Rent Classic Albums: The Who: Who's Next (1999)
3.9 of 5 from 49 ratings
1h 0min
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- Synopsis:
'Who's Next' is viewed by many as the greatest testament to the songwriting talent of Pete Townshend and the musical power of 'The Who'. When the album was released in 1971 it climbed to the Number 1 spot on the British Album Chart and remained in the Top 50 for over 3 months. In the United States, the album went Top 5 on the Billboard chart and remained in the Top 40 for five months. The story of how 'The Who' came to record the album is told by group members Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, and John Entwhistle, together with contributions by those who were close to the group during the making of this classic album. Early archive footage of The Who performing classic tracks such as 'I Can't Explai'n and 'My Generation' help to illustrate how the group made the transition from performing in small London clubs, to the rock giants they became upon the release of the pioneering 'Tommy' album. Pete Townshend explains the difficulties the group faced in trying to bring to fruition the ideas he planned for the group's follow up, the ground breaking "rock opera" Tommy. The original idea, as Roger Daltrey tells us, was for a multi-media event that would incorporate a live concert, a film and a soundtrack album. When Townshend's version proved beyond the grasp of his fellow group members, The Who set about recording the songs that would have made up the soundtrack to the proposed movie. The songs recorded for The Who's Next album and featured here, include such classics as Won't Get Fooled Again, Baba O'Riley and Behind Blue Eyes. We hear from the group members how these songs would have fitted into the original concept. We are also given an insight as to the importance of the late great Keith Moon to the success of The Who, and hear how great his larger than life personality often overshadowed his musical contribution to the group. Included in this documentary programme are previously unseen performances of songs that prove the longevity and lasting appeal of 'Who's Next', a true Classic Album. - Actors:
- Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, Bob Pridden, Pete Townshend
- Directors:
- Bob Smeaton
- Producers:
- Chips Chipperfield, Nick De Grunwald
- Studio:
- Eagle Vision
- Genres:
- Documentary, Music & Musicals, Performing Arts, Special Interest
