The Who is one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time. Formed in 1964, their career has spanned over 50 years, with the band releasing 11 studio albums, including classics like Tommy, Who’s Next, and Quadrophenia. Some of their most well-known songs include “My Generation,” “Pinball Wizard,” “Baba O’Riley,” “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” and “Behind Blue Eyes.” Even after the death of drummer Keith Moon in 1978 and bassist John Entwistle in 2002, guitarist Pete Townshend and vocalist Roger Daltrey continue to tour as The Who. Their longevity and continued popularity raises an interesting question – what other famous musicians have toured or performed with The Who over their long career? This article will take a look at some of the most notable artists who have shared the stage with the legendary Who.
The Who’s Early Touring Days
In the early days, The Who were part of the 1960s British Invasion of rock bands that found huge success in America. They often toured alongside other popular British bands of the era. In 1967, The Who toured with fellow UK groups The Move, Pink Floyd, The Tremeloes, and Marmalade. They also performed concerts with The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Troggs, and Cream featuring Eric Clapton in the late 1960s. Sharing the stage with these iconic bands helped boost The Who’s popularity and introduced them to new audiences.
The Who and The Rolling Stones
The Who have a long history with The Rolling Stones and have performed together many times over the decades. Their first concert together was in 1964 at the New Brighton Tower in the UK. In 1982, The Who reunited with The Rolling Stones for two shows at Shea Stadium in New York. These concerts were notable because they drew over 200,000 people and were some of the biggest rock concerts at that point in time. The two bands came together again in 1989 for a live pay-per-view special called “The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus.” Mick Jagger and Keith Richards have frequently joined The Who on stage at various performances to sing classics like “My Generation.”
Charity Concerts & Tours
The Who have participated in many fundraiser and charity concerts over the years, often alongside other famous musicians. In 1971, they were part of George Harrison’s “Concert for Bangladesh” which also featured Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, and Bob Dylan. The Who rejoined Clapton along with Elton John, Phil Collins and many others for “The Prince’s Trust Rock Gala” in 1982 to raise money for the Prince of Wales’ charity. Similar star-studded charity events with The Who include “The Concert for New York City” in 2001 and “12-12-12: The Concert for Sandy Relief” in 2012.
Notable Joint Tours
There are a few noteworthy tours where The Who were either a supporting act or split headline duties with another major band. In 1967 they opened for Herman’s Hermits on a US tour. In 1969, The Who were supported by Led Zeppelin at various UK concerts early in Led Zeppelin’s career. The two bands also had a joint tour of North America in 1975. Some of The Who’s largest ever concerts were part of “The Day on the Green” festival concerts with Led Zeppelin, featuring over 80,000 attendees.
Collaborations with Solo Artists
While mainly known as a quintessential rock band, members of The Who have also performed with many prolific solo musicians over the decades:
- Roger Daltrey has brought Pete Townshend on stage for versions of Tommy with full orchestras.
- Eric Clapton has frequently asked Pete Townshend to join him for unforgettable guitar jam sessions.
- Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam inducted The Who into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and has also played with them.
- Paul McCartney and The Who crossed paths in the 1960s and have reunited at major events like “The Concert for New York City.”
- Elton John and The Who have shared the stage for televised performances and charity concerts.
Tours with Younger Artists
While The Who are rock legends, they’ve also toured with many contemporary bands and solo artists over the past couple decades:
- Green Day supported The Who on their North American tour in 2009.
- The Black Keys opened for The Who at Chicago’s United Center in 2013.
- Joan Jett frequently appears as an opening act on recent Who tours.
- Zak Starkey, son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, has been The Who’s drummer on tours since the 1990s.
- EDM artist Zedd remixed The Who’s “Baba O’Riley” and opened for them in 2015.
Recent Notable Performances
True to their legendary status, The Who have maintained a busy touring schedule in the past several years. Even in their 70s and without all the original members, Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey continue to deliver electrifying shows. Here are some of the most memorable recent concerts where they have shared the stage with other icons:
- 2010 Super Bowl Halftime Show with Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band.
- 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremonies with Muse, Ray Davies, and others.
- 2015 MusiCares Person of the Year Gala with Alice Cooper, Neil Young, and more.
- 2017 NYC show with Billy Idol, Iggy Pop, and Robert Plant.
- 2019 Wembley Stadium concert featuring Kaiser Chiefs, Eddie Vedder, and Coldplay’s Chris Martin.
Conclusion
Over six decades of performing, The Who have played with practically every major figure in rock music history. From the British Invasion that launched their career to all-star charity events to recent festival gigs, The Who have shared the stage with legends like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen and countless others. Even as Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend pass their 70s, they continue to collaborate with both older and newer artists regularly. The Who cemented their place in rock history long ago, but their ongoing live shows and collaborations with fellow icons demonstrate that, to this day, no one can match their energy, longevity or star power.
