5:15

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the iconic track "5:15" by The Who from their 1973 rock opera Quadrophenia, firing up the Zoo Freaks in the audience. This song, a gritty anthem of mod culture, captures the restless energy of Jimmy, the album’s protagonist, as he rides a train to Brighton, fueled by amphetamines and teenage angst. One wild story from the song’s live performances comes from a 1973 Newcastle show, where Pete Townshend, frustrated by late backing tapes for "5:15," halted the concert, dragged sound engineer Bob Pridden onstage, and tossed the tapes around before storming off. The band returned 20 minutes later to play older hits, with Townshend and Keith Moon later downplaying the chaos on local TV. Another tidbit: "5:15" was the UK single from Quadrophenia, performed live on Top of the Pops on October 4, 1973, hitting No. 20 on the charts. Unlike most of the album, where parts were recorded separately, "5:15" was uniquely arranged by the band together in the studio, giving it a raw, collaborative edge.

The Who began in London in 1964, rising from the ashes of a band called The Detours, formed by Roger Daltrey. Pete Townshend joined as guitarist, followed by John Entwistle on bass, and later Keith Moon on drums, replacing Doug Sandom. Their early days were marked by explosive live shows, with Townshend smashing guitars and Moon trashing drum kits, a chaotic energy that defined their mod-era identity. Managed by Kit Lambert and Chris Stamp, they honed their sound in London’s club scene, drawing on R&B influences and Townshend’s knack for bold songwriting. Their 1965 single “I Can’t Explain” broke them into the charts, and by the time they released My Generation, their raw power and rebellious spirit made them icons of the youth counterculture.

You can keep up with The Who on their official website, where they share tour dates, news, and merch. They’re active on Facebook, posting about gigs and throwbacks to their legendary career. On Instagram, you’ll find vibrant photos from recent tours and glimpses of their archives. Their X account keeps the conversation lively with updates and fan interactions. Fans also gather at sites like The Who Forum, a hub for diehards to discuss albums and shows. On Facebook, groups like The Who Fans bring Zoo Freaks together to share memories, rare photos, and love for tracks like "5:15."