June 22 2015 – After seeing Rush in Toronto a few days ago, we continue our epic journey – welcome to our The Who Belfast review. The Who Hits 50!
Let’s spend a minute on the opening band – the heros of the “warm up” routine. The Last Internationale destroyed the stadium today with their incredibly powerful vocals and blistering riffs. We actually saw them before at Massey Hall opening up for Robert Plant and they once again impressed. The band is guitarist Edgey Pires and vocalist Delila Paz who started the band in NY but now live in LA. They are pure raw rock with deep lyrics and a social consciousness. The band features Janis Joplin calibre singing and Jimmy Page-ish intensity guitars. The Last Internationale got the attention of everyone in the place and they played a wicked version of Neil Young’s “Hey, Hey, My My”, which had me up on my feet for the Canadian anthem. We spoke to them briefly after the gig and will try to get a full interview with them, Toronto, this is one band you want to know well! They are one of the two best opening bands we have ever seen, and we have seen lots of concerts (the other one was Reignwolf opening up for Black Sabbath)!
The Who celebrate their 50th year with a tour that zigzags between Europe and North America. Although they are now in their 51st year as a band this tour did start in 2014 (the band formed in 1964). Three weeks ago they completed the first leg of North America to rave reviews. The band will hit our home turf of Toronto for 2 shows – Monday October 19 and Wednesday December 2nd (rescheduled date from October 21st) and there are still plenty of tickets available.
Tonight we saw the band in Belfast, Northern Ireland for their first date of a mini European run that will have them play two massive gigs at London’s Hyde Park and the Glastonbury Festival in the next few days.
In 2011 we saw a solo Roger Daltrey taking on Tommy (review here) and in 2012 we caught The Who performing Quadrophenia (review here). Having seen both those albums performed live is mandatory for The Who fans, tonight’s “best of” setlist really appeals to general rock fans as the night featured. The band of course is only half of its former self as drummer Keith Moon and bassist John Entwistle are no longer with us (they died in 1978 and 2002 respectively). Tonight’s band featured Zak Starkey on drums (son of Ringo Starr), Simon Townshend on rhythm guitar (Pete’s brother), Pino Palladino on bass and of course Roger Daltrey on vocals and Pete Townshend on lead guitar. (Note – we interviewed Simon Townshend and you can check that out here).
The Who have 11 studio albums – a surprisingly low number for a band of 50 years, and the first 10 albums came from 1965-1982 with a huge 24 year gap till album number 11 named Endless Wire. Tonight 10 of those albums were represented with the most coming from Tommy and Who’s Next which had 4 songs from each of those albums performed. The only album that did not have anything featured from it is Endless Wire which would have been the least known album (by far) to all the fans.
Both Daltrey’s twirling microphone and Townshend’s windmill motion were featured tonight but the star of the show was the setlist. The show kicks off with a barrage of I Can’t Explain (their first single ever), The Seeker, Who Are You, The Kids Are Alright, I Can See For Miles. My Generation and Behind Blue Eyes. Just those 7 songs feature more hit power and rock recognition than most bands could ever dream of.
With the power of those 7 songs in mind contrast that to an even higher level with the final 4 songs of the night – Pinball Wizard, See Me Feel Me, Baba O’Riley and Won’t Get Fooled Again. All executed with flawless perfection and taking the audience to an emotional ride when the world was much simpler. In today’s high-tech age it is very doubtful any band can ever achieve such a collection of time enduring rock staples that will be etched in the memories of youth for millions.
Daltrey is in incredible shape and even his golden locks are magically still there. The 71 year old still has powerful vocal range and power and it was very iconic when he sang “I hope I die before I get old” during My Generation. A hope that will not be fulfilled Mr Daltrey. He shone on the spotlight and can only praise his performance.
Townshend is of course the main creator of this barrage of hits and is widely regarded as a rock genius. His compositions have endured the test of time and still hold the charge they did 30, 40 and even 50 years ago. Townshend who now has hearing loss also held the Guinness Book of Records title for “loudest concert” ever in 1976. Tonight he was as good as always including vocally. His epic riffs were loud and proud with no hesitation on staples like My Generation, Who Are You and of course their magnum opus Won’t Get Fooled Again. In many instances he was the star of the show both as the guitarist of the band but also as the ring leader.
Belfast is a great place to see a concert and the Odyssey Arena held about 10,000 (a near capacity crowd) tonight. The audience is the most mellow I have ever seen in any big venue and almost everyone on the floor seats sat down all night – which is a nice way to chill and enjoy a show. It was so laid back that I was even able to just stroll up to the front row and watch the show from up against the front rails. That of course made the night even more special. As an aside great big video screens accompanied the band tonight with appropriate imagery throughout the night including Love, Reign O’Er Me (video below).
Verdict: 5 out of 5 – The Who set trends in the 60’s and were pioneers of the original rock movement that included The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd and tonight their celebrated 50 years of a life in rock. The show was successful in its overall audience connection and provided an emotional ride for all in attendance. The band was firing in all cylinders and will surely nail their upcoming massive shows at Glastonbury and Hyde Park. Dear rock fans in Toronto – do not miss them in October and December at the Air Canada Centre.
Special shout out to The Last Internationale who tore up the stage tonight as well!
