The end of October marked the 40th anniversary of the Who’s iconic rock opera “Quadrophenia.” In 1973, “Quadrophenia” was Pete Townshend’s second rock opera for the band, following 1969’s “Tommy.” The Who — now consisting of only two original members, Townshend and Roger Daltrey — have been touring the world for more than a year with the songs of “Quadrophenia” and other classics.

Townshend composed the entire album, a 17-song story of Jimmy, a member of the Mods, telling of his frustration with life, work, love, home and family in chronological order. It tells a great tale of teenage angst and youth rebellion, which can also be seen in today’s music. The album also told the story of the band’s earliest days, playing in pubs and clubs in and around London in the early 1960s. The album is full of music packed with life, wisdom and charisma. “Quadrophenia” is 90 minutes of the Who at its very best. It’s not just the production, music and lyrics of the album that makes it appealing but the individual guitar, vocal, bass and drum performances from Townshend, Daltrey, John Entwistle and Keith Moon.

Last November, I was lucky enough to experience the Who’s “Quadrophenia” tour in Pittsburgh. It was by far one of the most thrilling concerts I have ever attended. With almost 140 years between them, Daltrey and Townshend still sang, played and moved around the stage as if they were in their early 20s again. There was a great connection between the two, and you could see all the decades of music come together right there on the stage. Zak Starkey (son of Ringo Starr) has played drums for the band since the mid-1990s. A screen behind the stage showed film of stages and events that took place throughout the Who’s career. At one point, there was film of deceased band member John Entwistle playing along with the music.

Although the Who went on to record and release new music for years after “Quadrophenia,” Townshend said he feels a major part of the band’s story ended with its release.

“I’ve always felt that ‘Quadrophenia’ was the last definitive Who album,” he said after the album’s reissue in 2011. “I’ve always regarded it as a very ambitious album but what got away was the story. To me, it felt like it was the end.”

With the 40th anniversary of “Quadrophenia,” it’s good to look back on what an accomplishment it was for not only the band but for the entire scene of rock music. It’s truly a masterpiece. It is one of my all-time favorite Who albums and definitely a something to listen to. The album takes you on an emotional and dynamic journey through music.

Contact Megan Brown at [email protected].