"However Much I Booze" (Working title: "No Way Out") is a song by the English rock band

The Who The Who are an English Rock music, rock band formed in London in 1964. Their classic lineup (1964–1978) consisted of lead vocalist Roger Daltrey, guitarist Pete Townshend, bassist John Entwistle and drummer Keith Moon. Considered one of th ...

, written by

Pete Townshend Peter Dennis Blandford Townshend (; born 19 May 1945) is an English musician. He is the co-founder, guitarist, keyboardist, second lead vocalist, principal songwriter and leader of the Who, one of the most influential rock bands of the 1960s an ...

that is the second track on their

1975 It was also declared the ''International Women's Year'' by the United Nations and the European Architectural Heritage Year by the Council of Europe. Events January * January 1 – Watergate scandal (United States): John N. Mitchell, H. R. ...

album ''

The Who by Numbers ''The Who by Numbers'' is the seventh studio album by English rock band the Who, released on 3 October 1975 in the United Kingdom through Polydor Records, and on 6 October 1975 in the United States by MCA Records. It was named the tenth-best alb ...

''.

Background

On stage, Townshend claimed that he wrote the song on the night that he gave up drinking. Lead singer Roger Daltrey refused to sing the song, possibly because (according to Richard Barnes) the song was too personal. Alternatively, it was speculated by authors Steve Grantley and Alan Parker that Daltrey wanted to make it clear that Townshend had the drinking problem, rather than himself. Townshend later said about his drinking with the Who: The song, containing additional lyrics not seen in the final version, was originally demoed with the working title of "No Way Out." This version later appeared on Townshend's demo collection album, '' Scoop 3''. "However Much I Booze" addresses themes including loneliness, the illusion of reality within the entertainment world and Townshend's own feuding with Who lead singer

Roger Daltrey Sir Roger Harry Daltrey (born 1 March 1944) is an English singer, musician and actor. He is the co-founder and lead vocalist of the Rock music, rock band the Who, known for his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence. His stage persona ear ...

. The song's cheerful melody contrasts with the grim subject matter. The melody is complemented with energetic playing from drummer

Keith Moon Keith John Moon (23 August 1946 – 7 September 1978) was an English musician who was the drummer for the rock band the Who. Regarded as one of the greatest drummers in the history of rock music, he was noted for his unique style of playing and ...

and

bassist A bassist (also known as a bass player or bass guitarist) is a musician who plays a bass instrument such as a double bass (upright bass, contrabass, wood bass), bass guitar (electric bass, acoustic bass), keyboard bass (synth bass) or a low br ...

John Entwistle John Alec Entwistle (9 October 194427 June 2002) was an English musician, best known as the bass guitarist for the rock band the Who. Entwistle's music career spanned over four decades. Nicknamed "The Ox" and "Thunderfingers", he was the band ...

, further contrasting the mood of the lyrics.

Live history

"However Much I Booze" was played sporadically during The Who's 1975 tour, making it one of the three songs from ''

'' to be played at that time (although " Slip Kid" was attempted during the band's 1976 tour.) However, the song was abandoned following this tour.

References

{{authority control 1975 songs The Who songs Songs written by Pete Townshend Song recordings produced by Glyn Johns Pete Townshend songs Songs about alcohol