend predicted the internet 50 years ago he called at the Grid

[@bookman7409]

@@bobcorbin3294 The concept's older than that, as evidence in the SF story "A Logic Named Joe". It was called a logic because there was no concept of a personal computer at that time. Joe was a logic who became sentient, and it's an interesting tale. Hope that piques your interest.

[@bobcorbin3294]

@@bookman7409 I will check that out, sounds interesting. I wasn't saying Townsend was the only one who predicted it or the first, just that he did it there

[@davescurry69]

More great Who songs: Studio: "Won't Get Fooled Again", "Love Reign O'er Me", "The Kids Are Alright" (full length version), "I Can See For Miles", "Who Are You", "The Real Me", "Behind Blue Eyes" and many, many others. Live: "See Me, Feel Me" (from Woodstock), "Sparks" (Woodstock), "Young Man Blues" (Isle Of Wight), "Magic Bus" (LIVE AT LEEDS), "My Generation" (LIVE AT LEEDS).

[@Frank-pe9pk]

I saw The Who the year Quadrophenia came out. Those early years of quadraphonic sound was like surround sound. 4 huge sets of speakers in the corners of the stadium. When they played the song The Real Me the sound going back and forth and circled around the stadium was so awesome. That album had so many great songs like 5:15, The Real Me or Love Reign Over Me. Many others. Is it in my Head. No just a great album.

[@dennisgschmidt6167]

Yes sir, brought mine home from Japan in 73. Only problem was the price of the albums. Just sold my Panasonic QRX 5500 a few years ago, actually broke my heart, even though it wasn't quite working correctly. The guy would fix them up and re sell them. I'm hoping that who ever bought it enjoyed it as much as I did. Over 50 years of service for myself,

[@arjaylee]

I was at that tour in the Cow Palace. You're right about the sound encircling the house. Unfortunately, the night I saw them they had to finish with a drummer out the crowd. They were awesome til then. Lynard Skynard opened.

[@merciansupremacy5113]

I'm One, Sea and Sand, The Dirty Jobs. So many unacknowledged gems.

[@merciansupremacy5113]

@@arjaylee What happened to Keith? I presume this was the Moon era, anyway.

[@arjaylee]

@@merciansupremacy5113 He passed out (twice) and couldn’t continue. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoHMeGp-i9looq8

[@dansullivan8648]

Syed we thank you for what you do. You have a great way of communicating and always give a great view of your opinion on these undeniably awesome songs. Seriously we appreciate you very much.

[@thatdamelana]

You haven’t scratched the surface, the more you listen you will know why The Who are one of the best to ever do it. Every member is a genius at their craft. Grand is the right word.

[@davescurry69]

They also pioneered the use of massively powerful sound systems. The Marshall stacks that countless acts have used (and still use) were first used by The Who. They are the forefathers of every kind of hard rock that followed them: garage, metal, punk, you name it.

[@chrisholland6052]

The synthesizer you hear at the beginning is Pete Townsend's experimentation with new sounds. When this was written, synthesizers took up a whole room to give you an idea of what technology was back then. The transitions in this piece are incredible. And Keith Moon is one of the greatest rock drummers that ever lived.

[@noelbrown6771]

The music of that time period was certainly dramatic and theatrical, The WHO and bands like the Moody Blues, Emerson-Lake & Palmer and so many others. All so very inspirational and transcendent. Uplifting a generation.

[@dmCurator]

This album is a classic rock masterpiece. Keep exploring it.

[@rickmts]

I hope you get your channel back up soon, because I think you're one of the best reviewers of music out there. That said, since you've been shut down I've been going back to the beginning to find things I've missed, since I was probably a late subscriber. I'm 66 years old. The Who is my all time favorite band. Who's Next is my favorite album of theirs. I saw them back in 1972 at Madison Square Garden in NY. They played four shows and I was at the second. The first night they apparently had a lot of sound problems. The second night happened to be their 10th anniversary as a band. The sound was flawless, the band was incredible, and to this day it's the best concert I've ever been to!!

[@LrngMn]

And Pete played that entire keyboard part, start to finish, no overdubbing. Saw him in an interview in his home studio and while talking about it he just turned and started playing this on a keyboard, set up in the exact same place, 40 yrs later.

