Iconic rock band The Who have announced that their 1978 album “Who Are You” is to be the beneficiary of a deluxe edition makeover. While The Who are currently traversing North America on their (allegedly) “final-final” tour that’s been dubbed (of course) The Song Is Over, they’re also quite keen on continuing with a finely curated catalog reissue series that’s been chock full of remastered originals and unreleased studio and live tracks galore.
“Who Are You”, The Who’s eighth studio album, is being reissued in a Super Deluxe Edition with over 70 unreleased tracks, including never-before-heard versions of the title track, newly mixed live tracks from their first tour without original drummer Keith Moon and candid recordings of the band rehearsing in 1977 and 1978. Also included in the set are new Atmos and stereo mixes by Steven Wilson.
Initially released in August 1978, “Who Are You” marked a significant chapter in the band’s career while a commercial triumph, peaking at No. 2 on the American chart and achieving double platinum status and No. 6 on the U.K. Albums Chart, it was also tragically the last album to feature legendary drummer Keith Moon, who died a week after its release. The album saw the band pushing boundaries once more, with the songs referencing the incoming influence of British punk. Most notably, the title track was written after a night out with Steve Jones and Paul Cook of The Sex Pistols, and it reflected the sentiments of “Music Must Change” and “Sister Disco“. Pete Townshend also delivered some of his most ambitious and intricate arrangements
The 7CD/1 Blu-ray set includes 71 unreleased tracks, the now-obligatory Atmos and stereo mixes by Steven Wilson, and a 100-page book containing sleeve notes by Matt Kent, who also authored the essay included in the super deluxe reissue of “Who’s Next/Life House” in 2023.
The set includes the original, rejected Glyn Johns mix of “Who Are You“, several early run-throughs, session tracks, demos and outtakes, unreleased tracks from the 1977 Shepperton Studios rehearsals, drummer Kenny Jones’ first rehearsals with the band, and a number of live tracks recorded on the Who’s North American tour in 1979.
In addition to the super deluxe version of “Who Are You”, the album is being released on quadruple vinyl, half-speed mastered black vinyl, yellow vinyl and double CD, as well as via a bewildering array of bundle editions featuring t-shirts, tote bags and more. Released on October 31st,
The Who’s last album with the legendary Keith Moon, this new edition features over 70 unreleased tracks, unheard takes of “Who Are You,” rare rehearsal recordings (1977–78), and, for the first time, the original Glyn Johns mix of the album. Available as a 7CD/1 Blu-ray set featuring new Atmos & Stereo mixes by Steven Wilson plus a 100-page book packed with rare photos & memorabilia, the album will also be released as a deluxe 4LP box set, a 2CD deluxe edition, and limited-edition coloured and half-speed master vinyl editions.
The Fat Angel Sings 