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Re: Bernd in London



Gary M., Re:

> For my part, reading Bernd's report was one of the more extraordinary moments
> I've had on the list since joining it last autumn. I found his commentary to
> be by turns perceptive (especially about his German countrymen and the
> English), wry, sensitive, intensely personal and musically knowledgable.

I am glad to see that you like the emotional side of my report.  I always
thought that being a music fan often is a very emotional thing, and since Quad
is perhaps one of the most emotional pieces of music ever written, a sensitive
report like the one I gave seemed to be appropriate to me.  I wanted to provide
all of you listers who had been unable to come to Hyde Park with some
impressions of the concert's atmosphere, and the easiest way to do so was to
describe what was going on in my head and my heart...

As for the informational value, please take the details about Quad show with a
grain of salt as long as we don't get any confirmation from those who were also
there.

> And it was refreshing, and appropriate considering the subject matter of Quad
> and Pete Townshend's post-Quad career, to read that Bernd spent part of his
> Sunday at Mass in Westminster Cathedtral rather than in a series of pubs or
> doing something equally diverting

Gary, the recent discussion about relationships between musical preferences,
political attitudes, and religiosity on this list has shown that there are many
very different characters among us Who fans.  However, I suppose that the Quad
fans here are prone to be very spiritual beings.  Does it really matter whether
they express their spirituality in formal religion, in some kind of philosophy,
or simply by letting their feelings flow?

> There was a particularly European, introspective, and musing quality to
> Bernd's report which was perfectly suited to the subject he addressed: seeing
> a great British band on its home turf well past its prime but still providing
> great moments.

Of course I always behave more or less in an European way, but I'd be
interested to know exactly what kind of thoughts appeared European to you :-).

> I feel this event for Bernd had possibly a greater spiritual import than had
> he seen the Who in 1969 or even 1982.

Certainly.  Being for the first time at a Who concert in 1996 is completely
different from seeing them in their early days.  If I had been a 27-years-old
Who fan in 1969 or 1982, I would have gone to see the Who with *expectations*,
wanting them to rock and to present as many of their great songs as possible.
Last weekend, I went to Hyde Park with *gratitude*.  The Who (or let's say
Roger, John, and especially Pete) don't need to perform anymore - they are
well-accepted as the greatest-ever rock band, they have made a lot of money,
and they have faithful fans of all ages.  They don't have to prove anything
any longer, they are a legend.  So every concert they give today is a tribute
to their fans (or to charity organizations like the Prince's Trust), especially
to younger fans like me.

Thanks again, boys.

> Your report was, accordingly, much appreciated Bernd. I plan to copy it and
> tuck it at the end of my copy of The Horse's Neck (Pete Townshend's
> collection of autobiographical essays)

I don't think that my report is THAT good, but anyway, feel free to use it to
whatever purpose you like.  But please don't publish it on the 'net for the
next few days, for it was also meant as some sign of gratitude to this list.

Another thank-you seems appropriate here.  Great list, folks.

Cheers,

Bernd