[Originally Published: November 25, 2008]

The Seeker was the The Who’s first single after the release of their epic rock opera Tommy. In his own words, Pete Townshend said, “I wrote it when I was drunk in Florida. Quite loosely, The Seeker was just a thing about what I call Divine Desperation, or just Desperation. And what it does to people.”

The Who on a German television program circa 1970:

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READ ON for the tale of the tape on this week’s competitors…

The Black Crowes: This version is from 7-26-2006 (and lifted off a covers compilation on bt.etree.org). According to some comments I read on a YouTube video, the Crowes originally attempted this tune with both Chris & Rich Robinson sharing lead vocal duties, but after one performance Rich was singing the entire tune himself. Source: The Year Of The Crowes Vol. II

Blues Traveler: Not the greatest recording, but definitely worth a listen for Popper’s signature vocals and harmonica work. Popper changes a few lyrics to reference some different people in the second verse. Source: 7-12-2001

Pearl Jam: According to the statistics site AllOrNone, Pearl Jam has only played this in full five times and not since 2005. PJ has some other The Who covers in their repertoire, most frequently played is Baba O’Riley which they have performed over 100 times. Source: Green Habit: A Comprehensive Live Pearl Jam Compilation

Eddie Vedder peforming it solo acoustic 1-17-2005:

RAQ: Well, it wouldn’t really be Cover Wars if everyone performed a radio-friendly cover now would it? Thankfully we have RAQ dropping the extended version this week. Enjoy. Source: 7-22-2007

Rush: Rush decided to celebrate their 30th anniversary as a band by recording a disc full of covers. In addition to this tune, they also recorded some Yardbirds, Buffalo Springfield, Cream and a few other legends as well. Source: Feedback EP

From the DVD of the following tour…

Those are all the versions we’ve got this week. But you should also check out these videos of Pete Townshend hanging out with The Raconteurs, which develops into an impromptu performance of The Seeker in the second clip.