Pete diary 6/1

[sroundtable at aol.com]

"Let me try and break it down.
Based on assumption (don't say it) of a 2+hour show (130min. ?)
So, 30-40 minute mini-opera.
A couple rarities (add 10min.....total call it 50min.)
We're now talking 70-80 min. of the same ol' same ol' ?"
 
That's really not too bad, given the sets on the last 2 tours.  2004 at least had Punk and the Godfather, and a show or two had Long Live Rock and Naked Eye (acoustic), which were different from 2002.  I'd also say that RGLB will probably be replaced or alternate nights with ORW.

"Why not take that *big* chunk of time and really do something special
with it, that includes your top 'must haves'.
Top five must haves would be (subject to debate, as usual) 1) WAY, 2)
BBE, 3) Bargain, 4) PW, 5) WGFA
Top five would equal, what, about 30min. Total?
That still leaves 40-50 minutes of creative set-list."
 
I personally think that BBE ought to be scrapped because Roger can't sing it well anymore.  However, BOR and MG are undoubtedly "must haves" NOT subject to debate, while Bargain is absolutely NOT (and was not in the 2004 set) a "must have" and should never be performed by The Who again because Roger's high note just isn't there anymore.  Arguably, SMFM/LTY is a "must have," especially because it is still in Roger's wheelhouse, and maybe even YBYB for the same reason.  Their song selections musr consider what Roger still sings well and what he doesn't.  With Simon around, AQO would be a HUGE hit with the crowd (as you mentioned), as would YMB (conspicuously absent since John's death and something Roger can sing just as he did in his prime).  The Seeker or Slip Kid would also not be too difficult, would bring raves from The Who faithful, and are songs that are good enough to stand on their own with the Who "plebians."

"OK, OK, you don't have to shout.  Of course they'll open with ICE and
maybe Substitute and then maybe AAA.
So, another 15minutes.
But, does it really *have* to be so???"
 
No, it sure doesn't.  We're on the same page with this one.  I am REALLY bored with this opening triumvirate.  ICE could stay, I suppose, but Substitute and AAA should be rotated and placed mid-set or even before MG, or not used at all.    I would like to see a Tommy opener with Overture, It's a Boy, AJ/Sparks, PW and SMFM.

"So, now we're up to 25-35 minutes of time to fill.
Take away 5 minutes for break before encore...
That leaves 3-4 songs or so.
AQO would take up two.
Then NE?
And then maybe a new non-mini-opera song?"
 
What about Quad?  Do we leave that out entirely?  One night play a Tommy medley and just one Quad song, then the next night a Quad medley with only PW?  I think you're going to see the setlist varied more once the tour reaches the US in the fall after the band has had a chance to work into live shape.  I'm guessing that the tour will take a short break between Europe and US, during which time they may make some important changes to the set and add a few rarities.

"There's your show.  In retrospect, that wouldn't be soooooo bad.
I'd advocate for dropping the standard opening.
I'd actually advocate jumping right into the mini-opera, while you've
got everyone's attention.
But, please don't just take 2004 and split the show with the mini-opera."
 
You're right.  I think Pete and Roger want to get a set the band is familiar with for their warm-up shows so they play their way into shape, then increase the degree of difficulty as the tour progresses.

"And, really, is it too much to ask for them to cycle different songs for
each show???  Not the whole set list, but a good chunk of songs.  If The
Stones can do it, Shirley The Who can do it."
 
No and absolutely.
 
Mc