The Who Deliver a Memorable Television Performance Ahead of 1971
As the calendar prepared to turn to a new year, The Who gave television audiences a performance that many fans still celebrate more than five decades later. Appearing on the BBC special It’s Lulu Into 71 at Television Centre in London on December 30, 1970, the legendary rock band showcased the explosive chemistry and musical power that made them one of the defining acts of their era.
The televised appearance has continued to attract praise from longtime listeners who regard it as a snapshot of the band during one of its most creative periods. Many viewers highlight the performance as a reminder of why The Who earned a reputation for combining technical excellence with raw energy on stage.
Among the standout elements is the work of drummer Keith Moon, whose distinctive playing style remained impossible to ignore even in a television studio setting. Fans have also pointed out that Moon was using Zickos drums, a brand he reportedly favored for their visual appeal despite ongoing debates about their sound. His animated personality shines throughout the broadcast, although some observers have humorously noted that he appears more focused on posing for the cameras than delivering his usual nonstop intensity.
Bassist John Entwistle also attracts attention with an instrument that resembles the one he famously played during the Isle of Wight Festival earlier in 1970. His precise and understated performance provides a strong foundation beneath the band’s powerful arrangements, complementing Roger Daltrey’s commanding vocals and Pete Townshend’s energetic guitar work.
The song itself has earned lasting admiration from dedicated fans, with many arguing that it ranks among the finest material The Who produced during the early nineteen seventies. Some enthusiasts have even suggested that it deserved a place alongside Pure and Easy on the celebrated Who’s Next era, believing both compositions stood above much of the competition at the time.
The performance has also inspired countless memorable reactions over the years. Some viewers describe specific moments as pure highlights of the band’s career, while others affectionately joke about Moon’s unpredictable stage presence. A well known quote from Roger Daltrey later captured that reputation with characteristic humor when he remarked that Keith Moon in 1973 was simply “a little more drunk than he was in 1972.”
More than fifty years later, this New Year’s television appearance remains an engaging document of The Who at the height of their creative powers and continues to delight audiences discovering it for the first time.