The iconic sound of The Who’s 1978 hit “Who Are You” has been making a comeback, thanks to a recent Walmart commercial that has been playing on repeat. The catchy tune is not just a jingle for shoppers, but a reminder of the song’s small screen success.
Before “Who Are You” became the soundtrack for a Walmart ad, it was a single from The Who’s album of the same name, released just before the passing of drummer Keith Moon. According to Pete Townshend, the song was born out of a wild night with fellow rockers Steve Jones and Paul Cook of the Sex Pistols, after a challenging encounter with Allen Klein. Townshend explained that the song is more about the demands of new friendship than aggression.
Townshend praised Roger Daltrey’s aggressive interpretation of the lyrics, reflecting on how the song brought him closer to Jones and Cook, despite their contrasting reputations. Daltrey himself admitted feeling threatened by the emerging punk scene, leading to a powerful vocal performance on “Who Are You.”
The intense energy of Townshend’s guitar playing on “Who Are You” matches Daltrey’s vocals, creating a raw and visceral sound. The complexity and intensity of the music provided the perfect backdrop for Keith Moon’s drums and Daltrey’s aggressive delivery.
Beyond its recent appearance in a Walmart ad, “Who Are You” has been a staple on TV shows like Scrubs and Two and a Half Men. However, the song is most famously associated with the long-running crime drama CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, which enjoyed massive success during its 15-year run on CBS.
The enduring appeal of “Who Are You” lies in its timeless sound and the raw emotion it conveys. Whether rocking out in the studio or accompanying a TV show, the song continues to captivate audiences with its energy and attitude.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.