The Story of ‘The Who’ at Shawnee Mission South High School

Courtesy - SMS Yearbook and Ritland Concert Photos.

1967 was a year of monumental shifts in the music world. And for the newly established Shawnee Mission South High School, it was a year that would go down in history. The school, which had only just opened its doors the year before, was rapidly setting its cultural identity. They had adopted the Raiders as their mascot, in a nod to the popular rock band “Paul Revere & the Raiders.” Rock and roll wasn't just a genre of music for them; it was a way of life.

The student council, eager to solidify their reputation and boost school spirit, embarked on a mission to host a series of unforgettable events. Little did they know that their efforts would culminate in a concert that would be spoken about for generations to come.

On November 17, 1967, Shawnee Mission South's gymnasium echoed with the sounds of the future of rock. While the main act of the evening was “The Buckinghams,” a beloved "sunshine pop" band from Chicago, it was the opening act that left the most significant mark. The Who - yes, the very same that brought the world anthems like "My Generation" - performed a captivating nine-song set, warming up the stage for the evening’s main event.

Courtesy - SMS Yearbook and Ritland Concert Photos.

The setlist from that night reads like a playlist of classics:

• I Can’t Explain

• Substitute

• A Quick One (While He’s Away)

• Run Run Run

• Mary Ann With the Shaky Hands

• I Can See for Miles

• Summertime Blues

• My Generation

While Kansas City had seen its share of significant concerts, including The Beatles in 1964 and Michael Jackson in 1984, The Who playing at a high school was something out of a dream. Vallie Hogan, an alum from the class of 1968, recalls the sheer disbelief of many, "People cannot believe that The Who was in a Kansas high school."

In the midst of a demanding North American tour, The Who made this surprising pit stop, sandwiched between major arenas in cities like Minneapolis and the famed Monterey Pop Festival in California. According to Dan Torchia, a Kansas City music history blogger and Shawnee Mission South graduate, The Who "crossed the whole country doing whatever gig they could find." And find they did, in the heart of Overland Park, Kansas.

The Buckinghams at Shawnee Mission South. Courtesy - SMS Yearbook and Ritland Concert Photos.

Interestingly, as The Who were yet to ascend to their legendary status, they were the opening act for The Buckinghams, who were then enjoying a stellar year with top ten hits like "Kind of a Drag." Vallie Hogan notes the slightly subdued response for The Buckinghams, “I don’t remember much about the Buckinghams ... but I do remember The Who." The Buckinghams, for all their popularity then, have become a gentle echo in rock history, while The Who surged ahead, shaping the future of rock and roll.

Yet, for those who attended the concert, the memory remains as vivid as ever. Don Thellman, a concertgoer and Shawnee Mission North graduate, still recalls the band’s raw energy, “They didn’t spare anything. They were kicking over the amplifiers and shoving their guitars through the fronts and smashing their guitars on the floor."

Courtesy - SMS Yearbook and Ritland Concert Photos.

For $3 a ticket, students witnessed history unfold. The Who, in their prime, at a high school gymnasium – a tale that many, including myself, once thought of as a suburban legend. The 1968 Shawnee Mission South yearbook stands as a testament to that incredible evening.

As The Who's momentum grew, culminating in hits like "I Can See for Miles," they left an indelible mark on Shawnee Mission South High School. This gig wasn't just a pit stop on their journey to stardom; it was a testament to the unpredictability and magic of rock and roll.

View of crowd. Courtesy - SMS Yearbook and Ritland Concert Photos.

In the annals of rock history, many venues are spoken about with reverence. But how many can say that the hallways they walked in high school were once graced by the legends of rock? Shawnee Mission South High School can, and its story remains a jewel in Kansas City's rich musical tapestry.

The Who playing mini golf at Glenwood Manor in OP prior to the show.