[@budhalbr]

The Who is my favorite band of all time. They were and still are enormous.

[@davescurry69]

The Who were the first artist to use synths on a rock track. Pioneered the concept album and also what would be later called power pop. Also the first act to smash their gear on stage. They were musical pioneers and innovators.

[@loosilu]

They also invented Marshall stacks!

[@theclawyaww3740]

They were amazing live in their prime. You should check out a live version of Won't Get Fooled Again

[@MrSleazey]

It’s more than 50 years since this album arrived. And that opening still thrills me and makes my hair stand up.

[@fayesouthall6604]

Yes. It’s brilliant. It’s used in Almost Famous. That film has great music in it.

[@AlBarzUK]

Saw The Who at Fairfield Hall, Croydon, Surrey (now Greater London) in 1965 when I was about 16. I’m now 73. Peter Townsend jabbed his guitar into the speaker to get feedback effects and they did smash their instruments at the end - including Moon the Loon kicking over the entire drum kit. Big times, crazy times. They stole guitars from record shops caused mayhem in hotel suites and Keith Moon drove a Rolls Royce into a swimming pool. The ‘synth’ was actually taped from a programmable keyboard, a Lowrey Berkshire TBO-1 using the marimba setting.

[@MrBarryBurke]

Of course, the final track on the same album, Won't Get Fooled Again, is just as if not even more epic. In contrast to the positivity of Baba O'Riley, it is an anthem to cynicism (IMHO) as summarised by the final lyrics. Well worth a listen if you haven't done so before.

[@somersetcace1]

Notice as well that the synth sequencing permeates the entire song, including the end part. They essentially put multiple parts to the same sequencing and made entirely different sounds out of it. Brilliant piece of music really.

[@jamesdignanmusic2765]

And this was long before computerised sequencing, so it's an even more astonishing achievement.

[@lizmarch4000]

I love that you pay attention to lyrics during your reactions. I can talk all night analyzing this stuff. Thank you for appreciating the importance of the words!

[@doughaviland1729]

The WHO is a rabbit hole that you DEFINITELY want to dive into! They were groundbreaking with the Rock Opera TOMMY and QUADROPHENIA as well as a massive catalog of music that will keep you entertained for years!

[@scottvanschelven5359]

It's been a blast to follow your journey! Your ability to hit the nail on the head of so many of these songs is incredible. Enjoy the ride my man.

[@SyedRewinds]

Haha thanks Scott, buckle up mate ✌️

[@ronbock8291]

Greatest live rock band of all time. If you doubt me, check them out live at the Isle of Wight. At their height, they were untouchable, their connection was almost supernatural.

[@petebest22]

Totally agree!

[@tamifaulkner4103]

The Who has so many great songs. The whole rock opera, Tommy, is amazing.

[@sage6336]

quadraphian

[@scottkeeler2306]

Very much agree.

[@maggieshevelew7579]

The Who were the soundtrack of my teen years. Love them! They were THE live show to see. The next song you listen to should really be “Won’t Get Fooled Again”. It’s their anthem, and is the perfect example of the brilliance of each member’s instrument, and that includes Roger Daltrey’s powerful voice. It’s like each of them is playing lead! You should also look at their rock operas. “Tommy” was the first, and it blew our minds back then. We had never heard anything like it. And then “Quadrophenia”, which is a favorite of many fans. Some of their best songs are on that album. Listen to “Love Reign O’er Me”, “The Real Me”, and “5:15”. One of the greatest live albums is “Live At Leeds”. It’s just a taste of how great they were in concert. But first, “Won’t Get Fooled Again”! Still leaves me in awe!

[@anthonyblakely399]

I see The Who in concert on October 26, 2022 for the first time at Sacramento in Golden 1 Center!!!! I am THRILLED!!! They were considered as one of the roughest Rock bands in History!!!!

[@oldeskoolnana7543]

They were the one band I never got to see in the 70's. Enjoy it for me too please. Have a great time.✌🌻🌻

[@loosilu]

I saw them in May in DC. Roger sounds unbelievably good. YOu're in for a real treat.

