8 Sep 2017

1970

1970

January 4

Keith’s chauffeur is killed in a tragic accident as the drummer leaves a discotheque at Hatfield, north of London.

February 14

The Who perform at Leeds University, recording the show for a live album.

February 15

The Who play at City Hall, Hull. The concert is eventually released on disc in 2010 as part of the Live at Leeds box set and as a stand-alone album in 2012, The Who Live at Hull 1970.

20 March 20

‘The Seeker’ released. It reaches number 19 in the UK charts.

May

Live At Leeds released in a plain buff sleeve as an antidote to the elaborate packaging of Tommy. Still widely regarded as one of the finest ever live rock albums, it reaches number three in the UK and number four in the US.

7 June 7

The Who play two shows of Tommy at the New York Metropolitan Opera House. The long US tour that follows visits sports arenas for the first time.

29 August 29

The Who appear at the third Isle Of Wight Festival.   September European tour.

October

UK tour with The James Gang.

December 20

The Who perform Tommy in its entirety for the final time (apart from the reunion tour of 1989) at London’s Roundhouse, dedicating it to their support act, a newcomer called Elton John.