More about: The Who
After half a century of music, The Who show no signs of slowing down
In his characteristic blunt candor, Pete Townsend admits, "We've done about two hours of rehearsal..." the audience is nervously silent for a moment before he reassuringly continues, "So it might sound like shit", and a wave of laughter breaks out.
Little more needs to be said for a band entering their 58th year together. In any case, The Who's special acoustic performance at London's Royal Albert Hall in support of Teenage Cancer Trust is a stunning example of a group who still, five decades after they formed, sound determined and remarkably fired up.
Taking us back through the years, The Who's varied setlist of hits, rarities, and surprises kicks things off with the classic track 'Substitute'. With his sublime onstage dad-dancing and legendary microphone wielding, Roger Daltry packs a punch vocally. By stripping back to acoustic basics, The Who demonstrates their iconic status as bandmates, friends and musical titans.
Frontman Daltry, who has continued to coordinate Teenage Cancer Trust gigs since first doing so 22 years ago, is in fine form. Townsend praises him for putting the event together and teases his bandmate that he should be on the receiving end of a knighthood. "If we can have Sir Fucking Rod Stewart…" there's more laughter from the room. "I wouldn't be a sir; I'd be an Earl. Much more Bluesy" Daltry responds.
His recognisable voice carries through the packed venue, and the playfulness between him and Townsend rings still like two friends jamming in their bedrooms. A Keb Mo & Taj Mahal-inspired rendition of 'Squeeze Box' gets off to a rocky start as Townsend confesses he's in the wrong key. Plenty of other groups would see this as severe unprofessionalism, but not The Who. The jovial ribbing amongst the group is infectious and radiates charmingly warm feelings, like spending an evening with friends down the pub. "You'll remember this night for the rest of your lives" Townsend chuckles as the band fall into hysterics at the calamity of the performance.
The newer Who deep cuts 'Break The News', which is played twice due to Daltry being unhappy with the first one and 'Beads on One String', as a touching tribute to Ukraine, Daltry and Townsend bounce off one another with a genuine sense of passion and fun. Despite the quality of the more recent songs, the crowd isn't entirely enthused and are restless, presumably for the hits. Not long, though, does 'Pinball Wizard' reignite the atmosphere, and we're back underway.
'Behind Blue Eyes' captivates the crowd with a haunting accordion intro. Its beautiful melody is felt long after the song's end, and Baba O'Reily's acoustic rendition shows that it perhaps should have been played this way since the very beginning.
With the final number, the evening reaches its peak. The iconic duo is left alone in the spotlight after the rest of the band exits the stage. Townsend begins with the powerful opening chords of 'Won't Get Fooled Again', sending the room into a state of gleeful frenzy. Sitting fans leap up, cameras flash, and those in the front rows rush closer to the barrier to see their heroes. This no-frills rendition of the rock anthem makes it all the more impressive. Be it the masterful songwriting, profound guitar, or sensational vocals, the song feels, ironically tonight, more electric than ever.
After half a century of music, The Who show no signs of slowing down. Roger Daltry and Pete Townsend have long been in the game, and to see their boundless energy and sheer love for performing as vibrant as ever is truly sensational.
To donate to Teenage Cancer Trust, visit: https://www.
See the photos from the night by Jordan Hughes:
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More about: The Who
Photo: Jordan Hughes
