9/17/1967: The Who ‘Exploded’ on National TV (VIDEOS)

53 years ago today --- on the same day that The Doors were banished from The Ed Sullivan Show --- The Who appeared on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.

Keith Moon had a history of rigging his drum kit to 'explode,' but he packed a bit more material for this TV appearance. At the conclusion of "My Generation" as the band was destroying their instruments, Moon kicked his other bass drum, which set off the explosion, causing guitarist Pete Townshend’s hair to briefly catch fire, shattered cymbal shrapnel impaled Moon’s arm, and Roger Daltrey practically flew downstage. Only bassist John Entwistle never seemed to lose his cool. Years later, Pete Townshend blamed this explosion for his hearing problems.

Actress Betty Davis was in the crowd and fainted upon the explosion.