The Who Baba O’riley

Though "Baba O’Riley" is one of The Who’s most recognizable and beloved singles, the iconic song had an odd birth. The track, which was originally titled "Teenage Wasteland," was meant to be part of a rock opera called Lifehouse. Written by Pete Townshend, the opera began as a sci-fi concept in which a teenage outcast creates a rock festival in Outer Space, attracting a diverse crowd and having a transformative effect on the galaxy. As Townshend’s creative process began to stretch, however, the Lifehouse project became too ambitious and the project was scrapped – but the idea of using a rock festival as a unifying force was passed along to the song "Baba O’Riley," which then appeared on the 1971 album Who’s Next.

In the decades since its release, "Baba O’Riley" has achieved a sort of rock-n-roll immortality. Perhaps its most famous contemporary use came in the form of the trailer for the 1991 movie hit Thelma & Louise, which used the opening synth line to powerful effect. And for generations of fans touring with The Who, the song has become both a call to arms and an expression of unity – its chorus of "don’t cry / don’t raise your eyes" has been used by concert-goers year after year to express their love and excitement at being part of a welcoming fan community.

The music of "Baba O’Riley" has been just as influential. The song is well-known for its distinctive synthesis of the traditional Who sound and more experimental electronics, creating a bridge between the past and future. Over the years, it has influence acts ranging from rock to EDM, and it continues to inspire new generations of artists.

Whatever the reason people connect with it, "Baba O’Riley" remains one of the musical masterpieces of the rock age – and it’s a lasting testament to the power of the Who. From its odd beginnings as part of a scuttled rock opera project to its present-day reception by generations of fans around the world, "Baba O’Riley" stands as a powerful reminder of The Who’s enduring legacy.