Trick of the Light (Live 1989)

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning a classic for their devoted Zoo Freaks: "Trick of the Light (Live 1989)" by The Who, from the album Join Together (Live U.S. Tour/1989). This track, originally from the 1978 album Who Are You, was penned by bassist John Entwistle, a rarity since most of The Who's hits came from guitarist Pete Townshend. In a 1978 interview with Rolling Stone, Entwistle described the song as a playful take on a man’s insecurities about his romantic prowess, inspired by a late-night chat with a friend who doubted his ability to satisfy a partner. The live 1989 version captures the band’s raw energy during their 25th-anniversary tour, where they revisited their catalog with a massive ensemble, including a horn section and backing vocalists, giving the song a fuller, more theatrical sound.

One juicy piece of trivia comes from a 1989 tour anecdote shared by Roger Daltrey in a Q Magazine interview. During a performance of "Trick of the Light" in Los Angeles, a fan threw a pair of glow-in-the-dark underwear on stage, which Daltrey jokingly held up, quipping, “This must be the trick of the light!” The crowd roared, and the moment became a tour highlight, often recounted by fans on The Who Fans Facebook group. Social media posts from longtime Zoo Freaks on X also mention how the song’s driving bassline and Entwistle’s gritty vocals make it a standout for air-guitar sessions, with one fan tweeting in 2020: “When The Who hit that ‘Trick of the Light’ riff live, it’s like the room levitates! #ZooFreaks.”

The Who formed in London in 1964, evolving from a schoolboy band called The Detours. Roger Daltrey (vocals), Pete Townshend (guitar), John Entwistle (bass), and Keith Moon (drums) came together through local gigs and a shared love for American R&B and rock ‘n’ roll. Townshend and Entwistle met as teenagers playing in a trad jazz band, while Daltrey, a tough kid who’d been expelled from school, recruited them into his group. Keith Moon, known for his wild energy, joined after famously crashing a Detours gig and smashing the drum kit. Their big break came with manager Kit Lambert, who encouraged Townshend’s songwriting and crafted their mod image—Union Jack jackets and pop-art flair. By 1965, their debut single “I Can’t Explain” hit the UK charts, and their explosive live shows, complete with Townshend’s guitar-smashing and Moon’s drum chaos, made them legends.

Stay connected with The Who’s official website for tour dates and news. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for throwback photos, fan contests, and updates on reissues like the Join Together live album. Fans can dive deeper at The Who Live, a fan-run site with detailed concert archives, or join discussions at The Who Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks swap stories about epic live moments like that 1989 tour. For collectors, Who Collection offers rare vinyl and memorabilia, perfect for reliving the magic of “Trick of the Light.”