On May 31st in music history, one significant event took place in 1976. It was on this day that The Who played their iconic concert at The Valley in London, which later became known as "The Who Put the Boot In."
The Who, one of the most influential rock bands of all time, were at the height of their popularity in 1976. The concert at The Valley was part of their UK tour supporting their latest album, "The Who by Numbers." The band consisted of Roger Daltrey (vocals), Pete Townshend (guitar), John Entwistle (bass), and Keith Moon (drums).
The show was particularly memorable for a few reasons. Firstly, it was the largest concert The Who had ever played in the UK, with an estimated audience of 80,000 people. The stage setup was massive, featuring a huge lighting rig and a giant inflatable pig, which was a nod to their rock opera "Tommy."
Secondly, the setlist was incredible, featuring some of The Who's most iconic songs, such as "My Generation," "Pinball Wizard," "Behind Blue Eyes," and "Won't Get Fooled Again." The band played with their usual raw energy and power, with Townshend's windmill guitar strums, Daltrey's powerful vocals, Entwistle's thunderous bass, and Moon's manic drumming.
However, the most notable moment of the show came during the encore. As the band returned to the stage, Keith Moon, known for his wild antics, began kicking over his drum kit. Soon, the rest of the band joined in, smashing their instruments and destroying the stage. The crowd went wild, and the moment has since become one of the most iconic in rock history.
The concert was recorded and later released as a live album titled "The Who Put the Boot In," which captured the raw energy and power of the band at their peak. It remains a classic live album and a testament to the incredible legacy of The Who.