CHICAGO- Growing up in a very rock and roll oriented household, I was always familiar with The Who, and always liked them. I have fond memories of jamming to “Pinball Wizard” on Rock Band 2, strumming on my Wii guitar as best as my seven-year-old self could. But it wasn’t until I caught the 1975 film adaptation of their 1969 album “Tommy” on TCM that I truly realized how much I loved the band and recognized their genius.
Being a British band from the ‘60s, they automatically get mentioned alongside the Beatles and the Stones, but no band was really doing what they were. They were more outwardly rebellious, with all the guitar smashing and fireworks hidden in bass drums and the heavy proto-metal sound of “Live at Leeds.” But they were also deeply vulnerable and reflective in their lyrics, and lent voices to troubled youth on albums like “Tommy” and “Quadrophenia.” Even decades on from the release of those albums, their music still strikes a chord, and I was so honored to get the chance to see them when they came to the United Center on Sunday, September 7 for their farewell tour.
The colors of the Union Jack were a common sight walking around the venue, as excited concertgoers filed into their seats to see the legendary band one last time. After opening act Joe Bonamassa, who warmed up the crowd with his virtuosic blues-rock guitar, the screen displayed a tribute to original Who drummer Keith Moon, as the night marked the 47th anniversary of his death. This nod to Moon got a huge response from the crowd, as many of us fell in love with the band because of the incredibly unique and intense style of playing he brought to their music. It added more poignancy to an already bittersweet evening.
Soon after, the band came on stage and fired right into 1964’s “I Can’t Explain,” Pete Townshend’s simple but striking riff immediately energizing the crowd. Then came another track from their earlier days, “Substitute,” before they went into 1978’s “Who Are You” and its infectious “who-who, who-who” chorus. The screens behind the band displayed photos of the group in their earlier days against dynamic backdrops, including one where original bassist John Entwistle, who passed in 2002, towered over a cityscape. While Daltrey and Townshend played on with new members, they certainly did not let Entwistle and Moon be forgotten.
Two more heavy hitters came with “The Seeker” and “Long Live Rock,” the latter of which was welcomed as it just confirmed what we were all feeling; that rock and roll was alive tonight. Next came two tracks off 1969’s “Tommy,” “Pinball Wizard” right into “See Me, Feel Me,” a personal favorite that I was especially glad to hear as it was the song that reignited my love for their music.
Roger Daltrey, at 81 years old, was in especially fantastic voice, hitting notes just as he did decades ago. His vocals particularly stood out to me on “Love Ain’t For Keeping,” a hard song for anyone to sing, much less an 81 year old. It was incredible to hear such a singular voice in top form.
After a beautiful “Behind Blue Eyes,” the setlist then jumped back and forth between decades, going from the funky “Eminence Front” into the era-defining “My Generation.” The energy continued with “You Better You Bet” into “Going Mobile,” the latter of which saw Townshend’s brother Simon taking the lead vocal part.
The night wasn’t without a couple of bumps, mostly due to troubles with equipment, all of which they handled quickly and with humor. Townshend joked that, “on a night when we continually f— things up, you should pay extra.” Moments like that made it even more special, as they didn’t let those hiccups derail the show but rather embraced them and gave us some laughs in between screaming the lyrics. Rock in its most purest form.
Next came a medley of songs from 1973’s “Quadrophenia,” “The Real Me,” “I’m One,” “5:15,” and a very special “Love, Reign o’er Me,” which brought the house down. Daltrey attempted the final note a couple of times, saying “not tonight” and “it’s only rock and roll” between tries before hitting it perfectly, bringing the whole audience to their feet and sparking thunderous applause throughout the arena.
Even after the Olympic level vocals required to do that, Daltrey wasn’t done, as they went right into “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” which contains probably the most legendary scream in all of rock and roll. Even if you don’t really know The Who, you know that “yeaaaahhh!” Once again, Daltrey nailed it and the crowd rightfully went wild.
The “Who’s Next” run continued with “Baba O’Riley,” for which guest violinist Katie Jacoby came out to play the iconic part in the frenetic ending of the song. Jacoby was a real highlight, and Daltrey and Townshend seemed especially delighted watching her bring that energy from the original record to a live setting.
Next came “The Song is Over,” the namesake of the whole tour. This song summed up the night perfectly, as it represents The Who at their best, combining all of their angst and all of their tenderness into one song, a gorgeous ballad that erupts into a powerful anthem. Here, Daltrey changed a couple of lines to reflect the farewell tour, singing “my love’s not over; you’re all ahead now,” gesturing towards the audience, and “thanks for all the years,” which was a truly touching moment.
At the end of the night, Daltrey dropped the mic (literally) before their last song, 2006’s “Tea and Theatre,” to which Townshend quickly joked, “that’s extra extra.” It was just the two of them on stage for this last one, Townshend armed with his acoustic and Daltrey stood singing right at his side. With the spotlight shining on them, the weight of the moment was really felt, how remarkable it was that they were standing here after a storied career, having made it through such tumultuous times. It was a very sweet ending to an absolutely electric show.
While bittersweet, you could not have asked for a better sendoff for such a legendary band. They celebrated every part of their career and honored those songs by playing with unbelievable energy, making for an absolutely unforgettable night. Long live The Who!
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