Brit band tribute as Royal Mail stamps get rock fans ‘talkin bout my generation’

‘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 honoured properly’ – Pete Townshend

Royal Mail is rolling out a special set of stamps to celebrate the 60th anniversary of The Who.

They’ve unveiled a collection of 12 stamps spotlighting some of The Who’s most iconic album covers and electrifying live performances shots. Fans can get nostalgic with album cover stamps from ‘My Generation’ (1965), ‘Tommy’ (1969), ‘Who’s Next’ (1971), ‘Quadrophenia’ (1973), ‘Who Are You’ (1978), ‘Face Dances’ (1981), ‘Endless Wire’ (2006), and ‘Who’ (2019).

The miniature sheet features two group publicity photos and two images of the band performing live at the Marquee Club, London in 1967, and Manchester’s Kings Hall in Belle Vue, 1973. Formed in 1964 by Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon, The Who skyrocketed from club gigs to headlining the US’s Woodstock festival within five years, becoming a global box-office sensation.

Reflecting on the significance of the artwork, Roger Daltrey said: “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.”

Pete Townshend said: “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 honoured properly, and will help letters, parcels and birthday cards travel through time and space, just as we have.”

David Gold, Royal Mail’s director of external affairs and policy, said: “With their truly original sound and effortless ability to mix musical styles, The Who are rock royalty. These stamps celebrate one of the UK’s much-loved and revered musical bands who have achieved global popularity for six decades.”