Getting in Tune

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Getting in Tune" by The Who from their iconic 1971 album Who's Next, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its soulful energy. This track, written by Pete Townshend, has a fascinating backstory tied to the abandoned Lifehouse project, a visionary but complex rock opera meant to follow Tommy. Townshend drew direct inspiration for "Getting in Tune" from Indian musician Imrat Khan’s teachings on the mysticism of sound, where music serves as a bridge for individuals to connect spiritually. As Townshend explained in a 1974 interview with Zigzag, the song reflects the idea of music as a unifying force, a concept rooted in his broader Lifehouse narrative about a futuristic concert where a "universal chord" could make an audience transcend reality.

Another intriguing tidbit about "Getting in Tune" comes from its recording process. The song was initially laid down at the Record Plant in New York on March 18, 1971, with guest musicians like Leslie West on guitar and Al Kooper on organ, as noted in the 2003 Deluxe Edition of Who's Next. However, the version that made the final album was recorded later with Glyn Johns at Olympic Studios in London, where the band achieved a richer, more polished sound. The New York sessions, though raw, captured a looser vibe, and an alternate take from those sessions is a gem for fans, showcasing the band’s experimental edge. The song’s layered piano by guest artist Nicky Hopkins and its heartfelt lyrics also made it a standout, with Townshend later reflecting in interviews that it was one of the tracks that felt like a personal breakthrough in expressing his spiritual and musical philosophy.

The Who began in the early 1960s in London, emerging from the gritty, youthful energy of the British mod scene. Pete Townshend (guitar), Roger Daltrey (vocals), John Entwistle (bass), and Keith Moon (drums) started as The Detours, a local act playing rhythm and blues covers. By 1964, they adopted the name The Who, influenced by American R&B and the desire to carve out a unique British rock identity. Their early years were marked by explosive live performances, with Townshend’s guitar-smashing antics and Moon’s wild drumming earning them a cult following among mods. As Britannica notes, their 1965 single “I Can’t Explain” crystallized their raw, rebellious sound, blending tough lyrics with savage power chords. The band’s breakthrough came with “My Generation,” a stuttering anthem of youthful alienation that cemented their place as outsiders in the rock world, distinct from the Beatles’ polish or the Stones’ swagger.

The Who’s evolution from a singles-driven band to album-rock pioneers was fueled by Townshend’s ambition as a composer. By the late 1960s, they were experimenting with concept albums like The Who Sell Out and the groundbreaking rock opera Tommy in 1969, which elevated them to global fame after a legendary Woodstock performance. Who’s Next, with tracks like "Getting in Tune," marked their peak, blending raw power with innovative use of synthesizers, inspired by Townshend’s devotion to spiritual guru Meher Baba. Despite personal and creative tensions, including the collapse of Lifehouse, the band’s chemistry—Daltrey’s macho vocals, Entwistle’s virtuosic bass, Moon’s chaotic drums, and Townshend’s intellectual songwriting—made them one of the most influential acts of their era.

Fans can stay connected with The Who’s official website for tour dates, news, and merchandise. Their Facebook page shares updates on new releases and archival content, while their Instagram offers behind-the-scenes photos and throwbacks to their storied career. On X, the band posts about live shows and reflections on their legacy, like a 2021 celebration of Who’s Next’s 50th anniversary featuring a live clip of "Getting in Tune" from Cleveland in 2000. For deeper fan engagement, check out Who’s Who, a tribute band site with glowing reviews from fans and even Keith Moon’s former PA, Peter “Dougal” Butler. Dedicated fan communities also thrive on Facebook groups like “Who Are You”, where Zoo Freaks and other devotees share stories, rare photos, and love for The Who’s timeless sound.