Originally posted by Boston
Last night, at an almost full TD Banknorth Garden, the Who played “Baba O’Riley,” possibly the greatest, most glorious, most epic rock song ever written, with all the requisite bluster and bombast. The band was on, the crowd felt it, the result was a perfect rock ’n’ roll moment.
But that doesn’t mean the kids are all right. The kids - who stayed home to download their Young Jeezy and Taylor Swift and “Womanizer” - don’t much care for rock. It’s the adults who are all right with the Who.
The crowd, most of whom were born between 1960 and 1980, weren’t nearly as effusive as they should have been (Chardonnay and golf claps are for the Eagles). But the night was as rock ’n’ roll as any Garden party can be.
The Who began with a few quick ones including “I Can’t Explain” and “The Seeker,” No prog-rock embellishments, these were just as punchy and tight as the London swingers remember.
After reliving their mod past, maestro Pete Townshend and still-brilliant bulldogish frontman Roger Daltrey rocked by the numbers. “Who Are You” into “Behind Blue Eyes” hit with a Herculean thud, reminding everyone this was the band that invented stadium rock.
Sure, not the “same” band. Keith Moon and John Entwistle can’t be replaced. Ringo’s kid Zak Starkey can play, but the absent menace of Moon is glaring. Without the Loon, the set sadly never teeters on the brink of imploding. Pino Palladino is a bassist’s bassist but doesn’t have the Ox’s blunt brilliance.
But Daltrey can still sing like a kid and Townshend windmills through those guitar chords with pints of piss and vinegar to spare.
“Getting In Tune,” “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” “My Generation” and a superb “Love Reign O’er Me” were dead-on.
The one very wimpy moment came during an ill-advised “Real Good Looking Boy.” The Who’s tribute to Elvis sounded like a lame outtake from “The Joshua Tree".
Originally posted by adamlosthisspoons:Very jealous of you, man -
WE ARE THE MODS WE ARE THE MODS!
My Ma saw The Who back in the 60s and she met them all (ah dear back when they were young and had hair and, well, alive).
Originally posted by adamlosthisspoons:i know, my Ma thinks nothing of it though - she just says Pete was off his face and didn't have a clue.
i'd love them to come to Australia again, but I don't know if they will. But if they do i'll be there front row.
I see a certain similarity between The Who and U2. U2 deals with the spiritual side of humanity, whereas The Who explore humanity itself, but both deal with their exploration of humanity with arms wide open.
Originally posted by stj0691:According to this article, The Who will be going to New Zealand in the spring! I would imagine Australia dates will be added too.
http://www.hauraki.co.nz:80/Competitions/Detail.aspx?id=488
The Who Live in NZ!
Radio Hauraki presents one the greatest rock bands of the 20th century live in 2009!
The Who play North Harbour Stadium Auckland saturday March 21st.
The Who including Roger Daltry, Pete Townsend and the son of Ringo Starr, Zac Starkey on drums.
Full ticketing info in the next two weeks.
The Who with special guests the Counting Crowes live in New Zealand March 2009 with Radio Hauraki. Classic rock that rocks!
Originally posted by ReclinerMan:Quadrophenia... jeez. That album has been running in my brain for almost a month and I keep wanting to delve into it more. We're all rooting for you, Jimmy.
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Enough said.