[@deBebbler]

When you said "My Generation" at 13:01, I just had to smile.

[@paulstewart6203]

Always a real good analysis of the song, and it doesn't bother me if you stop several times during the song, I think that's what it's all about, and restarting it a few seconds back is always a good idea.

[@dynjarren8355]

Good reactions! They always said it was an Irish fiddle but to my ears it sounds like Gypsy Music. I know people who love the song because of the Violin part alone! It definitely takes the song into another direction and then the way it speeds up to breakneck pace is unexpected and amazing as well. The Who were always exploring new ground doing their own thing. The use of the synths was innovative at the time as well. Leave it to Townsend to figure out a way to incorporate both those elements into a Rock tune. You get it! 👏🏻🎸😎

[@Unclesmokey314]

As a man of 50, having listened to most all music in reaction for the last 2 yrs solid... ( and so much more ) your reactions and lyrical interpretations are incredibly valuable as a tool of rediscovery other reactors do not offer. your insight is unreal.... rediscovering these songs again through someone else's experience has been a blast... I am glad I found your channel after so many others. Stellar work, good man, stellar. Thank you.

[@SyedRewinds]

Thanks Unc!

[@27thangel23]

You said "synths" on a rock track... not yet, It is an EMS VCS 3 Programmable Organ. Later they add input via Lowry keyboard, at which point it has become the EMS VCS 3 Synthesizer. Greetings from Canada- Peace, love and bellbottoms.

[@JohnLombaerde]

Spot on review guy. Great job! This album ranks among their finest.

[@vangannaway1015]

The Who were leaders of the first British Invasion. They were much bigger than the original Sid Barrett Pink Floyd. Believe it or not the original Peter Green Fleetwood Mac before Buckingham and Nicks was a great hard psychedelic blues band.

[@curtisjones1714]

Excellent review! The Who have some great songs to review. A song, however, that has been overlooked in the KZbin world of reactions is "Bargain" by The Who. In my opinion, Bargain is one of the most hard driving, intense rock songs of all time. Keep it up, Syed!

[@billkuhels7225]

Townsend as a song writer was an artist in a heightened sense of the word. To enjoy this song or "Won't get fooled again" more, and to get a feel for what the band was all about at the peak of their careers watch the live version from Shepard Studios 1978(?). Great reaction, Sir.

[@davidgagne3569]

Really good reaction.Those are indeed Power Chords. This band was incredible live. You might want to try a track from "Live At Leeds". The track is "Magic Bus". For a non-Who song that jumps out of the speakers I recommend "What's So Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding" performed by Elvis Costello. Friiggin' RAWKS

[@maggieshevelew7579]

Yes!! Great suggestion! There was NO ONE better live than The Who (I saw them in the 70’s in their prime). “Magic Bus” from Live At Leeds is incredible!

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

The sequence of these huge British Invasion bands I seem to recall, is that The Beatles and Stones broke in the US in 1964 or so……The Who broke, if I recall in 1965/66……Zeppelin arrived basically January 1969. Some accused Robert Plant of copying Roger Daltry……The big live frontmen before Plant were Mick Jagger and Daltry…..very charismatic. Daltry became famous during live shows for his deadly expertise at twirling the mic…at one point he deliberately broke a guys nose in the front row who was hassling him…But Robert was his own man with his own style.

[@jimd7260]

The Who broke into the American market at the Monterey Pop Festival, in 1967.

[@jeffreyjameson5510]

I saw The Who in concert in June. I was so impressed with how strong Roger’s vocals still were at 76 I think. This song was epic. And they had a very cute young lady touring with them that played the fiddle solo at the end

[@BrianMihok]

Great job, man. Fantastic analysis on this, and on many others that I've seen from you. I also really love the connections you make to the tropes you see in the writing in a song like this and those in rap or hip hop (the example here being punchline rap). Just great.

[@SyedRewinds]

thanks for the kind words man. I think people would be surprised how many connections can be made between the genres. Both are truly celebrations of youth culture, just like this song is

[@BrianMihok]

@@SyedRewinds totally. It makes so much sense to see those kinds of similarities. And it's nice to bridge completely different genres too.

