The not always happy band relations are not hidden in Amazing Journey (as they were not really touched upon in The Kids Are Alright), but it seems the tension and strife were two of the ingredients that the band used (subconsciously?) to push themselves to be the best live act.
While the story of The Who is looked at more lightheartedly in The Kids Are Alright, Amazing Journey hits on the group's entire and rocky history. Moon's death (where Daltrey talks about his guilt and how he feels he could have done more for Moon); the tragedy at Cincinnati in 1979; the first final tour in 1982; and Townshend's personal problems, which let to his decision to end the band in 1983 (the first time), are touchy subjects for The Who but are all tackled in the film.The years of band inactivity from 1983-1989 (save for sets at Live Aid in 1985 and when they were given the British Phonographic Industry's Lifetime Achievement Award in 1988) were a dark time if you were a Who fan. The group's 25th Anniversary Tour in 1989 (a huge success) and the Quadrophenia tour in 1996-97 (not as successful) were brief moments of relief to their followers but seeing The Who with tons of on-stage musicians as accompaniment was distracting on these tours and not necessary and led to a temporary dent in their legacy as an amazing live band.
Amazing Journey harks on the hope Who fans felt with the reformation of the group in 1999, which saw that the band had reverted back to their quartet (accompanied by John “Rabbit” Bundrick on keyboard and backing vocals) lineup (the Las Vegas return on this formation is chronicled on the fantastic DVD, The Vegas Job) and hit the road to play their catalogue in 2000. A show-stealing set at The Concert For New York in 2001 was so well received and showed The Who so back on track that they planned a full US summer tour in 2002.
The death of Who bassist John Entwistle on the eve of the tour kickoff cast a giant shadow of loss during that summer’s tour (which did go on, with Pino Palladino bravely filling in on bass). Instead of a rebirth, it seemed as if The Who, now down to two original members, was really over. However, tours in 2004, 2006-07 and the band's first record of new material, Endless Wire (2006) showed The Who at an activity level not seen since the '70s.The film ends with a wonderful shot of The Who in 2007 performing "Tea & Theatre”. Daltrey and Townshend are now, after all the fighting and breakups, more united and devoted to each other and look more determined than ever to continuing The Who.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
I just watched this on VH1 tonight and it is really well done. So much so, that I followed it up by dusting off my Live At The Isle of Wight DVD and watching it for the first time in about a year.
Damn the Who were a great band weren't they? I'm just happy to see that Pete and Roger have survived the experience with their senses for the most part intact, and have renewed their creative partnership. Zak Starkey is also about as good a replacement for Moon as they could find.
Good piece. R.I.P. Moonie and Ox.
-Glen
2 - David Boyko
Great to see this movie completed and watched it last night on VH1. Will be buying it on the 6th to add to The Who collection. There is absolutely no doubt that there is no greater band on the planet (past or present) that puts as much energy out when they perform live than The Who.
Allot of great bands, Beatles, Stones, Floyd, Zeppelin and on and on but The Who are a live band with no equals. Pete Townshend has written some of the best music ever recorded (Rock). As was stated in the movie "Almost Famous" "nobody can explain rock and roll.......well maybe Pete Townshend"......how true.
- David
3 - Carl Borden
It's "Daltrey" not "Daltry." Please correct the misspelling.
4 - Christopher Rose
Thanks for catching that, Carl.