re: "The Kids" live

["Michael Walter" <mwalter@fdic.gov>]

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Comments by:       Michael Walter@LEGAL LSO@New York

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I find it hard to believe that The Who hadn't played "Kids" since 1966.  They 
must of played it during the '82 tour of the same name, no?  I saw them twice 
that year, but can't remember. (Geez, I wonder why!) Can anyone substantiate?

By the way, on Sunday's show in Holmdel, Daltrey's voice was magnificent. (I 
managed to "scalp" a ticket around 7:30pm the night of the show. ..ouch!)  
I'm sure some of you out there have tried singing songs from Quadrophenia and 
whether you're a professional singer or not (I'm not, but I try), most 
realize that it is quite a difficult range to sing in.  Almost all Who songs 
are.  I'd say Townshend's voice is more falsetto, most of what he sings, 
whereas Roger's voice is powerful enough to belt it out in his normal range 
(did that make sense?!).  Anyway, Roger sang great, especially on "Who Are 
You."  He sang it with what seemed enormous emotion, maybe because it was the 
last song of the night.  

I never thought we'd get to see Peter play electric again, especially since 
he played 95%  acoustic on the Tommy tour and subsequent solo tours.  It was 
awfully good to see (and 'ear!) him play electric again.  When I saw the '96 
Quadrophenia tour at MSG, all of the leads were done by the other guy, what's 
his name (he is good, too.)  And then on Sunday, the show started with Simon 
doing the lead work and I just figured that would have been the way for the 
entire evening.  But about halfway through, Pete started doing some of the 
lead work and it reminded everyone what a great guitarist he is.  Compared to 
his brother and the other guy, who are both really good players, Pete's 
guitar sound is so individualistic.  He has such a style, plays with such 
authority.  I think that's what separates the good players from the truly 
great ones.  And when he did the windmilling stuff...no one should ever doubt 
if Peter Townshend cares about the Who's fans because he dose that crap for 
the fans.  Remember, this guy is 52 years old.  Hell, he could seriously hurt 
himself doing that stuff.  But the windmill is part of the Who's "persona", 
if you will, and know's how much it means to the fans.

I was about, I'd say, 75 to 90 feet from the stage but there was a large 
video screen directly above the stage and the camera zoomed in on Pete's face 
alot.  At the end of the show Pete had a look on his face that was like, so 
pensive, almost puzzled.  He looked, to me now, like he was in utter 
amazement that there are still so many people that love The Who.  He just 
looked almost melancholy.  It was an appreciative look.

The Who are great.  I wish *I* could tell 'em thanks.