I got a feeling inside, and I couldn’t explain it until I saw the press release saying a dozen classic tracks from The Who will be coming soon to Rock Band.
Selected by Harmonix and MTV Games, along with singer Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend, the 12 tracks represent some of the band’s finest musical moments, all utilizing the original master recordings. Individual tracks will be available for $1.99, or the entire collection can be had for $19.99.
“We’re really pleased to have our songs featured in Rock Band,” said Daltrey. “It allows our established fan base to interact with our music in a way that’s fresh and exciting, while also exposing our songs to new audiences.”
“I’m a fan of Rock Band,” added Townshend. “I play the game with my son and girlfriend and I love the way it brings different generations together through music. I like the idea that people of all ages will be having fun playing our songs.”
Harmonix originally intended to release the band’s classic Who’s Next as the first complete album for the game, but according to Shacknews was forced to abandon that plan after several of the original master tracks went missing. Instead, the team went back to Daltrey and Townshend for help in assembling The Best of The Who Rock Band Edition, which includes:
- “Amazing Journey”
- “Baba O’Riley”
- “Behind Blue Eyes”
- “Eminence Front”
- “Going Mobile”
- “Leaving Here”
- “My Generation” (Live)
- “Real Good Looking Boy”
- “Sea & Sand”
- “Summertime Blues” (Live)
- “Who Are You”
- “Young Man Blues” (Live)
Formed in the mid-60s around Daltrey, Townshend, bassist John Entwistle and drummer Keith Moon, the band quickly rose to international fame and success, and their pioneering work with synthesizers and concept albums made them one of the most influential bands in the world across a wide range of genres. Like all good drummers, Moon died of a drug overdose in 1978 and was replaced by Kenney Jones, while Entwistle died in 2002 of unspecified, but likely drug-related, causes. The remaining members of the band continue to record and perform, and probably go nuts every time some idiot kid hears “Who Are You” on the radio and says, “Ooh, it’s the CSI theme song!”
The Best of The Who Rock Band Edition will be available on July 15 via Xbox Live Marketplace and the PlayStation Store.
