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The Who at NJ 8/3/97
In the summer of '94, I picked up a last minute ticket to see a band I never
saw live, the Rolling Stones. Despite an absolutely showering rain, Jaggar
and the band played as if it was sunny and dry. These "old geezers" jumped,
splashed and played until they dropped. I stood there in my rain drenched
poncho and wondered, "Why can't my band, The Who, do this?". You know, play
like kids again.
Last night they did!!!
I saw two Quad shows last year and I think last night was even better.
Like a lot of people on this list, I was a little apprehensive about seeing
the same show again. But this is Quadrophenia. First, this piece of music
is timeless and holds up after every listen. Second, the show is so
polished. Roger, with a voice feeling the demands of the tour, reached back
on every note to give the lyrics the passion they ask for. Pete wore his
black suit with a yellow shirt and windmilled just at the right moment. It
was that famous pose we all know, his nose and neck of the guitar pointing
east and his head and arm pointing north. And then in a split second, that
arm would meet that guitar with a fiery crash. The crowd loved it. He would
windmill so hard his shirt couldn't stay buttoned. John, wearing a gold
Vegas-like jacket with yellow suede shoes, played 5:15 with speed. Pete
seeing the crowds reaction, decided to keep the song thundering with a kick
ass jam. 5:15 was an event on it's own.
Drowned had a great feel. It sounded like a different version. Pete
strumming the acoustic similar to the aggressive style he displayed on his
solo gigs.
The highlight of the encore, in my opinion, was I Can't Explain,
Substitute and The Kids are Alright. ICE and Substitute sound so great
together. How many bands today would love to call, the very least, these
two songs their own? Finally, Roger started playing the Kids and Pete
finished changing up some lyrics about giving kids love.
I'm obviously a big Who fan and not a rock critic, but, judging by the
crowds enthusiasm and the bands passion, this was a happening.
For those who are about to see the show, get ready. For those who could
not, you should be happy to hear The Who can still play like kids.
Dave Kipp