descriptions of the Who

[Peter A Steeves <p_n_steeves@juno.com>]

>Hello, everyone,

>Since I joined this mailing list (not so far ago), I happily noticed
that
>everyone here knows a lot about The Who.  Willing to learn a little bit
more
>from
>you guys, I ask: how would each one of you describe Pete, Roger,
Entwistle
>and Moon, in simple words ? I mean, the general characteristics about
their
>personalitys, what do they like, how do they react to things, etc., of
>course, as far as we fans can get to know.     Just curious to hear the
>answers...

>xxxx Jules

Nobody does a better job of breifly describing the 4 personalities than
Chris Charlesworth does in  the intro of his book "An Illustrated
Biography -- The WHO".  Here is the intro (parethesis are my comments):

"Pete Townshend is a city dweller, occasionally to be found in a pub on
Wardour Street (1982) close to the offices of Trinifold, The Who's
management company.  He has about him the look of a refugee, of a man who
has passed through fire many times and lived to tell the tale.  His wise
eyes are bloodshot, deeply sunk into their sockets and he is shaved but
unshaven.  His clothes hang loosely over a skeletal frame and his boots
would look better for a smear of polish.  He'll talk to strangers but
he'll not suffer fools.  He's a master of illusion: he looks like a tramp
but he's a millionaire.  He is probably the most honest, conscientious
superstar that rock has produced in it's twenty-five (again, 1982) year
history.  This shabby fellow learned early in life that looks were of no
account and henceforth gave up any pretence to beauty.  It is a lesson
that others in his profession would do well to learn.  He is deeply
spiritual yet abundantly reckless (classic line).  A socialist and a
philosopher, he has to be careful not to preach (punk)but there are many
lessons to be learned from this man (godfather)." (I love this line the
most of any I've read about Townshend).
"Roger Daltrey, quite the opposite in every way, can be found at the
village inn close to his country estate on the Kent/Sussex border.  About
him there is an air of confidence; like all aggressive men he has a way
of holding himself that discourages confrontation.  There is nothing he
enjoys more than a game of darts a this village inn.  The locals know
that he's a rock superstar, a wealthy landowner, but no-one cares very
much.  he's one of the boys.  He is a man of the country with a health
glow, a year round tan.  The simple, black and white values of the
country have shaped his life.  His blue eyes flicker eagerly, anxious for
decisive action.  He is impetuous, stubborn, proud and, more often than
not, right.  He is a grafter, a man of deeds rather than words.  His
deeds are shruggged off with an embarrassed grin that uncovers a row of
white teeth.  Beauty is no stranger to Roger Daltrey".
"John Entwistle looks different today, thinner older, hair an odd grey
colour (hasn't that trend continued).  Recently he announced for the
first time in twenty-odd years that he'd been dying it black all that
time.  John has never rushed into things, never will.  He's a smart
dresser in a quiet, unpretentious way.  He doesn't say very much, but
when he does people listen.  He is streadfast, loyal and true, a pillar
of immovable strength.  For fifteen years he has acted as the arbitrator
in The Who, patiently sitting through the arguments until a happy medium
could be reached".
"There is a missing person, an enigma called Keith Moon who ran so fast
he collapsed and died.  He was crazy, a mad jester who was born with a
natural ability to play the drums and the fool.  On a good night Keith
could play with one arm tied behind his back and still sound like three
drummers". (this description of Keith is lacking, see comments by
Townshend himself in the Boxed Set for a more apt description).