Monthly Archives: February 2013

The Who – Quadrophenia Live

The weather was bad yesterday. But that didn’t stop Bryon, Pat and myself from heading to Hamilton to see The Who perform Quadrophenia (plus more!). For $150 a pop, a blizzard couldn’t hold us back. Floor level seats!

The concert was absolutely fantastic. Quadrophenia, although not there top-selling album, was a great mini-opera album that showcased all of their talents in their prime. It was certainly a treat to hear it from start to finish uninterrupted. And then followed by some great favourites.

I’ve said it a million times. I can’t think of a more talented guitarist than Pete. And he was definitely ‘on’ last night. Roger looks incredible and his voice still has that trademark power. Pat took some seriously good video and I will treasure it forever. He captured the entire version of Baba O’Riley. Crazy!

Sadly, I can say with virtual certainty that this was, and will ever be, the only time I saw The Who live in concert. Knowing this, I savored every moment and appreciated every second of that performance.

Take a Bow Boys!

Set List:

1. I Am The Sea
2. The Real Me
3. Quadrophenia
4. Cut My Hair
5. The Punk and the Godfather
6. I’m One
7. The Dirty Jobs (Simon Townshend on vocals)
8. Helpless Dancer
9. Is It in My Head?
10. I’ve Had Enough
11. 5:15
12. Sea and Sand
13. Drowned
14. Bell Boy
15. Doctor Jimmy
16. The Rock
17. Love, Reign O’er Me
(followed by band introductions)

Encore;
18. Who are You
19. Behind Blue Eyes
20. Pinball Wizard
21. Baba O’Riley
22. Won’t Get Fooled Again
23. Tea & Theatre (Roger & Pete acoustic)

Notes:
The concert lasted from 8:00pm to 10:50pm – 2h 50m !
The multimedia was well used. The screens were HD and syncronised. They highlighted the musicians playing the instruments. But more importantly 2 things:
1) The backdrop continually showed themes, images, footage of the band over the years and inspirations to the songs (mods, sods). An excellent montage of historical moments during both the overture and the finale….climaxing in the fall of the World Trade Center. Very emotional.
2) There was an homage to John (5:15) and Keith (Bell Boy). The band interacted with the video of the two performing the song. It really was as if they were still alive playing with the band. A wonderful touch that really signifies a closing moment. A good way to end it all.

When Pete and Roger performed Tea & Theatre it really hit home that this is the last time I’ll see these guys live. And it was such an intimate moment when i think back on it. Too bad I didn’t capture that moment on video :(

Chicken Pox

Olivia has the pox. Yay. Greg is up for Wonderboy, not sure if he has had them. Whoops.

Other than that life is good. Looking to buy a BlueJays package this year now that they finally spent some money and brought some talent in.

Also have season tix to the Rangers. Playoffs are coming soon.

Sonia’s 40th bday coming up. Not really a surprise….but should be fun

Learning Italian via the Rosetta Stone. Mamma Mia!