[no subject]

With the death of original member and bassist, John
Entwistle, as the present tour was commencing, the
band quickly re-grouped, hiring veteran session man
Pino Palladino in Entwistle's position to accompany
Zak Starkey on drums, Townshend's brother, Simon, on
guitar and longtime collaborator John "Rabbit"
Bundrick on keyboards. Starkey, in particular,
delivered an excellent performance.

The two-hour-plus show was wall-to-wall greatest hits.
Many, like "Anyway, Anyhow," with a sensational guitar
solo from Townshend Sr., were performed with a
startling, delightful intensity.

The anthemic, "Baba O'Riley," with its signature
lyrics, "It's only teenage wasteland" and, "Let's get
together before we get much older," chanted back at
Townshend and Daltrey by the audience  average age
guess-timated at 43  was only one of several moments
of sublime, conscious irony.

The Who have survived as long as they have because
they understand that rock requires vivid,
larger-than-life performers, a talent and discipline
that implies an extraordinary respect for their fans.
You still can't keep your eyes off Pete Townshend, who
makes up in guitar craftsmanship whatever he may have
lost in leaping ability. Both Daltrey and Townshend
the elder are inspirations to their generation in
their physical conditioning, as well as the passion
they still summon for their material.

The Counting Crows opened for The Who. Their short
set, while melodic and nicely orchestrated with four
guitars, offered a clear example of the difference
between a competent, talented rock band and a legend.


=====
-Brian in Atlanta
The Who This Month!
http://www.thewhothismonth.com
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