The Who

In June 1970, when The Who took the stage at Memphis’ Ellis Memorial Auditorium, they were riding the wave of their groundbreaking album *Live at Leeds*, released earlier that same year. This live recording is often hailed as one of the band’s best, capturing that raw, explosive energy that made their performances legendary. By this point in their career, The Who had established themselves as pioneers of the rock opera genre, following the massive success of *Tommy* in 1969. This Memphis show offered fans a glimpse of the evolution of their sound, blending newer works like "Heaven and Hell" with classics such as "I Can't Explain" and the then-unreleased "Water." An interesting tidbit? The Who's shows during this period were notorious for their wild energy—Pete Townshend's guitar-smashing antics became a signature move, underscoring their reputation for delivering unforgettable performances. The Memphis concert is a perfect snapshot of a band at the height of their creative prowess, making waves in rock history.

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