Did the who smash their bass at shows?

[Mr L]

Green day likes to smash their gear...

I know one concert I went to they smashed the guitar bass and drums into a pile, set them on fire, and as it burned billy joe played "when September ends" on an acoustic around this big bonfire of instrument on stage.

I kind of die inside a little when I see an instrument get smashed...

[IronLung1986]

Originally Posted by HeavyJazz77

The Who have long since earned their place surely, but... Men smash gear. Women strip. It's what happens when inspiration either ends or the talent wasn't their in the first place. In The Who's case I'm guessing it stemmed from an emotionally unstable drummer combinned with a guitarist who couldn't figure out why he wasn't worshipped as Jimmy Page was.

uhhh OR they were entertainers...?? pete townshend accidentally broke his guitar on a low ceiling and from then on audiences expected it, so he obliged. he has also stated that it was his way of saying "I'm what's important, not this piece of wood."

[Mattbass97]

Hendrix giving it a bash
http://youtu.be/Z4QghNBwyt8

[Erich Bruning]

Originally Posted by FloridaSam

Saw an interview with Simonon once where he stated that he had gotten really pissed about the show and took out his frustrations out on it. He also said it was one of his best basses, and he's regretted it since.

I don't think he made a habit of it. Many today do it because its expected.

[BrenBass]

Yep, he had two, he smashed the wrong one and didn't realize until he'd done it!

[oldleftybass]

I had a small chunk of one of Pete's guitars up on my dorm room wall freshman year ('68-'69). From the show at Melody Fair near Buffalo. I was in back but my sister was down front and got showered with shards. Saw Pete smash quite a few, but never saw John damage one.