THE WHO @ Alpine Valley Music Theatre – East Troy, WI

September 8, 2019

Review by Rick Kramer
Photos by David Urmanski

www.Facebook.com/TheWho

THE BAND: THE WHO
Roger Daltrey – Vocals
Pete Townsend – Guitar & Vocals
Simon Townsend – Guitar & Vocals
Zak Starkey – Drums
Jon Button – Bass & Vocals
Loren Gold – Keyboards
Billy Nicholls – Vocals & Tambourine
Katie Jacoby – Violin
Audrey Snyder – Cello
Keith Levenson – Conductor

In 1989, rock icons The Who stopped at Alpine Valley during their 25-city Kids Are Alright Tour, a reunion trek that coincided with the seminal group’s 25th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of their epic rock opera Tommy. It would be thirty years before they returned again to the music theatre; this time with a 48-piece orchestra in tow in support of their upcoming release Moving On, the first collection of new material since 2006’s Endless Wire. Besides two-plus hours of time-honored classics, the Sunday evening show also included two new numbers from the upcoming release and plenty of crowd-pleasing surprises.

The lights went down a few minutes past 8:30pm and the band unceremoniously walked onto stage to enthusiastic cheers. Roger Daltrey and Pete Townsend, the two remaining members of The Who, then claimed stage to wild applause. Daltrey was dressed in jeans, a blue tee and an unbuttoned, untucked, denim oxford with rolled up sleeves while sporting blue, tinted aviator glasses. This remained Roger’s permanent attire throughout the entire show. Townsend’s outfit, on the other hand, consisted of a blue jumpsuit and an off-white overcoat…neither of which would make it through to the end of the set.

The stage was packed to accommodate the 50-plus musicians with the bleachers and risers dedicated to the percussion and large brass and string ensembles positioned in front of 10 visual effect towers that pulsed and strobed to the powerful arrangements all night long. Approximately 10 feet tall and topped by discs roughly the size of a basketball that displayed a variety of vivid colors, the towers were equally spaced across the entire width of rear stage in front of a wavy, metallic backdrop. Daltrey’s and Townsend’s comfort in close quarters, coupled with their reflected shadows across the backdrop, proved to create a feeling of intimacy when the band and orchestra were sequestered backstage.

The orchestra was made up of musicians from across the Badger state with Townsend remarking at one point, “They’re all 50 times better than we will ever be. They can do anything pretty much, these guys. We’re so honored to be able to play with such fine players.” A humble statement coming from someone who wrote some of the most influential rock anthems of all time. Nonetheless, the orchestra did soar and created a dynamic backing track that ranged from luxurious to bombastic with Townsend making a point to call out and praise David Campbell who created the orchestral arrangements.

Just like the band’s prior performance at Alpine Valley in 1989, The Who opened with the iconic instrumental “Overture” which is instantly recognizable by the booming French horn. Being an overture in the traditional sense and as well as in name, it featured samples from Tommy‘s most famous songs. When the band reached the crescendo that introduced the theme to “Listening to You” the crowd rose in anticipation and Townsend showed he was and still is a rock god, windmilling on his gold and white Stratocaster like it was 1969 all over again. Whether 1969, 1989 or 2019, it really doesn’t matter as time stands still and the venue becomes electrified when Pete Townsend strums his guitar on stage.

The opening set included six more songs from Tommy that lasted approximately 45 minutes before Daltrey strapped on a guitar for “Who Are You” and “Eminence Front.” “Eminence Front” was a chance for Pete Townsend to sing lead and deliver a spirited, if not angry, version of the 80’s classic. Although it is a post-Keith Moon hit, the song still remains a fan favorite as the crowd of concert-goers were clearly pleased by the selection and performance. When the song kicked in, Townsend and band were clearly out in front with the orchestra adding accents behind the scenes.

It was also during this time of the set that Townsend graciously took the opportunity to thank the audience for traveling off the beaten path based on the location of the outdoor music theatre. “We understand this particular venue draws people from all over this state… and Chicago.” Thanks so much for coming out to see us,” he said, knowing that many had a long drive to get there and what could be assumed as an even longer drive home after expelling their energy enjoying the event. “Distance, time… money,” Townsend comically added when referencing the fact that The Who had to travel much further.

Next, the audience was introduced to a five-song set without the accompaniment of the orchestra which included 60’s era classics “Substitute,” “I Can See For Miles” and “The Seeker.” Two new songs “Hero Ground Zero” and “Ball and Chain”, from the new studio album Moving On, scheduled to be released in November of this year, were also performed. Roger Daltrey, in a recent interview, praised the new release as their best work since Quadrophenia. While that may sound like a bit of a stretch to the long-time fans in the audience Sunday evening, the songs were truly exceptional and had hooks that allowed for easy singalongs.

The orchestra then rejoined the band for a Quadrophenia set where highlight “Won’t Get Fooled Again” was beautifully performed as a duo with Townsend on acoustic guitar and Daltrey on vocals. The trademark scream was missing, however that can be easily overlooked after witnessing two icons turn a classic upside-down and nailing it.

Roger Daltrey then introduced Katie Jacoby and Audrey Snyder as they came back on stage to play along with “Behind Blue Eyes.” It was a unique rendition where the violin and cello were prominently positioned in the mix and performed to perfection complimenting the vocal harmonies and acapella exquisitely. Likewise, Zak Starkey (son of Ringo Starr), did a masterful job of channeling Keith Moon for much of the night, peaking during the Quadrophenia portion of the set. Interestingly, though not obvious, he played an electronic drum kit which could have possibly been an effort not to drown out the orchestra.

Violinist Katie Jacoby danced across the stage as she played to the closing to “Baba O’Riley.” A fitting and elegant closing to a show of timeless masterpieces. Roger Daltrey’s powerful vocals were astonishing throughout and both Daltrey and Townsend seemed genuinely grateful to be playing for the Wisconsin crowd and connected with them frequently. Forthcoming and sincere, Townsend thanked the audience one last time before walking off stage leaving Daltrey the opportunity to remind the concertgoers of the band’s stop at Alpine Valley thirty years prior. “Where has the time gone” he said. Where has it gone indeed. Times have changed quite a bit over the course of the last three decades, however no one can dispute that The Who’s music remains as powerful as it ever was.

SETLIST:
Overture
It’s a Boy
1921
Amazing Journey
Sparks
Pinball Wizard
We’re Not Gonna Take It
Who Are You
Eminence Front
Imagine a Man
Hero Ground Zero
Substitute
I Can See For Miles
The Seeker
Won’t Get Fooled Again
Behind Blue Eyes
Ball and Chain
The Real Me
I’m One
5:15
The Rock
Love, Reign O’er Me
Baba O’Riley