On this day in 1988, the remaining members of The Who reunited at the British Phonographic Industry Awards

The Who formed in 1964, and enjoyed a nearly 20 year run as a band, surviving even the tragic death of drummer Keith Moon in 1978.  Several years later in 1982, Pete Townshend told the band he was tired of touring and wanted to become a studio act. The others disagreed and hoped that a final tour would change his mind. Evidently unconvinced, in 1983 Townshend made the announcement he was leaving, and the group essentially disbanded, joining again only in 1985 for the Live Aid concert.

In early 1988 the band was informed that they would be receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award for their outstanding contribution to music at the eighth edition of the Brit Awards, a ceremony held by the British Phonographic Industry. The band were asked if they would give a performance on the night, with a three song medley of My Generation, Substitute and Who Are You being decided on.

The day arrived and Townshend, Roger Daltrey, John Entwistle and replacement drummer Kenney Jones met at the Royal Albert Hall in London for their performance. The group launched into their medley to the crowds delight, and they ended up playing over their allocated time slot, causing the award for “Best British Single”, awarded to Rick Astley, to be presented off the air. This set would be the last time Jones would perform with the band until 2014. The group clearly enjoyed their reunion, and it was soon decided that a 25th anniversary The Kids Are Alright tour would take place the following year, playing 43 dates throughout the US. Since then The Who have reunited multiple times over the years for various tours, with their latest tour held in 2022.