[@ziggymarlowe5654]

Hey! Look at you with 3.59K subs! Well deserved, your reactions are the best going on right now. As to Baba O'Riley, it does invoke a play or opera.

[@cartercarter645]

Love the Reactions!! “Who are You” will give you full flavor. - Def Banger extraordinaire!!

[@SyedRewinds]

will check it out, thanks Carter!

[@ahmedmasood1343]

Few songs define the time and setting as well as this Classic. Epic reaction as always. 👊

[@SyedRewinds]

haha what's up brother. Good to see you hear. Dope track this one was

[@garysullivan9243]

One of the overall greatest rock songs ever! The layers and, the build up, it hits you between the eyes when Pete rips his first guitar cords! Moons drumming and Entwistle's bass: two of the greatest ever. Daltry's voice is so powerful. Watch the Shepperton Studios KZbin video of them playing it live. Awesome!

[@LetItBeSummer-1]

I saw The Who at Maple leafs Gardens in Toronto in around 1989. It was supposed to be their last concert. They had several last concerts lol. Can you imagine this song played in a big stadium with lights flashing? The crowd went nuts!

[@steveullrich7737]

Just saw them a few weeks ago in DC abeit just with Roger and Pete and they still rock and Roger still has a great voice and Pete still rocks.

[@CuriousGeorge1111]

Your intuition is accurate and heartening. This was some of the coolest music in my high school. Anthemic, counter-culture, huge, brilliant. Lots of weed smoked, beer drunk, cars crashed, and bodily fluids exchanged with this album playing. The Who was very much a voice of its g-g-g-generation. They invented smashing guitars when Pete's amp malfunctioned in a club, he angrily beat his guitar against it until it broke, the crowd went wild, and a new meme was born. You mentioned this song being like a play. That's a Who trademark. In fact, their previous album was Tommy, a unified, double album, which created the rock opera genre, and a classic from beginning to end--it has some fantastic instrumentals (Sparks) and classic songs: Pinball Wizard, The Acid Queen. Thanks for sharing this with me. Peace!

[@rockdusted]

Yeah, and the synth he was using was about the size of a room at the time, lol. Great song! Been enjoying your insights here. Keep up the good work. In addition, “Love Reign O’er Me” is one of the best songs recorded by anyone ever. Seriously, a gem.

[@stephenmasucci5482]

It's not a synth at all, it was done with a Lowrey Berkshire organ. Won't Get Fooled Again also used used the Lowery as the core of it's keyboard track.

[@lastrada52]

One of the most classic & intense rock songs ever performed. Roger Daltry sings most of the lyrics but lead guitarist/composer Pete Townshend sings the first part that starts with "Don't cry..." They knew how to apply drama effectively. They started around the time of the Beatles & Rolling Stones and they are still performing & recording today. Drummer Keith Moon & bassist John Entwhistle have passed away. Miraculous stuff. Real creativity took place in rock music at this time. Dave Arbus on violin. The song is 51 years old & you got into it. The Who succeeded. You're doing a great job SyedBhai -- great assessment & explanation.

[@paulstewart6203]

You're definitely in for a treat, many more great WHO songs, Won't Get Fooled Again.. Reign O'er Me.. Pinball Wizard.. Behind Blue Eyes.

[@rmcellig]

Fantastic review!!!!!!!!!!! I was in high school when this album came out. It's so refreshing to hear this hip hop lovers take on this incredible music. Well done!!! Love it!!! May I suggest Autumn from strawbs. Totally different sound.

[@paulwicht6294]

Many bands played with stereo technology (side to side switching) not to mention multitracking which was just getting off the ground at the time. This is a gem in every way.

[@davidobrien3600]

The sound and speed at the end is like a high-speed locomotive which is absolutely amazing

[@joeboucher695]

This song and most of the songs on Who's Next were part of a project called Lifehouse, so there was a storyline originally but various logistical problems meant that it ended up as a record instead of a theater piece. The synthesizers were inspired by the composer Terry Riley (hence the title.) His most famous work is "In C" but "A Rainbow in Curved Air" is a more direct line to this song. Glyn Johns, the engineer/co-producer, is a pretty major figure in his own right and played a big part in Moon's massive drum sound on the album.

