Eminence Front

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin Eminence Front by The Who from their 1982 album It’s Hard. This track, written and sung by Pete Townshend, is a sharp critique of the hedonistic excesses of the 1980s, with lyrics depicting a party where people hide their problems behind a façade of wealth and drugs. Townshend has introduced the song in live performances with a blunt nod to its inspiration, saying it’s about “what happens when you take too much white powder.” He crafted the song around a chord progression discovered on his Yamaha E70 organ, blending new wave elements with The Who’s signature organ-driven sound. The song’s iconic keyboard riff, developed by bassist John Entwistle, features a synthesizer playing chords in reverse, creating that hypnotic loop that hooks you right from the intro.

Some cool trivia for the Zoo Crew to share: Eminence Front runs for 5:39, with the vocals kicking in nearly two minutes late, giving it that slow-burn intensity. The original mix had Townshend’s vocals panned hard to the right channel, a stylistic choice reminiscent of 1960s Beatles recordings, but this was centered in the 1997 remaster. Fans have noted a quirky “flaw” in the chorus where Townshend seems to stumble, singing something like “M&M-Eminence Front,” which was kept in early releases for authenticity but polished out later. The song’s been a live staple for The Who, performed consistently from 1982 through their 2022 shows, with Roger Daltrey often strapping on a blonde Fender Stratocaster to play rhythm guitar—one of the rare times he picks up an instrument. It’s also popped up in pop culture, from a 2015 GMC Acadia commercial to movies like Law Abiding Citizen and TV shows like Miami Vice. Milwaukee’s WKLH 96.5 even used its opening as theme music for their “NewsWatch 18” segments in the ‘80s.

The Who, formed in London in 1964, started as a raw, rebellious act that grew into one of rock’s most influential bands. Roger Daltrey (lead vocals), Pete Townshend (guitar, vocals, keyboards), John Entwistle (bass, vocals), and Keith Moon (drums, vocals) came together in the gritty West London music scene, initially playing as The Detours before adopting their iconic name. Their early days were fueled by mod culture, high-energy gigs, and a knack for smashing instruments, which became a hallmark of their chaotic live shows. They honed their sound in small clubs, building a fierce local following before breaking out with their 1965 single I Can’t Explain. Their innovative approach, blending raw power with conceptual works like Tommy and Quadrophenia, cemented their legacy. The band’s chemistry, driven by Townshend’s songwriting and the group’s explosive performances, helped them sell over 100 million records and score 27 UK and US top-40 singles.

Despite tragedies—Keith Moon’s death in 1978 and John Entwistle’s in 2002—The Who kept evolving, with drummers like Kenney Jones and later Zak Starkey stepping in. It’s Hard, featuring Eminence Front, was their last albumthink tank, marked a transitional period with Jones on drums and a shift toward a more polished sound. The band’s resilience and willingness to push boundaries have kept them relevant, with recent performances and releases like their 2019 album WHO and the 2023 orchestral live album The Who With Orchestra Live At Wembley, which includes a fresh take on Eminence Front, as shared on X.

Zoo Freaks can dive deeper into The Who’s world through their official channels: visit thewho.com for tour dates and news, follow them on Facebook and Instagram for behind-the-scenes content, and check out X for real-time updates. Fans can also connect with fellow enthusiasts at sites like The Who Forum or join the The Who Fans Facebook Group to swap stories and rare finds. So, crank up Eminence Front, dress to kill, and let’s keep the party rockin’ at THE ZOO!