Netflix has unveiled the trailer for its upcoming documentary chronicling the storied journey of one of rock’s most influential and explosive bands, The Who. The trailer has already ignited excitement among fans, both long-time followers and newer generations discovering the band’s powerful legacy for the first time. Known for their trailblazing sound, rebellious spirit, and dynamic stage presence, The Who left an indelible mark on rock music. Now, Netflix aims to explore their turbulent rise, creative evolution, and enduring impact through a cinematic and deeply personal lens.
The trailer opens with a burst of energy, cutting between flashes of the band’s legendary live performances and candid archival footage. The sound of Roger Daltrey’s piercing vocals and Pete Townshend’s windmilling guitar riffs immediately set the tone for what’s to come—a documentary that captures not only the band’s groundbreaking artistry but also the chaos and charisma that defined them. The inclusion of iconic moments, such as the guitar-smashing finale at Monterey and the explosive “My Generation” performances, promises a visceral and nostalgic experience for viewers.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Asif Kapadia, known for his Academy Award–winning work on Amy and Senna, the documentary is titled The Who: Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere. Kapadia’s distinct storytelling style—melding archival footage with intimate interviews—seems a perfect fit for The Who’s story, which is as much about personal struggle and reinvention as it is about music. In the trailer, his touch is evident in the balance between spectacle and introspection.
Netflix’s production values are unmistakable throughout the trailer. The footage is meticulously restored, showcasing the band in a new light—literally and figuratively. Concert sequences from the 1960s and 1970s are rendered in vivid detail, capturing the electricity of The Who’s performances that helped shape the sound of modern rock. The documentary also features remastered audio tracks supervised by Townshend himself, ensuring that the band’s signature energy and sonic depth are preserved with the respect they deserve.
What makes this documentary particularly compelling is its focus on the human stories behind the music. The trailer hints at raw interviews with surviving members Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend, who open up about their lifelong creative partnership and occasional clashes. There are touching tributes to late members Keith Moon and John Entwistle, whose musical genius and wild personalities both fueled and complicated the band’s trajectory. Netflix appears to have struck a tone of reverence and honesty, avoiding the temptation to romanticize excess while celebrating the art born from it.
The Who’s influence extends far beyond their era, and the trailer doesn’t shy away from showing how their legacy continues to reverberate. Musicians from different genres—ranging from punk to alternative to modern pop—appear briefly, speaking about how The Who shaped their understanding of performance, storytelling, and rebellion in music. Artists like Dave Grohl, Billie Joe Armstrong, and Jack White reportedly contribute insights that bridge the past and present, proving that The Who’s spirit of defiance and innovation still inspires artists today.
Beyond music, the documentary also delves into The Who’s connection to youth culture and social revolution. Their concept albums like Tommy and Quadrophenia captured the voice of a restless generation, and the trailer suggests these works will be explored in depth. Viewers will get an intimate look at how The Who turned disillusionment, anger, and idealism into soundtracks for social change. Netflix’s approach seems intent on exploring not only what The Who created, but why they created it—placing their art in the broader context of the postwar era, British identity, and the 1960s counterculture movement.
Visually, the trailer is stunning. Scenes of London’s mod culture flash between shots of roaring stadium crowds, with narration from Daltrey reflecting on the feeling of being young and untamed in a rapidly changing world. The editing rhythm matches the intensity of The Who’s music—sharp, unpredictable, and emotionally charged. It’s clear that Netflix has aimed for something more cinematic than a conventional band documentary; this feels like an experience designed to immerse audiences in the band’s raw, unfiltered world.
Another highlight is the glimpse of never-before-seen footage, including behind-the-scenes moments from the making of Tommy, and rare rehearsal clips showing the band’s creative process. There’s also a haunting sequence where Pete Townshend revisits old diaries and lyric notebooks, reflecting on how fame both liberated and tormented him. These moments promise to humanize one of rock’s most mythic figures, grounding his genius in vulnerability and self-reflection.
The film’s score—naturally composed of The Who’s music—has been newly remixed in Dolby Atmos, giving songs like “Baba O’Riley” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again” a renewed, immersive power. The trailer teases these sonic reinventions, giving viewers a taste of what it will feel like to experience the band’s anthems in a new dimension. It’s not just a documentary; it’s being positioned as a sensory journey through the evolution of sound itself.
Netflix’s marketing campaign for The Who: Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere emphasizes the band’s timeless relevance. In a media landscape often dominated by fleeting trends, the platform seems intent on reminding audiences that rock’s rebellion—and its artistry—still matters. The Who’s message of questioning authority, breaking rules, and finding identity through music resonates as powerfully today as it did half a century ago. The documentary, in that sense, serves as both a history lesson and a call to rediscover authenticity in art.
As the trailer closes, Roger Daltrey’s voice cuts through a montage of roaring crowds and smashed guitars: “We weren’t trying to start a revolution. We were just trying to make some noise.” The screen fades to black, revealing the title card: The Who: Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere – Coming Soon to Netflix. It’s a fitting ending—simple, bold, and defiant, much like the band itself. With this release, Netflix seems poised to deliver not just another music documentary, but a definitive portrait of The Who’s lasting influence on rock, rebellion, and the human spirit.
