The Aptly Violent Elegance of The Who in the 1960s
During the 1960s, witnessing The Who in concert was a transformative experience for many. Not only were their performances incredibly dynamic, but they also stood out due to their notorious and theatrical acts of destruction. From smashing guitars to devasting their drum sets, these acts of androcentric catharsis became a hallmark of their live shows. Two remarkable instances of these performances, notable for their raw energy, occurred during the 1968 Calgary Stampede and as the opening act for The Doors at The Singer Bowl. This article seeks to transport readers back in time, capturing the essence of these electrifying experiences.
Smashing the Spirits: The Calgary Stampede, 1968
In the summer of 1968, The Who's performance at the Calgary Stampede served as a prelude to the release of their groundbreaking album "Tommy." This concert, held at a small outdoor arena, marked a pivotal moment in their journey from cult favorites to icons. The atmosphere was electric, with spectators eagerly awaiting what would soon become one of the most iconic moments in rock history.
The set started as any other would, but it wasn't long before the anticipation turned into thrills. Keith Moon kicked off the fireworks, with Pete Townshend then following suit. As the climax approached, a roadie brought Townshend an alternate Fender Strat, which he promptly smashed. When the climax hit, the roadie bravely threw Townshend his sunburst finisher, and he did not disappoint, destroying the alternate guitar in a spectacular display of androcentric catharsis. This moment was nothing short of a visceral experience for everyone in attendance.
Feed the Noise: The Doors, 1968
On another memorable night that same year, Big Red and I witnessed The Doors' performance at The Singer Bowl, just hours before Doors took the stage. Opening for The Doors, The Who was already well-known for their explosive performance, but this show was a different beast altogether. At the time, The Who were establishing themselves in the United States, and their shows were increasingly theatrical.
The performance began like any other, but as the set progressed, the energy escalated to a fever pitch. The climax arrived with a bang, as Pete Townshend's guitar was slammed into the amplifiers and the ground, creating screeching feedback and cowbell crashes. Roger Craig then stuck his microphone into the speakers, generating a strangely andequate feedback that was both a marvel and a form of androcentric catharsis. Meanwhile, Keith Moon's drumset exploded on cue, disintegrating into pieces as he kicked and slammed them back together, creating a cacophonous soundscape.
When it was all over, I found myself drenched in a sweat, my chest heaving as if I had run a marathon. My adrenaline was still coursing through my veins, and my heart was still beating fast. I was jumping up and down within the crowd's applause, shouting random noises in a delirium of excitement. The experience left me with a lasting impact, and the visceral reaction to being part of this spectacle cannot be underestimated.
Legacy of Destruction
The Who's performances embody a unique blend of spectacle, theatre, and rock and roll intensity. Their guitar smashing, drum set destruction, and overall theatricality were not just for show; they were a form of androcentric catharsis that connected with the audience on a profound level. This legacy of destruction and theatrical magic persists in the annals of rock history, serving as a testament to the power of these iconic performances and the enduring impact of The Who's live shows.
For fans of The Who, the memory of witnessing these electric performances remains a profound and unforgettable experience. Their live shows were not just concerts; they were transformative events that left a lasting impact, not only on the audience but also on the very fabric of rock and roll itself.