WERE you a part of The Who’s generation?

A music writer is asking for the help of Weekend readers as he researches the iconic band’s two early performances in Warrington.

The Who performed at Parr Hall in Warrington in March 1965 and the former Co-Op Hall in January 1966.

Between those gigs the band released their debut record, My Generation, which continues to rank highly in lists of the best British albums.

Author Richard Houghton is writing a ‘people’s history’ of the group called I Was There.

It follows his book about the early days of The Beatles, I Was There, and his book about The Rolling Stones live, You Had To Be There.

As well as a string of hit records The Who were famed for their headline grabbing antics of smashing guitars, drum kits and hotel rooms.

And fans of the legendary foursome – Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle and Keith Moon – are being asked to get in touch with tales of seeing them in Warrington.

Manchester writer Richard said: “I’ve had some great stories from Who fans of seeing the group up close and personal at different venues across the north west.

“But I’m particularly interested in the shows that they played at the Parr Hall in Warrington in March 1965 and the Co-Op Hall in January 1966 and hearing any memories of those shows.

“The Who are still performing today, albeit just with Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey and without the much missed Keith Moon and John Entwistle.

“But the gigs they played in the 60s and early 70s were in much more intimate venues than the arena shows they play now.

“Audiences at those Parr Hall and Co-Op Hall gigs would have been in touching distance of the band.”

John Hewison was at the Parr Hall gig in March 1965.

He said: “Every Monday there were top groups at the Parr Hall, including the Kinks, the Moody Blues, the Hollies, Them with Van Morrison, the Nashville Teens and many more.

“I was fortunate to see them and especially The Who. It was 50 years ago and memories are vague but I can still see Keith Moon completely trashing his drums very early in the set and borrowing the support act’s drums.

“I don’t remember too much of their set but I do recall Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey destroying their guitars and amps and leaving the stage in tatters, smoking and nearly in flames, with the crowd standing open mouthed in disbelief.”

Richard, 56, added: “These memories help to paint a great picture of what it was like to be a pop fan back then, both in terms of how approachable and accessible groups were but also to give a glimpse of life in the 60s.

“The Who were famed for destroying their equipment on stage and it sounds as though the Parr Hall concert is one that it would be hard to forget if you witnessed it.

“I’m interested in any stories, however faded the memories might seem to be, of seeing The Who and people’s recollections of who they went with and what they paid for their ticket.

“It’s a story of The Who in the words of their fans that I want to tell.”

n Richard can be reached at thewhointhe60s@gmail.com or by letter at 1 Totnes Road, Manchester, M21 8XF. The Who: I Was There will be published by Red Planet later this year.