[@dangaiser4729]

Very cool, thanks for sharing that 👍

[@DougMcWilliams]

It is a real pleasure to watch someone not initiated in this music find such surprise and joy in it. The complexities of this music is so often missed. Thanks for sharing.

[@HaFannyHa]

Glad you're enjoying The Who! In case you're wondering about the title: Baba refers to Pete Townshend's Persian/Indian guru Meher Baba. O'Riley refers to Terry Riley, an electronic music pioneer. Riley's work 'A Rainbow in Curved Air' was a huge inspiration to Pete when he first started experimenting with his new ARP synthesizer 1970-1971. The violin on Baba O'Riley is played by Dave Arbus, who was invited into the studio by his drinking companion Keith Moon!

[@MaryM-xz5fs]

I've been a Who fan since my teens but never got to see them in concert. Until THIS YEAR!!! I saw them in concert May 15, 2022 in Cincinnati Ohio......ONE of the best I've seen/heard EVER!!! Worth waiting for 43 years since they were in Cincinnati.

[@John-gq7vt]

The Who is one of the original HUGE British bands and are definitely said in the same breath as Zeppelin, Floyd, Stones, and the rest. They were extremely creative and amazingly powerful live. It's funny you mentioned this being like a "play". Their album previous to this WAS a play - a rock opera to be precise and did play for a while on Broadway, "Tommy". As their music goes, they were pretty much an assault crew but remained faithful to such elements as melody and harmony - a rather tasteful assault! MANY great songs, I highly recommend "Love Rain O'er Me" next but it's kind of a can't go wrong whatever you choose. Do you have any musical training yourself?

[@alfredristan3445]

Good catch , I seem to remember Roger D. saying it was about Woodstock. I myself always thought it was about a soldier returning from the battlefields in the Second World War and reflecting on the experiences he survived . The Who are also famous for probably the first rock Opera " Tommy "

[@toddalderson7050]

You are spot on. The Who absolutely flows beneath the radar of legendary rock bands of the same era. They were genius.

[@remmymafia3889]

very, very perceptive Syed on your description of the vocal by Roger Daltrey, which has always projected a sort of defiance, shout at the top of your lungs style, defying rebuttal. Spot on.

[@lehen1013]

Thank You!!!! All of my friends could never understand why I Love The Who more than Zep or any of the others. They just speak to me more than any others.

[@ewandmunro]

This (and the rest of the Who's Next album) was started as a linear story/opera style composition. Your perception of the theatrical nature of the song is bang on the money. This was one of the first (if not THE first) rock album with synthesisers. Thoroughly enjoyed your insightful review. Nice one!

[@andrewcrowder4958]

You are the most perceptive and eloquent reactor on KZbin. Whatever you’re doing now I wish you success.

[@geoffn54]

I come from Harrow, north London, where The Who played live at the pub the Railway Tavern (I believe it was called) by Wealdstone Station. Townsend started smashing his guitar during performances there...

[@beverlymcgrath8441]

We definitely felt like this song! It was perfect.

[@fightingwords8955]

Most of my favorite bands of all time are from the England. I've left comments on all of them so far. Keep up the cool reactions.

[@paulwicht6294]

Your observations and comments are spot on.

[@markrist4238]

With 395 comments, I know someone said this, but I'm going to toss in my two cents. The Who was defiant through their music, for sure, but in this song they were defiant in a way we would not expect. They played at Woodstock. So many people there had to be taken out by ambulance due to ODing. When the festival was over the place was an ugly mess of trash. Roger Daltry didn't, doesn't take drugs and drinks on occasion. Also, even then, he was something of an environmentalist, but not a freak. When he sings "teen-age wasteland," and "they're all wasted," he literally means these freaky hippies are drugged out and have created anything but a paradise. I heard Roger Daltry being interviewed and this is what he said. I love your reactions because it's not about whether you're right or wrong. I love your raw, fresh reaction to these bands and their music. You're a musician, you get it. I lived through all of this period and was in many ways formed by it. My two grown daughters put away their myopic view of music that has characterized the 2000's. They now love all good music from 1960 through 2022. Now you do too. As for me, I am so sick of classic rock I could vomit. I love the music from 2000 on: Linkin Park, Good Charlotte, A Day to Remember, Falling in Reverse, and all things Dubstep. My all-time favorites are Gregorian Chant and real Classical music a la Mozart, Beethoven, and JS Bach. I taught Catholic theology for 45 years, teaching two now Supreme Court Justices, two Kennedys, two nephews of Ferdinand Marcos, two nephews of Violetta Chamorro, and the owner of the Arizona Cardinals.Also, 3500 other students. There is no difference between the students of 1965 all the way through to 2022. But there was a huge difference between students of 1959 and 1965. Hard to believe. But, I was there and I am here. The music you are reacting to and are impressed by, is really for a reason. I think I laid it out in the preceding.

