THE WHO AT MESA DEL SOL
25 August 2000
Photos Page 1
Roger Daltry, left, sings as Pete Townshend, right, plays on
I remember the first day I heard the Who. A friend of mine had just loaned an album to me called "Who's Next" along with several other albums to select songs from to play over my high school intercom system before the first classes began. After hearing "Won't Get Fooled Again", I started on a new path of music that would forever change my life. Over the next 29 years, I bought their albums and CD's, and saw some concert video footage but tonight, I finally got to see them live for the first time. So for whatever reason they've decided to tour again and come to Albuquerque, I first wish to express my thanks.
After an hour of music from the opening band, the members of the Who walked out on stage and immediately began rockin' the house with "I Can't Explain". They played 17 songs and a 3-song encore over 2 1/2 hours. I expected the music to be similar to their live recordings, consisting of songs that were faintly similar to their studio versions, but was treated instead to a line-up of songs that only had a little variation from their studio recordings. Their selection of songs were also different from those on their live recordings. In addition to the standard greats "I Can't Explain", "I Can See For Miles", "Substitute", "Pinball Wizard", "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere", and "My Generation", they added "The Seeker", "I Can See For Miles", the great "Who Are You", "You Better You Bet", 4 songs from my favorite recording, Quadrophenia ("The Real Me", "I'm One", "5:15", and an "unplugged" version of "Drowned" with Pete alone with his guitar), and four from their best work, Who's Next ("Baba O'Riley", "Bargain", "Getting In Tune" and of course "Won't Get Fooled Again").
Pete worked the guitar hard all night, breaking the strings of his guitars several times. Not having seen Pete close up in action before, I was very impressed at how great he is. For those further back in the audience, they were treated to great camera work on two large screens which had wonderful close-ups of his playing. To say it was amazing would be an understatement. As for the screens, several people I spoke with commented they were too small when compared to bigger venues but for me, the size was fine as it was high up in the air and entirely visible to those who had inconsiderate people standing up in front of them.
As Pete stated, "We NEVER EVER EVER did encores before" because all the equipment was destroyed. Tonight, they didn't destroy anything but just played good ol' rock and roll in its purest sense. If you've seen the Who before, you've got to see them again on this go 'round. As one concertgoer, who was on the lawn section, stated, "if they come anywhere near here again, I'm paying full price to get up real close."
Roger's voice was in fine quality. Sometimes it sounded rough and sometimes very smooth, depending on the song. He hasn't lost his ability to sing as many other singers have, who have been singing over 3 decades.
John Entwistle, so stoical in a contrast to the animated action of the rest of the band members, played his bass guitar in such a carefree manner. Even his great solo was played in a casual manner, which I was also extremely impressed with, as was everyone else who got to see a wonderful close-up of it on the screens, thanks again to some great camera work. Although he made it look so easy, the camera work gave a glimpse of how difficult it really was.
In the background was the drummer, Zak Starkey, Ringo Starr's son. But who cares, as everyone came to see the Who and not some backup drummer. Even I have seen Keith Moon on the video concert footages and no one could ever replace him. But with Zak it was different -- really different. Keith was the one who taught him how to play and everyone I spoke with mentioned that not only did his playing sound a lot like Keith's but if you watched him, his style was a lot like Keith's, minus the craziness. And, from a distance, he sometimes resembled Keith. It was as much of a tribute to Keith as one could give without trying to copy him and insulting the audience or our memories. At times, it was as if Keith was there. Zak was not just a backup drummer but really contributed to the performance. It was hard to take your eyes off him at times, even with everything going on around him. My hats off to the Who members for paying tribute to Keith and for giving the audience a real treat here.
The Who was once known as the "loudest band" by the Guinness Book of World Records, with a volume as loud as a 747 in take-off. So, of course, I was quite concerned since I didn't have any ear plugs. But though their volume was loud, it wasn't extremely loud. It was no louder than most bands I've heard, so my ears were saved -- no ringing in it. Or perhaps I've just gotten used to that volume or am too deaf to tell. Who knows?
Although there is a "no smoking" policy in the reserved seating area, some rude concertgoers smoked anyway and even smoked some joints. I would say that that and those who stood up without regards to those behind them were the only negative aspects of the entire experience. As for those who stood up, I do understand the reasoning for it, as it is hard to just sit there to such great music, but many wanted to do just that and soak in the entire experience. We just wanted to sit and watch their awesome performance. Besides, people didn't pay $65 plus to watch the back of the people in front of them nor stand the entire time (maybe they have some physical disabilities) -- perhaps next time these people could purchase the seats around them so they won't block anyone's view. The experience of watching the Who could be likened to tasting the most wonderful food ever. You don't want to be distracted by anything. You want to just sit and eat slowly, tasting every little bit there is and only smell its aroma. So it is for those who just want to sit and be engulfed by the performance of the Who.
Several times during the performance, in addition to telling us what the next song was, Pete spoke to the audience in a relaxed manner, which was a nice treat. In one case, he expressed that he had a thought on his way to the concert where all the audience members would be little prairie dogs. Then he gave his impression of a prairie dog. It became a running joke with the audience throughout the night.
Pete continues his guitar playing
The keyboardist, a Texan who has been with the band since the 70's
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