Going Mobile

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Going Mobile" by The Who, a track from their 1971 album Who's Next, and the Zoo Freaks are loving this ode to freedom on the open road. Written by Pete Townshend, the song was originally part of his ambitious Lifehouse project, a sci-fi rock opera that never fully materialized due to its complexity and band tensions. In a 2006 interview with Uncut magazine, Townshend reflected on the song’s environmental irony, noting that while it celebrates escaping pollution, his "big V8 American camper van" would’ve contributed to it. The track stands out for its unique recording setup: Roger Daltrey didn’t sing on it, leaving Townshend to handle lead vocals, guitars, and synthesizers, with John Entwistle on bass and Keith Moon on drums, forming a rare power-trio performance for the band.

Another gem about "Going Mobile" is its innovative guitar sound. Townshend used an envelope follower, a type of synthesizer distortion, to create a squawking, almost underwater-like effect during the solo, which some fans, like a commenter on Songfacts, say mimics a car engine’s hum. Fans on r/TheWho have praised its upbeat vibe, with one user calling it "one of the great driving songs" that lifts you out of a funk. Despite its charm, the song was never performed live by The Who, though Townshend included a version in his solo project The Lifehouse Chronicles. Its lighter tone contrasts with Who's Next’s heavier anthems like "Baba O’Riley," making it a fan favorite for its carefree spirit.

The Who formed in London in 1964, evolving from a mod band called The Detours. Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon found their edge by embracing the mod subculture, with sharp suits and Union Jack jackets, as Townshend later admitted was a calculated move to stand out. Their early singles like "I Can’t Explain" and "My Generation" captured youthful rebellion, fueled by Townshend’s raw guitar riffs, Moon’s frenetic drumming, and Daltrey’s commanding vocals. Their live shows, often ending with smashed instruments, became legendary, setting them apart from contemporaries like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. By the late 1960s, they pioneered the rock opera with Tommy, cementing their influence.

Stay connected with The Who through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for updates on tours and releases. Fans can dive deeper at sites like The Who Forum or join discussions in the The Who Fans Facebook group. The Zoo Crew and Zoo Freaks can keep rocking out to "Going Mobile" and celebrate The Who’s legacy as one of rock’s most electrifying acts.