The Who's Tough Decision: Replacing the Original Drummer for a Record Deal
The decision to replace The Who's original drummer in order to secure a record deal was made by guitarist Pete Townshend. The band had to make changes to their lineup over the years, including replacing Keith Moon and John Entwistle after their deaths. Townshend, along with Roger Daltrey and John Entwistle, decided to let go of the drummer, Doug Sandom, who was considered too old for the record deal. Despite the loyalty they felt towards Sandom, Townshend made the tough decision to dismiss him, causing Sandom to not speak to him for thirty years.
Townshend revealed that the record company required them to replace the drummer to get the deal, leading to the difficult decision. This incident was not the only time Townshend felt constrained within the band, as he believed he was held back by Daltrey and Entwistle in subsequent years. While he appreciated sharing the stage with Daltrey, he also felt restricted by him. Similarly, he felt limited by Entwistle's loud playing but missed his humor and long-standing friendship.
Despite the challenges faced within the band, Townshend acknowledged the mixed feelings he had about his time with The Who. While he felt constrained at times, he also cherished the camaraderie and shared experiences with his bandmates. The decision to replace the original drummer was a pivotal moment in the band's history, reflecting the sacrifices and tough choices made to achieve success in the music industry.