Concert Review: The Who at the MTS Centre

No British Invasion group typifies the raw energy, creative genius or the hazards of rock stardom better than The Who. Led by guitarist Pete Townshend and lead singer Roger Daltey, The Who are infamous for their destructive antics - on and offstage - as well as for their explosive stage performances. Aided by the songwriting genius of Townshend, The Who produced some of the most innovative and powerful rock albums of the late 60's and early 70's. Albums such as the rock opera "Tommy,"and the electrifying "Who's Next" have been long heralded by critics as brilliant and innovative. Both albums have made Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Albums of All Time. But the same passion and wild behavior that helped fuel their creativity and spawned some of the best live and recorded performances of the era, also nearly destroyed them.

Their drummer Keith Moon died in 1978 of a drug overdose. Pete Townshend battled with drug abuse and also suffered a hearing loss due to his penchant for gutwrenchingly loud amplifier volume during live performances. Most recently, bass player John Entwhistle died of heart attack induced by cocaine use.

But somehow Daltrey and Townshend managed to persevere, giving me an opportunity to finally see these rock legends live. But would I leave bitterly mumbling "Won't Get Fooled Again!" or raving "The Kids Are Alright?"

The Who did not disappoint!

Daltrey and Townshend showed 10,000 screaming Winnipeg fans what made them the kings of arena rock during the 60's, 70's and 80's. The Who belted out an impressive array of material ranging from pop hits such as "Can't Explain," "My Generation, "Who Are You," to FM classics such as "Won't Get Fooled Again" and "Baba O'Reilly" as well as new material from their latest mini opera "Wire and Glass" and from their latest CD "Endless Wire."

They quickly muzzled media nay sayers who believed the band was too old, creatively exhausted, or couldn't deliver the goods due to the demise of their former bandmates..

There was no shortage of Townshend's trademark windmill guitar moves or Daltrey's mike swinging stage pyrotechniques. Their backing group, consisting of ex-Beatle Ringo Starr's son Zak on drums, studio whiz Pino Palladino on bass, Pete's brother Simon on guitar and John Bundrick on keyboards proved themselves capable of filling the shoes of The Who's legendary former rhythm section.

Outside of a couple of brief technical problems with Pete's guitar early in the show, the sound and production values were top flight. Giant screens flashed images of the band in their heyday accompanied by dazzling strobe and laser light effects.

After receiving an well deserved stand ovation for a sizzling rendition of "Won't Get Fooled Again," Roger and Pete encored with "Pinball Wizard" and "See Me, Feel Me" from the rock opera "Tommy."

Despite the tragic losses, and advancing years, Peter Townshend and Roger Daltrey more than proved that "The Kids Are MORE Than Alright" - they are the real deal!

R L Rheubottom