Who Cares?

I never liked The Who. They may be the band that ruined rock and roll.

Ironic to say so, because “My Generation” is almost the ultimate rock song. But after that, they totally lost the plot.

They had no rhythm section—they lost the roll in rock and roll. No steady beat, no repeating bass line. It was all showboating, with three lead instruments.

And they smothered the music in more cheap showing off: Pete Townsend’s windmilling arm, only to play a simple chord. Roger Daltrey throwing the microphone around. Smashing their instruments at the end of the set. Talent no longer mattered; the music no longer mattered. Any no-talent can do any of that. You felt cheap and intellectually patronized just watching it.