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Posted at 2011-07-05 15:56:11 GMT (9 hours ago)
arthurprecar
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Tommy at The Sage Gateshead 4 July 2011
Roger Daltrey – Sage Gateshead 4 July 2011
Shortly after 7.30pm Roger strolled onto the stage with his five piece band looking happy, fit and healthy clutching a mug of something that may, or may not, have been to lubricate his voice.
He immediately put to rest the notion that anyone may have had that what he was about to do was in any way “a Who show”. He praised the work it’s self saying that it was unique in 1969 and it’s the same today. “No-one” he said “is doing anything like this”.
He put his mug down and the band blasted into “Overture” delivering what was pretty much a note-perfect rendition of the great rock opera “Tommy” (described humorously by Townshend on “Live at Leeds” as a “Rock Otter”.)
I have to admit that although I was excited about the show I went with a little trepidation. Having seen The Who perform the bulk of it in 75 and 76 I knew that it wouldn’t match the rain soaked majesty of the Charlton show in 76 or the thunderous trawl through at Manchester Apollo. It’s true to say that Roger struggled either with the new monitors or his voice at times. However, he and the band were clearly enjoying themselves and the whole performance was thrilling and powerful. Frank Symes and Simon Townshend (looking and moving just like Pete) were in fantastic form and Simon’s voice added a new dimension and Symes simmered on guitar. “Christmas” seemed to take on a new life and “Pinball Wizard” soared. The “Tommy” climax of “Were Not Gonna Take It/Listening to You” brought the crowd roaring to their feet – an unusual occurrence at this venue!) and Roger pandered by reprising the end section.
The second “Who hits and more" section allowed Roger and the band to have a little fun and some flexibility roaring through “Who are You”, “Pictures of Lily”, “Behind Blue Eyes”, “I Can See for Miles”(with a nice little aside about John’s voice), and “Tattoo”. Then a meander through a few lesser known songs Roger’s own “Days of Light”, a rearranged “Real Good Looking Boy”, “Freedom Ride”, a great “Going Mobile” (with Simon on vocals) and a climax of a thunderous “Baba O’Reilly”. Topping off with “Blue Red & Grey” with a couple of fluffs on ukulele (“I’m not perfect!”). An excellent show that was thoroughly enjoyed by my 15 year old son – a big reason for going was so that at least he can say he saw “Tommy” performed live.
Long Live Rock!
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