[@beverlymcgrath8441]

Sound track to my teen years. I loved the power and drive of these songs.

[@simply_psi]

Just subscribed because this is a great reaction. Such a great band to get into, some great songs for the future are, Who Are You, Love Reign O'er Me, Behind The Blue Eyes, I Won't Get Fooled Again, My Generation and Magic Bus.

[@23valleyroad]

New to you and against all my instincts, I LOVE YOU and I love YOUR OPINION! Sorry to sound initially bias and closed minded, but at 61 and a Yorkshireman you get into a habit that takes a lump hammer to change....well you did it within the 47 seconds and thank you! I love The Who and was introduced, as a 10 year old by my older brother and he explained the sound and I was hooked. If I could direct you to "I can see for miles" and "5:15". Best of luck and I will tell everyone I know about you and please keep safe X

[@jonathanlocke6404]

They did a very emotional performance of this at a concert for first responders shortly after 9/11 in New York City. You used to be able to find clips of it here but I haven't seen it in a long time...

[@kurthealey6936]

Pete Townshend, is the iconic lead guitarist and absolute genius song writer from day one (other band members earned writing credits, Townsend was the backbone). Early on (mid sixties), Townsend snapped the neck of a guitar off on a low ceiling at a club the band was preforming at. And a shocking trend that separated the Who from everyone else began. Two recommendations spring to mind on your journey down this epic rabbit hole on acid. "Love reign over me". And you are going to see a ton of "Won't get fooled again", which if you have watched any American TV in the past 20 years, you may well recognize. Great reaction, I like your style!

[@georgeliquor2931]

Fantastic mate, loved it

[@bolo5584]

I love that song, thanks for the great reaction.

[@vandy2715]

What a totally epic video brother. it's always appreciated when the narrator of the video has something intelligent to say / comment on.

[@SyedRewinds]

Thanks Vandy! Glad you liked it bro ✌️

[@davei1928]

I have seen them a couple of times . The last time i saw them was at earls court in London , they were epic . They done Tommy the rock opera . Townsends nick name was the windmill . They performed with Aritha Franklin, Phil Collins and Billy Idol .

[@Gort-Marvin0Martian]

You've been exposed to a very deep and awesome rabbit hole. Enjoy the decent into, The Who. They are great!! "Anthemic" I actually had never thought of that but you are correct!! Spot on!!!!

[@renyauger4560]

Pete Townsend was the first. He also invented quadraphonic sound, he needed what didn’t exist for their legendary rock opera concept album Quadrophenia. They were not under estimated, superstars then and now. They were also the headliners at Woodstock.

[@marklerner8963]

The name Baba O'Riley is a fascinating composite of inspirations and influences on the main composer, Pete Townshend. His spiritual mentor at the time was an Indian guru named Meher Baba, hence the first word of the title, Baba. Then also a second primary influence on Townshend was avant-garde minimalist electronic composer Terry Riley. So that gave you the O'Riley part of the title, as well as Pete's use of the synthesizer and the electronic intro. He combined his prized influences and came with that honorific title, as well as the structural theme of the song.

[@sallybannister6224]

John Entwistle, one of the best, if not the best bass guitarist ever ..died young, full potential reached already. Then gone . Just listen to his rifts in My Generation. Bloody amazing

[@stevemd6488]

Very interesting and in depth commentary especially on the lyrics.

