The Who Members, Gear & Sound

Genre

Rock Pop rock Blues rock Pop music Folk rock Power pop Art rock Progressive rock Psychedelic rock Protopunk Roots rock Popular music Punk rock Hard rock Classic rock Rock opera British Invasion Freakbeat album rock mellow gold mod

Members

Select a The Who band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Pino Palladino

Roles:

Bassist

Groups:

Nine Inch Nails Tears for Fears The RH Factor Spinal Tap John Mayer Trio Soulquarians The House Band (2) Boogie Box High The Soulquarians The Soultronics Man Doki Soulmates Jools Holland and His Millionaires The Vanguard The Gaddabouts Chris Dave and The Drumhedz

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Pete Townshend

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Composer

Groups:

Mick Fleetwood and Friends Rockestra Artists United Against Apartheid Deep End The High Numbers Tommy And The Bijoux

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John Entwistle

Roles:

Singer Bassist

Groups:

Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band A Walk Down Abbey Road John Entwistle Band The High Numbers Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band Gargantuan Chums The Best The Crowd

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Keith Moon

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

The Plastic Ono Band Lord Sutch & Heavy Friends Gargantuan Chums Tommy And The Bijoux

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Roger Daltrey

Roles:

Singer Guitarist

Groups:

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes The RD Crusaders Steve Winwood & Roger Daltrey Graham Bell, Steve Winwood, Maggie Bell & Roger Daltry Richard Harris, Roger Daltry & Steve Winwood

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Zak Starkey

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes Oasis Mick Fleetwood and Friends Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band Johnny Marr + the Healers Lightning Seeds A.S.A.P. Artists United Against Apartheid The Icicle Works Mantra of the Cosmos Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band The Semantics The Crowd SSHH Pengu!ns

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Chris Stainton

Roles:

Keyboardist Composer Music Producer

Groups:

Spooky Tooth George's Band The Singing Rebel's Band The Grease Band

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Jon Carin

Roles:

Keyboardist Composer

Groups:

Pink Floyd Industry

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Simon Townshend

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

The RD Crusaders The Casbah Club Simon Townshend's Moving Target

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Jon Button

Roles:

Bassist

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Kenney Jones

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

Faces The Small Faces Rockestra The Law Quiet Melon Changing Man The Jones Gang

Needs more gear

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John "Rabbit" Bundrick

Roles:

Keyboardist

Groups:

Blackwell Kossoff / Kirke / Tetsu / Rabbit Crawler

Needs more gear

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Loren Gold

Roles:

Singer Keyboardist

No gear added

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Doug Sandom

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

The Creation

No gear added

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Frank Simes

Roles:

Singer Guitarist

No gear added

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About

The Who is an iconic English rock band, celebrated for their explosive performances and pioneering contributions to the rock genre. Formed in London in 1964, the group initially featured Roger Daltrey (vocals), Pete Townshend (guitar, vocals), John Entwistle (bass), and Keith Moon (drums). Over the years, The Who has explored a variety of styles, including rock, pop rock, blues rock, and psychedelic rock, becoming a defining force in the British Invasion. Their innovative approach to music, including the development of the rock opera, has left a lasting impact on the musical landscape.

How to Sound Like The Who

The Who's sound is characterized by a compelling mix of aggressive power chords and melodic intricacies, creating a dynamic and raw sonic experience. Pete Townshend's guitar work often combines crunchy distortion with melodic riffs, which can be recreated using robust amplifiers and expressive guitars like the Gibson Les Paul Custom. The bass lines, originally laid down by John Entwistle, provide a thunderous yet articulate foundation, exemplified by his use of the Rickenbacker 4001. Finally, Keith Moon's drumming added a chaotic, yet precise energy, driving the band's vibrant and rebellious sound. Together, these elements create a potent mix of raw energy and structured chaos that defines The Who's musical identity.

Discography

My Generation (Deluxe Edition)

1965

My Generation (Stereo Version)

1965

The Who Sings My Generation (U.S. Version)

1966

A Quick One

1966

A Quick One (Mono Version)

1966

The Who Sell Out (Expanded Edition)

1967

Tommy (Deluxe Edition)

1969

Live At Leeds (Expanded Edition)

1970

Who's Next (Remastered 2022)

1971

Quadrophenia (Super Deluxe Edition)

1973

The Who By Numbers (Expanded Edition)

1975

Who Are You

1978

The Kids Are Alright

1979

Quadrophenia (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

1979

Face Dances

1981

Live At Shea Stadium 1982

1982

It's Hard

1982

Join Together (Live U.S. Tour/1989)

1990

Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival 1970

1996

Endless Wire

2006

Live At Hull

2012

Quadrophenia - Live In London

2014

Live In Hyde Park

2015

Tommy Live At The Royal Albert Hall

2017

WHO (Deluxe)

2019

The Who With Orchestra: Live At Wembley

2023

Live At The Oval 1971

2025

Get the The Who Sound

Want to sound like The Who? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.