The Who Announces 8-Disc 'Who Are You' Box Set with Rare Recordings and Rehearsals

September 2, 2025
The Who Announces 8-Disc 'Who Are You' Box Set with Rare Recordings and Rehearsals
  • The Who is releasing an extensive 8-disc box set of their 1978 album 'Who Are You,' which includes remastered tracks, new mixes, outtakes, unreleased rehearsal recordings from Shepperton Studios, and live performances from the 1979 US tour, all accompanied by a Blu-ray with advanced audio mixes.

  • This reissue aims to document the album's troubled production, band dynamics, and the transition period, offering fans and collectors a wealth of archival material, alternate mixes, demos, and live recordings.

  • Pre-orders for the box set are now available, with a release date set for October 31, 2025, and various formats including 2CD, 4LP, half-speed, and colored vinyl.

  • Originally released in August 1978, 'Who Are You' was a major success, reaching No. 2 on the US Billboard 200, achieving double platinum status, and being the last album featuring drummer Keith Moon, who died shortly after its release.

  • The album reflected the band's response to punk and disco trends, with the title track inspired by Pete Townshend's night out with members of the Sex Pistols, and it peaked at No. 6 in the UK and No. 2 in the US.

  • Keith Moon's death in August 1978 halted plans for a supporting tour, leading to the introduction of drummer Kenney Jones and keyboardist John 'Rabbit' Bundrick in 1979, with live recordings from this period included in the reissue.

  • The recording sessions faced numerous challenges, including band tensions, Keith Moon's struggles, and issues with producer Glyn Johns, culminating in a chaotic process that is detailed in the reissue.

  • The collection also includes unreleased concert recordings from the 1979 US tour, performances with new drummer Kenney Jones, and rehearsal footage from the filming of 'The Kids Are Alright'.

  • The album's creative shift was influenced by punk, with intricate arrangements by Pete Townshend featuring synthesizers and strings, and the title track inspired by a night out with Sex Pistols members.

  • The song 'Who Are You' became an anthem, partly due to its feature in 'CSI,' and the album's success marked a significant moment in The Who's career, reaching No. 2 in the US and No. 6 in the UK.

  • This release coincides with The Who's 'The Song is Over' North American farewell tour, scheduled from September 2 to September 28, with concerts in cities including Toronto, Chicago, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Seattle, and Las Vegas.

  • A special pop-up store in Toronto is offering exclusive merchandise ahead of the tour, which will be the band's final North American run.

Summary based on 25 sources


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