The Who – Who Are You (Half-Speed Mastered Edition)

Initially released in August 1978, Who Are You marked a significant chapter in The Who’s career. While it was a commercial triumph, peaking at No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and achieving double platinum status and No. 6 on the U.K. Albums Chart, it was also tragically the last album to feature legendary drummer Keith Moon, who died a week after its release.

The album saw the band pushing boundaries once more, with the songs referencing the incoming influence of punk music. In fact, the title track was written after a night out with Steve Jones and Paul Cook of The Sex Pistols. Nonetheless, Pete Townshend also delivered some of his most ambitious and intricate arrangements, incorporating layers of synthesisers and strings into The Who’s powerful backing tracks.

The title track “Who Are You” preceded the album in early July 1978, becoming an instant anthem that has remained in the band’s set list to this day. Aided by its appearance in the CSI TV franchise in the early 2000s, it’s one of The Who’s most-streamed tracks.

The initial sessions for the album took place at the band’s Ramport Studios, produced by Glyn Johns and Jon Astley. However, the recording process was fraught with challenges and creative tensions. The Who Are You Super Deluxe Edition finally tells the whole story, featuring, for the first time, the rejected original Glyn Johns mix of the album, a newly remastered version of the released Jon Astley mix and fly on the wall rehearsal sessions from Shepperton Studios, which the band owned at the time. It will also feature a wealth of unreleased material including demos, alternate takes and in the case of standout track “Sister Disco,” a previously ‘lost’ guitar solo rescued from the multi-track tapes by Steven Wilson.

In 1978, the album was seen as a return to form for The Who, and anticipation for a tour to support the album was high. Sadly, the death of Keith Moon on the 23rd August put paid to any such plans. The band introduced their new drummer, Kenney Jones, formerly of the Faces and The Small Faces, in May 1979, along with new keyboard player John’ Rabbit’ Bundrick. One of the many highlights of the super deluxe edition is the newly mixed live tapes from the US leg of the 1979 tour, capturing The Who’s explosive new lineup in full flight with tracks from the album coming to life onstage.

The band sustained that momentum into the new decade with the epic film project The Kids Are Alright, the Quadrophenia movie, and the multi-platinum Face Dances album in 1981.

The album’s new edition features over 70 unreleased tracks including never-before-heard versions of the title track “Who Are You,” newly mixed live tracks from the band’s first tour without original drummer Keith Moon and candid recordings of rehearsals in 1977 and 1978. Also included in the 7CD/1 Blu-ray set are brand-new Atmos & Stereo mixes by Steven Wilson. The album will also be released as a deluxe 4LP box set, a 2CD deluxe edition, and a limited-edition half-speed master vinyl edition.

LP - Half-Speed Mastered Edition 180g Black Vinyl. Features the newly remastered album in a replica single sleeve.