John's Children had a paucity of talent and their manager knew it. Instead of pressing for the improvement of the band's technical chops (he saw their lack of talent as part of their attraction), he focused on improving the songwriting (the addition of Marc Bolan) and encouraging the band members' stage antics. Even the release of the faux-live album whose release was banned/delayed because of its name had the texture of an outrageous publicity stunt rather than a bothered-about album release.
The band's stage antics were like The Who's own, so it was a natural fit for them to tour Germany together with John's Children opening. But the match didn't work out because the Children were just too "loud and violent" according to Townshend. They upstaged The Who with their theatrics and destruction and one time caused a riot before the headliners even took the stage. John's Children were good at something, if not music. The band was fired mid-tour. (Note: The drummer, Chris Townson, was probably the most skilled member of the band (outside of late-joiner Bolan) and was asked by The Who to sub for an injured Keith Moon.)
The Who (previously visited) released their second album A Quick One in 1966 on Polydor Records. They released an American version of the album re-titled Happy Jack in 1967 on Decca records with a slightly different track listing.
Here is the discography surrounding The Who's second album:
Ready Steady Who (1966 EP)
Happy Jack (1966 single)
A Quick One
Pictures of Lily (1967 single)
Whiskey Man (1967 single)
Happy Jack (1967 American album)
"Cobwebs and Strange" by The Who
Pete Townshend Talks About A Quick One
The Who Live July 9, 1966 at Westminster Technical College
Pass the Headphones!!
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