The Who
The Who Relay Live Performance at Staples Center
In the run-up to the live recording of "The Who Relay" in 2016, The Who had a fascinating trajectory that echoed across their extensive catalog. The original sessions for "The Relay" harken back to 1972, recorded during the "Join Together" and "Long Live Rock" sessions, although it never made the cut for the iconic "Who's Next" album—an interesting tidbit that really highlights the band's creative process during their peak years. Knowing that "Who's Next," released in 1971, featured anthems like "Baba O'Riley" and "Behind Blue Eyes" really puts into perspective the musical evolution leading up to this later performance. Interestingly, the 2016 Staples Center show featured the classic lineup of members like Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend. This was a statement moment, marking their legacy with a live performance still celebrating their innovative spirit, despite the decades that had passed since those earlier sessions. It's like connecting past and present, traveling through time with each note played.