(September 19, 2023) In THE WHO & QUADROPHENIA, rock journalist and author Martin Popoff takes a deep dive into the legendary band’s sprawling rock opera, on the 50th anniversary of its release.
Quadrophenia, released in 1973, was The Who’s second full-blown rock opera, the first and last album completely written by Pete Townshend, at a perilous time in the band’s career, emotionally, creatively, and financially. Popoff leaves no stone unturned in taking apart the creation of this generation-spanning masterpiece, exploring each of the album’s 17 tracks and their themes of identity, anxiety and mental health. Chapters include:
- The state of The Who as of 1973, including their role in Mod culture
- The recording sessions at famed Olympic Studios and the band’s own Battersea location, including techniques used
- Song-by-song studies of each album side, including analyses of lyrics and the guitars, drums, keyboards, and synthesizers employed by members Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon
- The 1979 motion picture based on the album’s song cycle
- The continent-hopping tours that supported the album
- The rock group’s trajectory post-Quadrophenia, including notable albums and tours
Popoff also takes you on side journeys examining each band member, mod vs. rocker culture, the album’s famous graphic design, manager/producers Chris Stamp and Kit Lambert, Quadrophenia collectibles, and more. There’s even a brief discography and complete LP tour dates.
Presented in a 10″ × 10″ slipcased book, The Who & Quadrophenia is illustrated with 150 images, including stunning performance and candid off-stage photography, as well as rare memorabilia. The result is a richly presented celebration and your ultimate tribute to the rock opera masterpiece.
