21 Feb 2025

Their Generation: The Who in America 1967-69. The photos of Tom Wright

Tom Wright’s candid, never-before-seen images of The Who breaking America capture the raw energy and chaos of their 1967-69 tours.

Capturing a seismic era in rock history, Their Generation is a stunning new book showcasing largely unseen photographs by Tom Wright — The Who’s longtime friend, US tour photographer and tour manager.

Offering an intimate glimpse into a band on the cusp of legend, this extraordinary volume reveals the chaos, creativity, and often gruelling realities of their early American tours.

Tom Wright met Pete Townshend at Ealing Art College in the early ’60s and was among the first to recognise his talent, enthusiastically spreading the word about Pete’s playing. The two spent countless hours together, and Tom’s vast record collection and deep musical knowledge played a pivotal role in shaping The Who’s early sound.

Through his lens, he captures a defining period of the late ’60s — the band’s relentless energy, financial struggles, and artistic breakthroughs, including the recording of ‘I Can See for Miles’ and the explosive debut of rock opera Tommy.

Accompanying these striking images are candid reflections from Pete, offering rare personal insight into The Who’s evolution during this time.

• A rare visual archive of The Who’s formative American years, with many images never before published.

• One of the first major efforts since Tom Wright’s passing in 2022 to honour his work and legacy.

• Features personal commentary from Pete Townshend, shedding light on a period of both creative triumph and personal upheaval.

• Tom Wright’s extensive career also included touring with Rod Stewart and The Faces, The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, Joe Walsh and The James Gang, and Elvis Costello — capturing behind-the-scenes moments from some of rock’s greatest eras.

• Coinciding with Pete Townshend’s 80th birthday, making it a timely celebration of his legacy and long-standing collaboration with Wright.

Tom Wright’s candid, never-before-seen images of The Who breaking America capture the raw energy and chaos of their 1967–69 tours.

Publishing 1 May 2025 | Hardback | £30 | Omnibus Press

Pre-order your copy of Their Generation: The Who In America 1967-69 signed by Pete Townshend  via this link.

*Please note this pre-order is only available in the UK.

“One thing is certain, had I not met Tom Wright, The Who would never have become successful.”
PETE TOWNSHEND

“Tom Wright’s intimate collection of photography of The Who in the sixties is as passionate and potent
as the band itself.” CAMERON CROWE, journalist and director of ‘Almost Famous’

ANDY NEILL has written extensively about popular music. He is the author of Had Me A Real Good Time: Faces Before During & After and Ready, Steady, Go! The Weekend Starts Here and has regularly contributed to publications such as Record Collector and Mojo.