No Subject

DVDs bring into homes memorable moments of top bands'
concerts
By Steve Slosarek
steve.slosarek@indystar.com
February 22, 2002

Awinter of discontent has descended upon the
Indianapolis music scene. After basking in the glut of
live shows during the summer, concertgoers must face
the cold reality that frigid months mean fewer acts
passing through town.

There ain't no cure for these wintertime blues, but
there is a substitute: DVDs.
 
More and more, music-related video discs are showing
up on the shelves of retailers, including live
concerts, video compilations, biographies and more.

A top-flight live DVD is The Who and Special Guests,
Live at the Royal Albert Hall (Image Entertainment,
$24.99). With a reputation as one of the best live
rock bands ever, The Who doesn't disappoint with its
London show. The 23 songs rock with a crisp, clear
ferocity. Additional musicians -- Bryan Adams, Noel
Gallagher (Oasis), Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam) and others
-- help give select songs an added dimension.

But the extras make this double disc special. In a
touching sequence, lead singer Roger Daltrey stars in
a documentary about the Teenage Cancer Trust, to which
this concert was dedicated. The show raised more than
1 million pounds. A cancer surgeon is flanked by two
Olympic gold medal-winning athletes who are cancer
survivors, then other teen-agers join the stage before
the concert.

Other add-ons include multiple angles to Pinball
Wizard, a montage of how the stage is constructed to
the tune of Let's See Action, and backstage footage of
rehearsals.

The latter is by far the best, giving viewers a sneak
peek at the machinations of artist collaborations.
Besides the group talking about the strategy of the
concert, high-profile guests also get involved. Vedder
seems astonished that he is allowed to pick out his
Who song (he chooses I'm One); Paul Weller (Style
Council) takes guitar lessons from Who member Pete
Townshend; and the bad-news Gallagher appears
uninterested and stoic during Won't Get Fooled Again.
What a surprise.

The DVD is a great primer for The Who's highly
anticipated Aug. 25 concert at Verizon Wireless Music
Center in Noblesville.


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-Brian in Atlanta
The Who This Month!
http://www.thewhothismonth.com
Yahoo! Sports - Coverage of the 2002 Olympic Games
http://sports.yahoo.com