"Endless Wire" is the eleventh studio album by the English rock band The Who, released on October 30, 2006, in the UK and the following day in the US. This album marked their first collection of new original material in 24 years, since It's Hard in 1982, and was their first since the passing of bassist John Entwistle. Initially slated for an early 2005 release under the title WHO2, the album's launch was delayed several times.
The album received generally positive reviews and debuted at #7 on the Billboard 200 and #9 in the UK, selling about 81,000 copies in its first week. Notably, many of its songs were incorporated into a rock musical adaptation of Pete Townshend's novella The Boy Who Heard Music, which premiered in July 2007.
Much of the album's development was shared through Pete Townshend's website. In March 2005, he announced a delay in the album's production, but by December 2005, plans for a 2006 tour to promote new material were set. Townshend revealed that the album's core would consist of a mini-opera titled "The Glass Household," which was based on his novella.
The album features a mix of band members, including Pino Palladino on bass and Simon Townshend on backing vocals, with contributions from various session musicians. "It's Not Enough" was initially released online and was promoted as the lead single. Other tracks like "Tea & Theatre" and "Black Widow's Eyes" were made available for preview prior to the album's release.
The album includes tracks like "We Got a Hit," "Endless Wire," and "Mike Post Theme," the latter of which references the prominent work of TV composer Mike Post. Lyrically, the album explores themes of aging, relationships, and the complexities of modern life, continuing The Who's legacy of introspective storytelling.
Three songs—"Ambition," "Uncertain Girl," and "How Can I Help You, Sir?"—were either considered for inclusion or recorded but ultimately left off the album. Townshend also worked on a musical adaptation of the album’s songs, which debuted as part of a summer theater workshop.
Overall, Endless Wire represents a significant chapter in The Who's storied career, bridging their past with contemporary themes and new artistic expressions.
