Rock legends The Who are celebrating one of their most pivotal albums with an expansive Super Deluxe Edition of “Who Are You,” set for release on October 31 through UMe. The thorough collection features an unprecedented 71 previously unreleased tracks, offering fans an in-depth exploration into the creative process behind the band’s eighth studio album, which sadly became drummer Keith Moon’s final recording before his death just one week after its original 1978 release.
The Super Deluxe Edition arrives as a 7-CD/1-Blu-ray box set, accompanied by a meticulously crafted 100-page hardcover book containing sleeve notes by Matt Kent and an exclusive interview with Roger Daltrey.
Audiophiles will appreciate the multiple format options, including a deluxe 4-LP box set, 2-CD deluxe edition, and limited-edition colored vinyl pressings, with the 180-gram half-speed mastered single LP offering superior sound quality for discerning collectors. The release includes a limited yellow-coloured vinyl available exclusively through direct-to-consumer channels. Independent artists looking to distribute their own music collections can learn from The Who’s strategic platform-specific features that maximize exposure across streaming services.
Among the treasure trove of unreleased material are previously unheard versions of the iconic title track “Who Are You,” candid rehearsal recordings from the 1977-1978 sessions, and newly mixed live performances from the band’s first post-Moon tour. The meticulous metadata management employed throughout this extensive collection ensures proper attribution and royalty collection for all contributing artists.
Sound engineer Steven Wilson has created brand new Atmos and stereo mixes for the Blu-ray disc, enhancing the spatial dimensions of Pete Townshend’s ambitious arrangements that incorporated synthesizers and strings. This extensive reissue arrives as the band prepares for their farewell tour of North America in 2025.
The original album, which peaked at No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and achieved double platinum status, captured The Who at a critical juncture as they navigated the changing musical landscape influenced by the emerging punk movement.
Tracks like “Sister Disco” and “Music Must Change” reflected this stylistic shift, while the title track—inspired by Townshend’s encounters with members of The Sex Pistols—became one of rock’s enduring anthems.
This thorough reissue serves as both a celebration of the album’s cultural significance and a poignant memorial to Moon’s legacy, offering unprecedented access to the creative process behind what would become a pivotal chapter in The Who’s storied career.
