The first thing you need to understand about these two DVD performances is they are not exactly your typical Who concerts — at least not if your model of a live Who show is based upon the wild, chaotic performances captured on such classics as The Who Live At Leeds, (possibly the greatest live album ever made) or the DVD The Who Live At The Isle of Wight 1970 (which isn't far behind Leeds in terms of capturing one of rock's greatest live bands on a particularly hot night).
Originally released last fall as a double set and now split into two separate DVDs, these represent semi-theatrical live performances of The Who's two landmark rock operas by what can only be described as an expanded touring ensemble.
If you are looking for the windmilling, guitar-smashing Pete Townshend, you'll likely be disappointed. He rarely plays an electric guitar on either of these DVDs. Roger Daltrey's voice is strong throughout much of the Tommy performance, but is all but gone by Quadrophenia.
The good news is, once you get past the fact you can't really call this a true Who concert (and has there ever really been one since Keith Moon died anyway?), there's still much to like about both DVDs.
The two concerts here, recorded nearly ten years apart, are basically touring theatrical presentations of the rock operas Tommy and Quadrophenia. Then surviving Who members Townshend, Daltrey, and bassist John Entwhistle are joined by an expanded band resembling a small orchestra, complete with strings, horns, and backup singers. There are also a number of big-name guests who turn in guest performances on several songs of each opera.
The idea appears to be one of faithfully recreating the two rock operas down to the last French horn onstage. Taken on that level, the concept works for the most part. Still, it's hard not to miss the power and chaos of a typically frenetic Who concert.
On the Tommy songs in particular, there is a decidedly watered-down feel when you have such commonly viewed reference points as Townshend's windmilling Woodstock performance to measure it against. It even takes two drummers to recreate Keith Moon's drum parts on the Tommy disc.
Still, the music is note-for-note perfect and a relatively young Townshend and Daltrey look and sound energized on this performance recorded at Los Angeles Universal Ampitheatre in 1989. There are also some good backup vocal performances from big-name guests like Elton John, Steve Winwood, and Billy Idol. Patti Labelle in particular is in top diva form during her turn as The Acid Queen, while Phil Collins is hilarious as Uncle Ernie.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
Thanks to Connie Phillips for getting this article up and looking fabulous this morning.
-Glen
2 - Terrence Kitt
I haven't cared about the Who much since Moon died. Even less so, since The Ox joined his comrade in R&R heaven. At least they had the decency to die before they got old. Townshend reminds me of everything My Generation promised he'd never become these days. But I always loved Quadrophenia, especially Entwhistle's wicked bass playing. I may check that DVD out. Tanks!
3 - Glen Boyd
TK,
The live Quadrophenia is more subdued than The Who concerts you probably remember. But the playing is superb...and Entwhistle is amazing (make sure you set up the audio for the 5.1). You've also gotta past the fact that Daltrey's voice is shot. But if you love Quadrophenis as much as I do, you'll definitely want this DVD.
Thanx for the comment!
-Glen