I had just finished a project a few nights ago, it was about 9:00 pm. Still too early to go to bed, and as usual for me, nothing of interest on TV.
I glanced up on the shelf where I keep DVD’s, and I saw a small box set of music by The Who that I had bought a few years back. It included the rock operas “Tommy,” as well as “Quadrophenia,” and it had three concert outtakes from over the years.
I knew what I’d be doing for the next couple of hours. I chose to watch the DVD of their concert performed at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles from 1989. It was the second set.
What a treat this was! The Who electrified the crowd. They were at the “top of their game.” Roger Daltrey’s voice never sounded better. Pete Townshend’s work on guitar, as well as his preening & prancing, had the place shaking. The ever steady John Entwistle had his fingers going a million miles an hour on bass guitar. Zak Starkey (son of Ringo Starr), was tremendous on drums.
The concert was beautifully taped from many angles, and with HD graphics, it was like you were in the concert hall.
The set included “Substitute, I Can See for Miles, Baba O’Riley, Face the Face, Love Reign O’er Me, Boris the Spider, Dig, Join Together, Rough Boys, You Better You Bet, Behind Blue Eyes, Won’t Get Fooled Again, and Who Are You?”
Seeing the show truly reminded me of my younger years, and the times I spent with some of the greatest guys you could grow up with. I was able to attend 4 Who concerts with my “buds,” 3 in Cleveland, and 1 in Dayton.
My favorite Who concert had to be the first one, back in 1975 I believe. It was at the Cleveland Coliseum (since demolished), and about 8 of us had 14th row tickets right on the floor in front of the stage. This was the only show that I saw when original drummer Keith Moon was still alive (he passed away in 1978).
If you never had the opportunity to see The Who live, I would suggest buying this DVD, or some other of their concert DVD’s. You won’t be disappointed, as it is truly a great Rock & Roll experience.
I was there! That was the last time I heard you sing. After leaving CHS, I atndteed SMS (which is now SMSU) and those crew people were almost all names I remember from the Theatre department there. I had a huge crush on Jerry Darnall, but only worshipped from afar. I was a lowly freshman. I can still remember sitting in the audience thinking I know her! And she is sooo good! I think my friends were driven crazy by my saying it out loud and too often that night, but like I say, I was young I loved your singing and am so pleased to have the memory refreshed.