A MUSIC writer has thanked Press readers for their memories of a hit rock band’s appearances in York.

Richard Houghton is writing ‘a people’s history’ of The Who, and asked for any information readers had of the gigs they played in the city in 1968 and 1970.

Richard said the stories he’d received portrayed a vivid picture of the band at that time. I’ve had some great stories from Who fans of seeing them up close and personal at the University in York.

“The Who are still performing today, but the shows they played in the sixties and seventies were in much more intimate venues than the arena gigs they’ve played in recent years.”

John Harris was at The Who’s first visit to York on October 11, 1968, when he was 18 and in his first week of university.

He said: “The university had only been founded five years earlier and was still very small. Langwith College dining room was also very small for such a major band.

“During My Generation, Roger Daltrey slipped and the music temporarily halted before Townshend led them back into an amazing climax, in which he raced athletically up and down, forwards and backwards, shook the lighting staging behind Moon, threw his guitar spinning into the air, then caught it neatly and continued playing, and finished by throwing his guitar against the wall behind him, kicking his amplifier over it, and jumping on top before walking off.”

Mr Harris said it was “a great fifteen shillings worth – the most incredible group performance I have ever seen”.

Peter Morton recalled the end of the show. “Keith Moon had been drumming on a raised platform so he kicked all the drum kit over. At the same time Pete Townshend was smashing his guitar on the stage until nothing was left. I’ve never seen anything like it before or since.”

Bill Harding was at the show and met singer Roger Daltrey back stage after rushing back from the toilets at the end of the gig. Anyone with memories can email Richard at thewhointhe60s@gmail.com