Love reigns over The Who's first of two farewell shows in Toronto

Article content

The Who
Budweiser Stage, Toronto
Tuesday night
RATING: *** (3 out of four)

“Hope I die before I get old!” goes the famous pointed lyric in The Who’s anthemic song My Generation.

Well it turns, out the legendary British rock band’s lead guitarist Pete Townshend, 80, and lead singer Roger Daltrey, 81, are still very much alive and touring as octogenarians on The Who’s The Song Is Over; North American Farewell Tour which arrived at Budweiser Stage on Tuesday night for the first of two shows.

And yes, the group appear to mean it this time after having successive goodbye treks since the early ‘80s.

“We retired that song when we turned 25 because we thought we were too old,” joked Townshend of My Generation, which came about midway through their set.

After a rough technical start due to Daltrey’s non-functioning ear pieces — “Well, this is terribly embarrassing,” joked the singer as a roadie replaced them behind his back — the two-hour show finally kicked off with Can’t Explain, Substitute and Who Are You.

But it took a while for the band, rounded out by Pete’s younger brother Simon Townshend on guitar, mandolin and backing vocals, keyboardist Loren Gold, bassist Jon Button, percussionists John Hogg and Jody Linscott, and drummer Scott Devours (who replaced fired-hired-then fired again Zak Starkey) to really hit their stride.

But when they did, oh boy.

The Who has always been a physical band, teaming with excitement and danger, whether it was Daltrey whirling his microphone cord around and catching it from high up in the air or Townshend dramatically performing the windmill on his guitar, or all of them destroying their instruments at the end of a show in their mid-’60s heyday.

By the way, RIP to one of the greatest rhythm sections ever — original Who bassist John Entwistle and drummer Keith Moon (dead in 2002 and 1978 respectively) who were both remembered in the background graphics, videos and vintage photos during the entire concert.

Some 60 years later, the collective performances have really toned down but the thrills still come in spurts particularly during Daltrey primal screams on such songs as Love Reign O’ er Me or Won’t Get Fooled Again or when Townshend let a guitar solo rip.

The hair on the back of your neck stood straight up when Daltrey hit those big notes and Townshend’s windmill moves drew loud cheers.

“You, you’re getting better and better,” summed up Townshend of Daltrey’s range after Love Reign O’er Me.

And he appeared to mean it.

Another incredibly emotional moment came when The Who performed See Me, Feel Me/Touch Me from Townshend’s rock opera Tommy which was also remembered with Pinball Wizard.

Long Live Rock was another set highlight — “be it dead or alive!” — along with the heavily synthesized Eminence Front and Baba O’ Riley, which have both stood the time.

Simon Townshend also upped the energy with his enthusiastic lead vocals on Going Mobile, which Pete sang on the record.

“If I had a brother, I’d like him to be just like him,” said Daltrey by way of introduction.

Townshend’s rock opera Quadrophenia also got the nod in such songs as The Real Me, I’m One, 5:15 and the aforementioned Love Reign O’er Me — and he reminded fans a ballet version is opening in New York City in November.

“We’re really pleased to have been here,” said the guitarist before wrapping up the show with The Song Is Over and Tea & Theatre and adding The Who were returning for a second show at same venue on Thursday night “and we hope some of you will be here again.”

Opening was Canadian rocker Tom Cochrane who brought out special guest and guitarist Alex Lifeson of Rush for the last three songs — Human Race, Lunatic Fringe and Life is a Highway.

SET LIST

I Can’t Explain

Substitute

Who Are You

The Seeker

Long Live Rock

Pinball Wizard

See Me, Feel Me/ Listening to You

Love Ain’t for Keepin’

Behind Blue Eyes

Eminence Front

My Generation

Cry If You Want

You Better You Bet

Going Mobile

The Real Me

I’m One

5:15

Love, Reign O’er Me

Won’t Get Fooled Again

Baba O’Riley

The Song Is Over

Tea & Theatre

Love concerts, but can't make it to the venue? Stream live shows and events from your couch with VEEPS, a music-first streaming service now operating in Canada. Click here for an introductory offer of 30% off. Explore upcoming concerts and the extensive archive of past performances.