HOB LA Show

[ODOOLE@aol.com]

I was there for the 9:00 p.m. show and here are some of my thoughts:

As was the case every time I have seen Townshend perform live (4 times w/the
Who, 1 other time alone) he first came out with this attitude that seemed to
indicate he'd rather be somewhere else.  (Or maybe he thought he was going to
the dentist as Daltrey said about the 6/29 show).  Mr. T's first uttered
words to the crowd (as they roared with excitement) were "If you're going to
make that much noise you won't hear anything tonight."  He then added that if
anyone throws shoes or watches at him -- he's leaving.  He very nonchalantly
launched into "Let My Love Open the Door" (without the pre-recorded track.)

As the show went on, he loosened up and actually seemed to be having a good
time (except for the sound problems with the piano).  With a little gleam in
his eye (I was 10 feet from him so I did see his eyes) he referenced the big
6/29 Hyde Park Show.  Unfortunately, a rather unruly beer-toting passerby
kept me from hearing some of what PT said about the Quad show, but he did
elaborate on it in some manner.  I believe this was the lead in to the
incredible version of "Drowned" -- one of the night's highlights.  

The show was very loose.  Pete often referred to a binder of music (and
notes?) both while singing and compiling his set list as he went along.  Lots
of little anecdotes, like his recollection of his mother singing Gershwin's
"Embraceable You."   (Yes, as you have heard already, PT sang this song
himself.  He said we may never see that again.)   He discussed Ronnie Lane's
deteriorating condition and the fact that "Rod f****ing* 'Do Ya Think I'm
Sexy' Stewart" was actually paying Lane's medical bills.  He also dissed
Stewart a bit by sarcastically noting a bad review he just got in the LA
Times.  

My personal favorite of the night had to be "Slit Skirts."  He started by
telling everyone they were going to go home very depressed tonight.
 "Especially if you're 34 years old," he said.  Later, while introducing "I
Am An Animal" he mentioned he didn't know what the song meant but he did know
what "Slit Skirts" was about.  "It's about a guy who can't get it up
anymore," he said.  After a pause and a blank stare at the audience he then
said "It's not about me!  It's about YOU!  I write my songs for you!"  

He got a great laugh when someone screamed out "Pinball Wizard" and he said
"I only play Pinball Wizard at parties."

He also made some comments about marriage prior to "Legal Matter."  After
closing with "I'm A Boy" he kind of summed up the evening by assessing what
we had learned. He said he had covered his marital status and had solved the
question of his gender.  I think he said something else about boozing too.
 Some reference to the fact that he was not drinking.

The only criticism I really have is the crowd.  I believe some of the songs
warranted total silence, not chemical induced sing-a-longs or Neanderthal
shrieks of joy mid-way through.  I understand everyone's enthusiasm but when
you're packed in a room like sardines and you've got the likes of Townshend
crooning and pontificating right before your eyes, why can't you just shut
up!  Fortunately, this didn't ruin the show for me and I hope it won't for
you guys/gals either.  

All in all it was one of the most incredible live concert experiences I have
ever experienced.  Nothing like seeing a well-oiled by the numbers Who show
(which I am in no way criticising -- I love well-oiled Who shows).   This
show was personal.  No wind-mills.  No smashed guitars.  Not even an encore.
 Just PT playing a few songs as if we were hanging out with him at his house.

You're all in for a treat in NYC.  I for one would love to hear your own
thoughts on those shows.  
   

ODOOLE@aol.com  (aka Tim Ballou)