Squeeze Box

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Squeeze Box" by The Who, a track from their 1975 album The Who by Numbers, and the Zoo Freaks are surely digging its cheeky vibe. This song, written by Pete Townshend, is packed with playful sexual innuendo, with lyrics like “Mama’s got a squeeze box she wears on her chest” that lean into a not-so-subtle double entendre. Townshend has shared that he wrote it as a lark, inspired by his fascination with the accordion, which he picked up at a music shop and learned to play one afternoon. In his 2012 memoir Who I Am, he admitted it was meant to be a bit of fun, never intended as a serious contender for the album until Ronnie Lane, formerly of Small Faces and Faces, heard the demo and urged him to include it. To Townshend’s surprise, The Who recorded it, and it became a hit, climbing to No. 10 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100, even hitting No. 1 in Canada.

Another quirky tidbit about "Squeeze Box" comes from its original concept. Townshend envisioned it for a 1974 TV special where The Who would perform surrounded by 100 topless women playing accordions—an idea that never came to fruition but speaks to the song’s tongue-in-cheek spirit. Roger Daltrey embraced the song’s humor, once saying in an interview, “There’s nothing wrong with a bit of ‘in-and-out,’ mate!” He loved its simplicity and how live audiences went wild for it. Meanwhile, John Entwistle downplayed the dirty undertones, insisting, “It doesn’t say ‘tits.’” The song’s country-tinged sound, with Townshend’s banjo picking, was a departure from their usual rock bombast, and its demo featured a Farfisa organ, giving it a Beatles-esque “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” feel. Covers of the song popped up over the years, like Freddy Fender’s 1979 version, which hit No. 61 on the US Country chart, and a 2002 take by Poison, with bassist Bobby Dall noting it was a fun fit for their vibe.

The Who, formed in London in 1964, emerged as one of the most influential rock bands of the ‘60s and ‘70s, known for their raw energy and groundbreaking rock operas like Tommy. The core lineup—Pete Townshend (guitar), Roger Daltrey (vocals), John Entwistle (bass), and Keith Moon (drums)—started as a group of working-class kids obsessed with American rhythm and blues. They initially called themselves The Detours, playing local gigs around Shepherd’s Bush, before adopting the name The Who, briefly flirting with The High Numbers at the suggestion of their early manager. Their big break came with their 1965 single “I Can’t Explain,” a raw, mod-fueled anthem that captured their angst and aggression. Townshend’s habit of smashing guitars onstage, paired with Moon’s wild drumming and Daltrey’s commanding presence, made them a live act like no other, building a fanatical following among London’s mod subculture.

Their early records, like “My Generation” and “Substitute,” tackled themes of alienation and rebellion, resonating with youth on both sides of the Atlantic. By the late ‘60s, they’d moved beyond their mod roots, with Townshend’s songwriting growing more ambitious, leading to the 1969 rock opera Tommy, which cemented their legacy. The band’s chemistry—Townshend’s introspective songwriting, Daltrey’s macho vocals, Entwistle’s thunderous bass, and Moon’s chaotic drumming—set them apart, even as internal tensions and the pressures of fame tested their bond. Despite tragedies, like Moon’s death in 1978 and Entwistle’s in 2002, The Who have endured, with Townshend and Daltrey still touring and creating music into their 80th year.

You can keep up with The Who on their official website, where they share tour dates and news. They’re active on Facebook, with over 3 million followers, posting about gigs and milestones. Their Instagram offers behind-the-scenes shots and throwbacks, while their X account keeps the conversation going with fans. For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, fan sites like The Who Live chronicle their concert history, and the The Who Fan Group on Facebook is a lively spot for devotees to swap stories and rare photos. Whether you’re grooving to “Squeeze Box” or exploring their epic catalog, The Who remain a cornerstone of rock history.