Autographs from The Who are in huge demand today.
And no wonder.
They're among the most successful rock bands of their era.
But here's a few thoughts on the specific factors driving the rise in value...
Voice of a generation
At a time when their contemporaries were experimenting with prog rock and psychedelia, The Who were doubling down on their bracing, heavy sound.
Songs like My Generation and Won’t Get Fooled Again would be a big influence on the punk movement a few years later.
(Image: Wikimedia Commons)
So would the band’s legendary penchant for self destruction.
When they stepped out on stage, audiences could expect smashed guitars and drum kits. There were also occasional explosions. During a 1967 recording of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, Keith Moon detonated a bomb in his bass drum. It went off with such force it left guitarist Pete Townsend partially deaf.
The Who enjoyed a particularly enthusiastic fan base as a result.
That’s translated into some big prices in recent years, as the sweaty crowds that packed their shows look to connect with the energy of their youth.
Keith Moon and John Entwhistle
Keith Moon had a reputation as the wildest man in rock.
His antics have become part of rock and roll legend.
(Image: Flickr)
He spent most of the 70s drinking his way around the world and has the stories to match - like the time he backed a Lincoln Continental into a hotel swimming pool.
Moon’s lifestyle caught up with him in 1978, when he died of an overdose of sedatives following a party. In 2002, we also lost bassist John Entwhistle.
The Who vowed to carry on.
And they did. They’re still touring today.
But that classic line-up of Moon, Townsend, Daltrey and Entwistle remains the band’s high watermark. Autographs from all four are the Holy Grail for collectors.
And there aren’t many out there
The Who were never keen on signing autographs.
(Image: Wikimedia Commons)
There are plenty of anecdotes detailing terse meetings with fans outside venues.
Records and photographs signed by all four members are particularly rare.
You can expect to pay around $1,000 for a high quality example.
That’s a figure that could increase dramatically over the next few years.
Paul Fraser.
PS. Are you looking to sell an autograph from The Who? I may be able to help. Get in touch today at info@paulfrasercollectibles.com.
