10 Most Influential British Acts On American Rock

10. The Who

On Sunday the 16th June 1967 the Who performed at the Monterey Pop Festival. It was an American audiences first introduction to their raucous stage presence. By this time the Who had developed a reputation for their fierce live antics in the UK. Pete Townsend trashed guitars in unbridled displays of theatrics, and Keith Moon had a reputation for hell raising, both on and off stage. The peace loving, hippie audience at Monterey were equal parts in awe of the Who's sonic impact, and stunned by the furious culmination to their set.

The event kick started the Who's American invasion. Although their subsequent appearance at Woodstock in '69, was regarded as a shambolic affair by Pete Townsend, it furthered the group's standing as one of the most exciting live acts in music. The release of the rock opera Tommy, and the excited buzz generated by the Who's wild behaviour, set them on the path to becoming rock icons.

Roger Daltrey was the blueprint for hip thrusting, bare chested frontmen for decades to come. But it was Pete Townsend's contributions to guitar playing, that really made an impact. His wild, windmill thrashing technique, and his adoption of the powerchord, combined with his use of feedback, influenced Hendrix, MC5, and the Stooges to further develop heavier, more abrasive sounds.