82

[Jeff House <jjthandmeh@juno.com>]

scott,  
Great topic, thanks.

For me the keyboardist (and all other sidemen) should be a minor player
at a Who show.  TED should be the focus.  They are the core.  The
drummers are the only important non-TED players.  Kenny was powerful and
always seemed to be in control.  He never had that feeling of danger that
you get from Keith or Zak.  I think that worked well in '79 and '82.  His
style was perfect for rebuilding the Who sound.

I attended my first two Who shows in '82 and have heard much talk about
how flat the band was that tour.  I agree that there is flatness in some
of the recordings I've heard (especially in Toronto).  The two shows I
attended (Landover, Maryland - 1st two of the American leg I think) were
pure magic for me.  TED's perfomances were inspired, Pete and Roger were
VERY physical.  The first night was wonderful with just a few mistakes. 
The 2nd night was the best 2.5 hours of rock I have experienced - it was
perfect.  The grins and self-satisfied looks the guys shared told me that
they were very pleased as well.  As has been my experience with The Who,
the boots and legit recordings do not do the live experience justice -
ever.  They are a pale reflection of the full Who magical experience.

I downloaded some of the '82 Oakland boot last night and am listening to
'Naked Eye' from that for the first time.  I think Pete's playing is
beautiful.  I am going to download some more of that puppy.

My point?  None really.  I was just rambling :-)

Jeff