"The greatest group in the world???" said Peter Townshend, lead guitarist of Britain's THE WHO. "Why, THE WHO, of course!"

It was a remark made in jest to a YAT interviewer recently, but it would probably find some support among fans in England and the United States who have been the unusual act of the four London bachelors, Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle, Keith Moon, and Peter Townshend.

The group's first tour in the USA started early in November this year, and at the rate they have been received it may last for a long time. They've already made several TV appearances including a stint on the Smothers Brothers show, as well as numerous public concert dances.

"We've always wanted to make it in the States," said Peter. "Now that we are making it, we're feeling good."

An Expensive Habit

One of the things that has called much public attention to the group in this country is their unusual, and highly expensive, habit of smashing up their instruments during a performance. They've been known to completely destroy an amplifier, guitar, and drum set, all in one song.

"We don't really have a reason for it," explained lead singer Roger Daltrey. "It just sort of happens. Peter broke his guitar one day by accident and the kids seemed to dig it so we kept it in the act."

"The only drag," Peter interrupted, "is that unless we smash the gear up we don't get in the public eye, particularly in a country as vast as America. We just have to do it if we want to make fame quickly. We just give people a big show — they can dig the sound on records later. We can't smash up guitars on records, they'll just have to listen to the songs."

A Musically Sound Group

The songs THE WHO have recorded can withstand a good deal of close listening because, unlike many popular groups today, their work is musically sound.

Although only Peter and John have had any formal instruction, each member of the combo is an accomplished musician in his own right. Roger Daltrey's main "instrument" is his voice, but he also doubles on harmonica, an underrated instrument which is beginning these days to receive its deserved amount of attention. John Entwistle plays bass guitar, French horn, tuba, trumpet, trombone, and almost any other brass instrument.

Keith Moon specializes in drums but also plays the bugle on occasions. Peter Townshend plays lead guitar, drums, piano, and cello.

With this variety of instruments at their command, it is no wonder this group has skyrocketed to the top of the charts. Their recording of "I Can See For Miles And Miles" is currently in the top 10 in both England and America. As is the case so often, one record made them an over night success.

"We don't try to justify our breaking instruments," said Peter, "but it took us five years to make it in England… we don't want to spend another five making it in America."

It is obvious that they won't need five years: they've made it already.

"Young America Today" interviewer Molly Roth gets the lowdown on THE WHO from lead singer Roger Daltrey.

THE WHO, England's most recent Pop stars, browse through past copies of "Young America Today." L to r. John Entwistle, Keith Moon, Peter Townshend, and Roger Daltrey.