[@amberpaigejames9054]

This guy knows his stuff! and he's well-spoken and deep. Killer combo for good videos as this is! Sud-scribed :) I never cared for the Who until now lol

[@keef7224]

So interesting that you say the synth part conjures up a light show. Check out the live version of Won’t Get Fooled Again from Shepperton Studios in 1978. That’s another in a handful of anthemic Who classics which uses the synth so strikingly, and it goes into a mind-boggling laser light show at the climax which you’ll probably love! 🎸💥 Also cool that you say the song is like a play. The Who were probably the most theatric of the classic pantheon of rock bands, with concept albums, rock operas, and- in their heyday with Keith Moon especially- the best visual stage presence of them all.

[@martha1spur]

We cruised around in a '67 Bel Air playing this song at the top of the radio. It was AMAZING. SOOO much fun to be young and clueless in the mid-70s, living it up with the Who. They were never pretentious twinks like Jagger and Richards (Townsend could be kinda but he was a genius songwriter). The Who had real fun. Roger Daltrey had a smashing voice. He COULD really sing. Keith Moon just was crazy wild inventive.

[@bolo5584]

I grew up during the British invasion, and every band had their own sound, from The Who, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones for example. There will never be another time like that in music.

[@davecornfield]

I was privileged to see the band play this track in west Berlin in 1972. Awesome.

[@byronmitchell3784]

THE WHO, "BABA O'RILEY". A GREAT SONG BY ANOTHER BRITISH ROCK BAND. ALL WHOM WERE FANTASTIC. The styles may of all been unique. Yet it all blended with each other. That's why I refer to the 60's, 7O'S, 80'S, and 90's as Baby Boomers Music. All styles of the Era was the way it should be. For all too enjoy. more, The Who... "WE DON'T GET FOOLED AGAIN", "WHO ARE YOU?", "MAGIC BUS", "REIGN O'ER ME", " THE REAL ME", "BEHIND BLUE EYES", "BARGAIN", "I CAN SEE FOR MILES", "MY GENERATION", "YOUNG MAN'S BLUES".

[@patrickmartell9907]

Very nice reaction.Pete Townsend did think of songs as part of a story in later albums. There was usually a over arching "play" that the songs were sections of.

[@the_judge_8262]

Hitherto known as the "Oh wow" reaction 🤪 Nice one Syed Bhai. Looking forward to you discovering Cream, Jethro Tull and Jimi Hendrix .....

[@belindamcbride1]

With the distance of time, I really think The Who were/are one of the very best and most influential bands to emerge from the UK. So much of their music is literally the soundtrack of the 70s, 80s and onward. Townsend is a freaking brilliant composer and Daltry's vocals are absolutely masterful. Moon's drums...just wow. Entwhistle on bass... Rock, punk, new wave, rock opera...Check out Love, Reign Over Me, Behind Blue Eyes, Eminence Front, and Rough Boys (Pete Townsend's bi-anthem.) There's nothing they couldn't do. Absolute insane genius.

[@jkorshak]

"Won't Get Fooled Again" is Townshend's magnum opus on revolution, social upheaval, and the class struggle. It is a brilliant song. One of Townshend's finest.

[@hugh8329]

The Who were the first rock band to use synthesisers in a repetitive, sequenced way on an album, Who's Next from 1971. That's a long time ago, but it's a classic track from a classic album. Just timeless.

[@kevinsievert4531]

Sure appreciated your intelligent and articulate deep dive. Many Who songs are anthem like. My favorite band. Operatic was great foreshadowing as the rock opera Tommy was close at hand. Love Reign over me as the next song. Again your thoughtfulness is appreciated

[@keyrat1753]

I saw both The Who and also Pink Floyd live at different times in 1973 in Miami. Both bands were outstanding to see live in concert.

[@bostonwhofan]

The Who performed at Woodstock, Live Aid, Concert for NYC, the Superbowl, and they were the final act to close out the London Olympics in 2012. I had the privilege of seeing The Who live a few weeks ago in Boston on May 18 and they will be touring in the United States again in the fall.

[@loosilu]

Alao Isle of Wight, where for two years in a row the festival had to use the Who's sound system for all of the acts, because it was the only one anywhere near good enough. The Who were famous for having the best sound system in the business. When they weren't touring it, they rented it out to other bands.