Trick of the Light (Live 1989)

"Trick of the Light (Live 1989)" by The Who is a gritty, lesser-known gem from their 1978 album Who Are You, written by bassist John Entwistle. In a 1978 interview with Sounds, Entwistle described the song as a cheeky take on a man seeking validation from a prostitute about his prowess, only to be left questioning himself—a theme he admitted was drawn from his own fascination with the world of "ladies of the night." Fans on the The Who Fans Facebook group have speculated that the live 1989 version, performed during their 25th-anniversary tour, carries extra weight because it was one of Entwistle’s rare lead vocal performances, showcasing his dry humor and thunderous basslines. A post on The Who’s X account from 2018 celebrating the album’s 40th anniversary noted that Entwistle’s contributions like this track gave the record its raw edge, a sentiment echoed by fans on the The Who Forum fan site who praise the live rendition for its blistering energy.

Another tidbit comes from Pete Townshend’s 2012 memoir Who I Am, where he mentioned that Entwistle’s songs, including "Trick of the Light," often brought a dark, sardonic balance to his own introspective writing, making the band’s dynamic unique. The 1989 live performance, captured during their comeback tour, is a fan favorite for its extended instrumental jams, as seen in bootleg discussions on Reddit’s The Who community. A 1989 Rolling Stone interview with Roger Daltrey highlighted how the band leaned into Entwistle’s tunes that year to reconnect with their roots after years of internal strife. On The Who’s Instagram, a throwback clip from that tour shows Entwistle’s commanding stage presence, with fans commenting on how his bass drove the song’s relentless pulse.

The Who began in 1964 in London, evolving from a scrappy mod band called The Detours. Roger Daltrey, a sheet-metal worker with a love for Elvis, started the group with schoolmate Pete Townshend, a budding songwriter obsessed with blending R&B and art-school ideas. John Entwistle, nicknamed "The Ox" for his stoic demeanor and powerful playing, joined soon after, bringing his jazz-influenced bass skills. Drummer Keith Moon, a wild card with a knack for chaos, completed the lineup, spotted by chance at a gig. According to their official bio on thewho.com, their early days were marked by raucous Shepherd’s Bush gigs, smashing instruments, and a fierce rivalry with bands like The Kinks. By 1965, their single "My Generation" cemented their rebellious image, with Townshend’s anthemic writing and Daltrey’s raw vocals propelling them to fame.

The band’s official channels are active and rich with history: visit thewho.com for tour dates and archival content, follow them on Facebook for fan engagement, check Instagram for rare photos, and see X for news and throwbacks. Fan communities thrive online—The Who Fans on Facebook has thousands sharing memories, while The Who Forum offers deep dives into discography. The thewho.net fan site is another hub for collectors, with detailed concert logs and trivia. These spaces keep The Who’s legacy alive, much like the Zoo Freaks grooving to their tunes.