The Who is IMO the better studio band. That will not change.
I have seen neither live (stones on purpose).
So I’m watching the 9/11 show and the Who was way better.
Any dissenters?
There’s a reason The Stones didn’t allow an official release of “Rock And Roll Circus” for almost 30 years. The Who owned the stage that night, as they did on the night of Concert For NYC.
That’s no snub against Mick and the boys, they put on one hell of a show too.
The Who was famous for their live shows. Watch The Kids are Alright for a sample.
The difference is that the Stones theatricality was all Mick Jagger, while the Who got it from Pete Townsend, Roger Daltry, and Keith Moon. Plus John Entwistle’s lack of showmanship made him also stand out.
It’s rare that a group had more than one person who had the great showmanship that made for an outstanding show. The Who was one of the few; the only other example I know of was the J. Geils Band.
The Stone are great, but the Who were just a big greater.
Hmmm, I listen to the Stones far more than I do the Who these days. Exile on Main Street being the most played although I also rotate in Who’s Next and Who Are You. But I’m a huge blues fan and the Stones definately have it over the Who in the R&B department.
I saw the Some Girls tour and Mick’s 34th (?) birthday in 1978 (?) in San Francisco. Great Show. I think Eddie Money opened, then Peter Tosh, followed by Santana? I’m hazy on Santana these days but Carlos and his family watched the Stones. Pretty awesome.
Saw The Who in 1980 in San Fran as well. Blew me away. Definately was the far more rocking live show.
My bro saw The Who in 1968 at the Sacramento Auditorium when they opened for IIRC The Monkees (or else it was Herman’s Hermits). He won tickets from a radio station. That sounded unfuckingforgetable. The full Who madness with drumsticks flying and then destroy the set at the end.
[Hijack]Funny thing. Townsend tells the story of backstage at the Montery Pop Festival. Arguing about who would headline and winning the fight that it would be the Who. Jimi Hendrix, said something like “okay mutherfuckers but I’m pulling out all the stops.” And stood on a chair and played the most amazing riff Townsend had ever heard. And Townsend said that Jimi was on fire and untouchable that night. [/hijack]
Net-net, I prefer the Stones lifetime work over the Who. If I could go back in time, it would be to see a Who show. That said, I’m gonna give a listen to my Who collection and see how it’s aged.
The Who, without question.
I always had the feeling that The Stones were much more popular overall, but The Who were one of the best concert bands. Even as they got old, they still rocked live. The 9/11 show was great and I thought their turn at the Super Bowl was great as well. (some folks disagree, but they are mistaken)
For fans and non-fans alike, may I recommend a couple of great books on the bands at what turned out to be defining moments of their histories:
The True Adventures of the Rolling Stones–Stanley Booth’s first person account of the tour and times leading up to Altamont.
Won’t Get Fooled Again The Who From Lifehouse To Quadrophenia– Richie Unterbeger did an impressive job researching this, coming up with stuff that was news to even long-time Who fans.
For comparison, here’s some songs which both bands recorded…
Under My Thumb, by the Rolling Stones
vs…
Under My Thumb, by the Who
and
Fortune Teller, by the Rolling Stones
vs.
Fortune Teller, by the Who
IMO, the Stones’ versions are tighter musically, but the Who versions have more energy.
Personally, the Who is my favorite band of all time. I’ve caught them live twice in 2002 and 2006, and I also saw Roger Daltrey on his solo tour in 2009. (I’m seeing him again next month, performing Tommy live.)
Still, there’s no doubt in my mind that the Stones were better songwriters.
The Who wanted my mind.
The Stones wanted my soul.
Both had their live moments where they were up to the task. It’s all good.
One reason why is that show took so long to film when the Stones got in front of the cameras it was something like 4 AM and they were tired. The Stones may have been involved with various legal troubles at the time which disrupted the band. Those troubles are why the Who recorded the two songs: to raise money and awareness for their legal defense.