The Life and Legacy of Rock Legends, The Who

In 1979, before a concert in Cincinnati, the crowd outside rushed toward the doors when they heard the band doing a soundcheck. The venue had festival seating, which meant no assigned spots—just first come, first served. People panicked. Eleven fans were crushed to death before the show even started.

The band didn’t know what had happened until afterward. When they found out, they were devastated. They hadn’t caused it, but they were forever connected to it. That night changed how concerts were handled in the U.S., and it stayed with The Who, a weight they carried quietly for years.