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The Who’s classic “My Generation” is this week’s Song of the Week. “My Generation” was released in October 1965, backed with “Daddy Rolling Stone” in the UK and “Anytime You Want Me” in the US. The song also appeared on The Who’s debut album, “My Generation,” which was released in December 1965.

Original Billboard ad for “My Generation” single

The song is notable for the aggressive instrumentation and Roger Daltrey’s stuttered vocal delivery – in particular the line “Why don’t you all fff… fade away!” Listeners have enjoyed substituting the word “fade” for another f-word ever since. The line “I hope I die before I get old” has also become one of the most iconic in rock history and sadly prophetic given the death of drummer Keith Moon aged just 32 years in 1978. The decision to have Pete Townshend and Keith Entwistle share the instrumental break on guitar and bass, respectively, was also key to the song’s impact. This was one of the first bass solos in rock history and remains one of the finest.

The Who – “My Generation”

The song has become perhaps The Who’s best known track and still a popular part of their show today. It is included as part of a 16 minute medley on The Who’s classic album “Live at Leeds” in 1970.

Authorship

Pete Townshend wrote the words and music for “My Generation.”

Recording date/location

“My Generation” was recorded on October 13, 1965 at IBC Studios, London, England.

Musicians

The following musicians appeared on “My Generation”:

• Roger Daltrey – lead vocals
• Pete Townshend – guitar and backing vocals
• John Entwistle – bass and backing vocals
• Keith Moon – drums.

Chart performance

“My Generation” hit number two on the UK charts and number 74 in the US. The Who only equalled this UK chart placing with “I’m a Boy” the following year.

Covers

Many popular bands have covered “My Generation” and the song continues to be discovered by new artists to this day.

Green Day – “My Generation”

Green Day covered “My Generation” in 1990 on their third EP “Sweet Children.” The band still plays the song in concert.

Oasis – “My Generation”

British rockers Oasis included “My Generation” on the 2002 single “Little by Little” / “She is Love” and also often used the song to close their live shows.

There will be a new Song of the Week on October 11.

“My Generation” is available on The Who’s first album “My Generation” and a number of compilations, including last year’s “Greatest Hits.”

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The Who – My Generation deluxe (2 CDs)	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
The Who – Greatest Hits (CD)	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now