Concerts: The Who @ SSE Arena, Wembley, UK 02/13/2016 - Sea of Tranquility - The Web Destination for Progressive Music!

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Concerts:

The Who @ SSE Arena, Wembley, UK 02/13/2016

Posted on Sunday, February 14 2016 @ 11:35:51 CST by Dean Pedley

The Who were forced to suspend their fiftieth anniversary tour (announced as their "long goodbye") mid way through 2015 due to Roger Daltrey's battle with viral Meningitis. They chose Wembley Arena, a venue they have performed at countless times down the years, to mark their return with this one-off London show serving as a warm-up for the rescheduled North American dates taking place from February through May.

Entering the stage with the minimum of fuss they ease into 'Who Are You' and Pete Townshend confesses to feeling a little ring-rusty after 'The Seeker'. They soon start to warm-up by plundering the treasure trove of 1960's hit singles that sees them move through 'The Kids are Alright' and 'I Can See For Miles' before 'My Generation' stirs the front rows into an animated response and much Dad-dancing duly ensues. Whilst all eyes are focussed on Daltrey and Townshend the six piece band, boasting the likes of Pino Palladino and Simon Townshend, are superb throughout and special mention must be made for drummer Zak Starkey who, appearing as of he has just stepped off the Magic Bus from 1966, really does look (and sound) the part.

Referencing his illness Daltrey reveals it has impaired his hearing and asks the crowd if it "sounds alright". But any suggestions that he may not be at his thunderous best are blown away by an exquisite 'Love, Reign O'er Me'. Introducing the early 80's new-wave bop of 'Eminence Front' Townshend explains the band were partly able to evolve their sound due to the "late Keith Moon being so late that he was never late again". Microphone twirls and windmill guitar poses are at their maximum for the suite from Tommy that culminates in the power and poise of 'See Me, Feel Me'. They aren't quite done yet as the show pushes towards the two hour mark and CSI fans amongst the crowd are rewarded with 'Baba O'Riley' and 'Won't Get Fooled Again' which has the guitarist shaking his fists in triumph following Daltrey's perfectly delivered bloodcurdling scream.

Let's hope this is one long goodbye that goes on and on and on.

"Who Are You"
"The Seeker"
"The Kids are Alright"
"I Can See For Miles"
"My Generation''
"Pictures of Lily"
"Behind Blue Eyes"
"Bargain"
"Join Together"
"You Better You Bet"
"I'm One"
"The Rock''
"Love, Reign O'er Me"
"Eminence Front"
"Amazing Journey"
"Sparks"
"Pinball Wizard"
"See Me, Feel Me"
"Baba O' Riley"
"Won't Get Fooled Again"

Review by Dean Pedley