On this day in music history: August 18, 1978 - “Who Are You”, the eighth studio album by The Who is released. Produced by The Who, Jon Astley and Glyn Johns, it is recorded at Rampart Studios in Battersea, London, Olympic Studios, RAK Studios in St. John’s Wood, London, and Pete Townshend’s Home Studio in Going-on-Thames, London from October 1977 - April 1978. Issued three years after their last studio album “The Who By Numbers”, it is the final album to feature original drummer Keith Moon. Hampered by his decade long abuse of drugs and alcohol, Moon’s once rock solid playing suffers as he continues to struggle with his addictions. As a result, Keith’s confidence in his ability to deliver consistently in the studio is shaken, feeling that he is letting his band mates down. Sadly, he dies of an accidental drug overdose just three weeks after its release. Moon’s death is made even more tragic and ironic, when he overdoses on the medication he is prescribed to combat his alcoholism. It spins off two singles including “Trick Of The Light” and the title track (#14 Pop). In 1996, the album is remixed and remastered (by Jon Astley), with the reissue containing five bonus tracks. The title song becomes the theme of long running crime drama television series “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” in 2000. Out of print on vinyl since the late 80’s, it is remastered and reissued as a 180 gram LP in 2015. “Who Are You” peaks at number two on the Billboard Top 200, number six on the UK album chart, and is certified 2x Platinum in the US by the RIAA. 

I loved this when it came out and it shocked when first we heard it. The use of the eff word made us giggle and wait to see who spotted it. Then of course it was used in the media censored and emasculated which proved a disappointment that every time I heard since I would mouth the missing word . . . . . . Who the F*** are you?! 
It coincided personally with the time when not only were we on a journey of self exploration to find out exactly who we were but it also served as one of the best put down lines ever committed. Well who ARE you! this also coincided with the scientologists who's greatest degree of ex-communication stated "Find out who you really are' pompous bunch! I had been reading Cyril Vospers' 'The Mind Benders' and he revealed that the state of being a 'non-person' meant anyone from the org (Sea, Land or ethereal!) could take any unspecified measures against you and the definition was revealed in paperwork 'find out who you really are'. So I did find out and it didn't need the indoctrination and emotionless nulification of all sensate feeling to understand that self control was the key! Hah! WHO ARE YOU!?


All saddened by the death of drummer Moon weeks after the singles release who we have discussed earlier in terms of his untimely and cruelly ironic death 

Clown and frantic prankster Moon lived his life in a complete fantasy as Roger has recalled but who's desease of alcohol addiction saw one of the best modern musicians and unique drummers of the era dead long before his time . . . . . . 

a session with Keith was not for the nervous and here with Ronnie 'Plonk' Lane fellow alcoholic Viv Stanshall and journalist Chris Welch at The Crown & Cushion in Chipping Norton, in the Cotswolds that Keith owned (sic!)

rack 'em up Keith . . . . 

Not a care in the world!

Wouldn't put anything passed him!