Heaven and Hell (The Who song)
"Heaven and Hell" is a song written by John Entwistle of The Who. It was initially released as a B-side to the single "Summertime Blues" in 1970.
The song is characterized by its heavy, driving bass line and dark, ominous atmosphere, which are typical of Entwistle's songwriting style. It features themes of duality, contrasting the concepts of good and evil, and exploring the inner conflicts within individuals.
"Heaven and Hell" quickly became a fan favorite and a staple of The Who's live performances during the early 1970s. Its powerful sound and memorable bass riff made it a popular choice for opening many of their concerts.
Despite being a B-side, the song garnered significant attention and is now considered one of Entwistle's signature compositions and a significant part of The Who's catalog. It has been featured on numerous compilation albums and remains a popular choice on classic rock radio stations.
The song's instrumentation consists primarily of bass guitar (played by Entwistle), electric guitar (played by Pete Townshend), drums (played by Keith Moon), and lead vocals (shared between Entwistle and Roger Daltrey). The interplay between Entwistle's heavy bass and Moon's dynamic drumming contributes significantly to the song's distinctive sound.