Royal Mail is celebrating the 60th anniversary of British rock band The Who with a collection of 12 stamps, showcasing some of the band's most iconic album covers, such as 1965's 'My Generation', 1969's 'Tommy', 1971's 'Who's Next', and 1973's 'Quadrophenia'. The stamps also feature publicity images and live performance photographs of the band.
Formed in London in 1964 by Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon, The Who becomes the seventh musical act to have their own set of Royal Mail stamps, joining The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Queen, The Rolling Stones, Iron Maiden, and the Spice Girls. Daltrey commented on the stamps, saying, "The artwork on the album sleeves was almost as important to the success of the record as the music. It's great to be reminded of them." Townshend humorously added, "Stamp! Stamp! Stamp! It’s what I’ve done on stage all my life, sometimes in the air. At last, my stamping, and that of my buddy Roger, has been honored properly, and will help letters, parcels and birthday cards travel through time and space, just as we have."
In related news, The Who's legendary rock opera 'Quadrophenia' is set to debut as a ballet production in the UK next year. Sadler's Wells Theatre in Islington, London, and Universal Music UK have announced the world premiere of “Quadrophenia, a Mod Ballet”, featuring dancers portraying the story of troubled mod Jimmy, originally told in the 1973 album and later adapted into the 1979 cult film starring Phil Daniels and Sting.
The Who stamps are available for pre-order today and will be on general sale starting 17 October.
