A week ago today, The Who put a cap on their two-day run through Chicago, Illinois. Performing at the Allstate Area, The Who put on two mesmerizing, awe inspiring performances to sold out audiences. Audience members left captivated by the mere fact that, despite losing two members of the classic lineup, (Keith Moon in 1979 and John Entwistle in 2002) and despite only sporadic live shows since 1983, The Who were still able to pack just as big a punch as they could back in the day. The band proved that The Who, like fine wine, gets better with age.
The Who followed up a dismal performance by opening band, Vintage Trouble (if blues rock led by a Michael Jackson wanna-be front man sounds like something you’d listen to, check them out). Upon hitting the stage, The Who blazed right into the first track on Quadrophenia, “I Am the Sea”. From start to finish, The Who stormed through the entirety of Quadrophenia. As each number passed by, Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend appeared to loosen up more and more. Finally, upon hitting the top track of the B-Side of Quadrophenia, “5:15”, The Who were loose and firing in all directions!
Memorable performances from the Quadrophenia set include, “The Real Me”, The Dirty Jobs”. “5:15”, “Doctor Jimmy”, and “Love Reign O’er Me”. Daltrey’s set of vocal chords are still in pristine condition, for he was able to hit all the high notes, the screams, the wails, and convey all the emotion meant to be conveyed. A truly uplifting and gratifying performance put on by Daltrey!
Another honorable mention goes to Pete Townshend, for he still has the windmill strum down pat! Not only that, he still has the leaps, the voice, and the energy to do it all at once! Townshend truly showcased his perserved stage show during the encore set. Notable tracks from the encore set include “Who Are You”, “Pinball Wizard”, “Baba O’Riley”, and “Won’t Get Fooled Again”. During each one of these songs, Townshend was hammering away at his guitar like a hammer hits a nail! Most notably during “Baba O’Riley” and “Won’t Get Fooled Again”! The combined showmanship and stage antics of Daltrey and Townshend nearly brought me to tears. Could the show get anymore memorable? Yes, it can. Featured on “Bellboy” was Keith Moon stealing the mic and singing lines (while attempting to drum at the same time) and John Entwistle playing his bass solo on “5:15”. Both of these were achieved via a giant video screen positioned high above the stage. After each video clip finished, the audience erupted with applause, as if each deceased member was playing live in front of them. Both of these moments brought me close to tears as well. A tremendous show, indeed! This was definitely a show that ranks high on my list and will be very, very hard to forget!
Complete Set List:
Quadrophenia:
I Am the Sea
The Real Me
Quadrophenia
Cut My Hair
The Punk and the Godfather
I’m One
The Dirty Jobs
The Helpless Dancer
Is It In My Head?
I’ve Had Enough
5;15
Sea and Sand
Drowned
Bell Boy
Doctor Jimmy
The Rock
Love Reign O’er Me
Encore:
Who Are You
Behind Blue Eyes
Pinball Wizard
Baba O’Riley
Won’t Get Fooled Again
Tea & Theatre
