Who In Cincinnati

[Jacksonjim@aol.com]

I had a chance to see that show--but opted for Fleetwood Mac tix.

Honestly, even though I've lived near Cincinnati most of my adult life, I
don't know the status of any of the lawsuits.  I can check, though, through
some of my Who related catalog of articles, etc.  

I don't believe that Pete's remarks to Greil Marcus in RS in summer, 1980,
had any impact on any of the suits. A brother of one of the victims wrote to
RS saying that it was obvious that Pete was a lying SOB and the bouquet of
roses sent by the Who to his brother's funeral was simply gratuitous and not
reflecting of any real sense of loss.  I think Cincinnati affected Townshend
more deeply than he lets on--I have always considered it one of the pieces of
the Who's demise (Keith's death and Pete's solo career being the other two
major components).  Any agreement?

While I feel that the Who were not the CAUSE of the tragedy, let's face it,
they could have contributed to its prevention by simply insisting on reserve
seating.  Pete may like festival seating, but I think it's a social failure.
 A band like the Who could have in 1979 demanded and gotten the promoter to
guarantee reserve seating.  And then, the Who had festival seating at some
shows in 1982.  Jesus, didn't they learn a damn thing?  I mean, Pete may
"just do my job" onstage, but taking some responsibility when you have real
control would be nice.

Nuff said.

--Jim Jackson