Getting 65,000 fans to show up at your 50th anniversary party makes for a pretty nice celebration, and that's exactly what happened for The Who at their big day at London's Hyde Park on June 26, 2015. Featuring nearly 20 classic tracks encompassing much of their long career, the band, comprised of founding members Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, bassist Pino Palladino, guitarist/vocalist Simon Townshend, drummer Zakk Starkey, and keyboard players John Corey, Frank Simes & Loren Gold, roared through just about every Who staple you'd want to hear.
For two guys in their '70s, both Townshend and Daltrey are in fine form, especially the latter, whose voice has been plagued by illness in recent years, but for the most part he shines here. Sure, he can't really hit those high notes any longer, and he's changed his singing style on many of these songs to a mid-range growl, but you have to give this 71 year old credit for putting on a performance like this at this stage of his life. Who would have thought he'd even want to tackle "Love Reign O'er Me", but he does, and does it impressively. With this full, rounded out version of the band, Townshend goes for less bombast on the guitar and more for overall textures, but his trademark power chords and wind-mill riffing is as always ever present. Big props to Starkey, who really has been the unsung hero of this latter day era in the history of the band, as his thunderous yet precise drumming portrays the reckless spirit of the late Keith Moon but also allows for plenty of his own character & style to come through. He's splendid here, especially on "Won't Get Fooled Again" , "I Can See For Miles" and all the Tommy songs.
The camera work and visuals are outstanding, perfectly capturing the band in all their glory as well as the special effects on the stage screen and the light show. Audio is also superb, so get ready to crank it up and enjoy! For bonus features, there are some extra tracks, including "The Seeker", which is surprisingly left off the main set but included here as a bonus. The two companion CDs do however contain the complete show, and make for a splendid live album. Let's hope 50 isn't the end and the band keep thrilling crowds for years to come.
Track Listing
1) I Can t Explain
2) Who Are You
3) The Kids Are Alright
4) Pictures Of Lily
5) I Can See For Miles
6) My Generation
7) Behind Blue Eyes
8) Bargain
9) Join Together
10) You Better You Bet
11) I m One
12) Love Reign O er Me
13) Eminence Front
14) Amazing Journey / Sparks
15) Pinball Wizard
16) See Me, Feel Me / Listening To You
17) Baba O Riley
18) Won t Get Fooled Again
Bonus tracks include The Seeker, The Kids are Alright, You Better You Bet, and Squeeze Box
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