The Who are a legendary English rock band formed in London in 1964, renowned for their explosive performances and significant influence on the rock music landscape. Emerging from their original incarnation as The Detours, the band solidified its classic lineup with lead vocalist Roger Daltrey, guitarist and primary songwriter Pete Townshend, bassist John Entwistle, and drummer Keith Moon. They are widely regarded as one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century, credited with pioneering the use of powerful amplifiers and large public address systems, as well as the rock opera format. Their groundbreaking album, "My Generation," released in 1965, became a defining moment in rock history.

The band's early success was marked by a series of chart-topping singles, beginning with their first release as The Who, "I Can't Explain," which reached the UK top ten. This was quickly followed by other hits such as "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere," "My Generation," "Substitute," "I'm a Boy," "Happy Jack," and "Pictures of Lily." In 1967, The Who captured international attention with their performance at the Monterey Pop Festival, alongside the release of "I Can See for Miles," which became their only top ten hit in the US. The release of their landmark concept album "Tommy" in 1969 further established them as a formidable force in rock, featuring the iconic single "Pinball Wizard."

Throughout the early 1970s, The Who continued to gain acclaim with their electrifying live performances and innovative albums. Their concert album "Live at Leeds" (1970) solidified their reputation as one of the greatest live acts of the era. Despite the pressures that followed the success of "Tommy," Townshend's creative genius shone through in the subsequent album "Who's Next" (1971), which included timeless tracks such as "Baba O'Riley," "Won't Get Fooled Again," and "Behind Blue Eyes." The band's commitment to their mod roots was celebrated in the 1973 release of "Quadrophenia," which further explored their narrative artistry.

The Who's trajectory faced a tragic turn with the death of Keith Moon in 1978, shortly after the release of "Who Are You." Following Moon's passing, former Small Faces drummer Kenney Jones joined the band, and they continued to tour, releasing a film adaptation of "Quadrophenia" in 1979. The 1980s saw The Who produce two more albums, "Face Dances" (1981) and "It's Hard" (1982), and they sporadically reunited for significant performances, including the legendary Live Aid concert in 1985.

In 1999, The Who embarked on a full-time reunion, featuring drummer Zak Starkey, son of Ringo Starr. After the passing of John Entwistle in 2002, the band continued to perform as a duo, with Daltrey and Townshend leading the charge. Their 2006 album "Endless Wire" marked their return to the studio after a lengthy hiatus. The band's legacy continued with the release of their twelfth studio album, "Who," in 2019, accompanied by extensive touring. As of 2025, The Who are set to embark on their final tour, titled "The Song Is Over North American Farewell Tour," a fitting tribute to their storied career that has left an indelible mark on the world of rock music.