Roger Daltrey Performs the Who’s Tommy at Hard Rock Live, Sept. 13, 2011

Rock Opera's set themselves apart from any other form of the genre telling a story entirely through music and words, always sung, never spoken. "Jesus Christ Superstar," is far and away my favorite. "Tommy," is undoubtedly number two. What Pete Townshend has accomplished with this monumental task is take an unbelievable story and scenario and turned it into a classic world wide event. An adaptation of the show was one of Broadway's biggest hits. It originally opened in 1993, had 899 performances and won a Tony Award. But 'Tommy,' wasn't the only opera Townsend brilliantly composed. He also worked his magic on 1973's "Quadrophenia."

Tommy, born a normal child in war time England becomes deaf, dumb and blind from a catastrophic event we witnessed with his own young eyes as a young boy. His only salvation is playing pinball. Sounds like a downer doesn't it? In any other hands it would be, but we are talking about The Who here. Some of you may be more familiar with the film version Directed by Ken Russell and released in 1975 starring The Who, Ann-Margret as Tommy's tormented mother, Elton John as the Pinball Wizard, and Tina Turner as the Acid Queen. The first time I saw The Who live was in July 1989 at Joe Robbie Stadium. It was a monumental event for a couple of reasons. The voice of the band Roger Daltrey, Townsend on guitar and John Entwhistle on bass were celebrating the 30^th Anniversary of "Tommy's," release. It was hard to believe it had actually been 30 years since Tommy's birth in 1969. The entire first half of the show which I believe ran a good 90 minutes was 'Tommy,' from beginning to end. After a short intermission, the band returned and played a well of Who hits. For those of you who aren't quite sure you know the band's music let me assure you, you do. If you watch any of the three "C.S.I.: Crime Scene Investigation," TV hits, you know their music. They perform the theme songs for each: 'Who Are You,' (Vegas) 'Won't Get Fooled Again,' (Miami) and 'Baba O'Riley,' (N.Y.) Roger and Pete also performed The Super Bowl Half Time Show in 2011.

Roger Daltrey minus Townsend hit the stage of the Hard Rock tonight to perform 'Tommy' for the first time as a solo performer. This show kicks off the North American Tommy Tour and ends Nov. 2 in Winnipeg Canada. There's always something great and exciting about being at an opening nights performance. I have been looking forward to this show for a long time. Daltrey is one of those rock guys that just don't seem to age. At the age of 67 he still has the pipes he had as a young lad. Some may even argue he's better now than he was way back then. Strong, commanding, and a presence on stage that is undeniably charming and he still looks good. Daltrey and the band quietly walked onto the stage with house lights down and no introduction. As the members settled behind their instruments Roger whom was dressed in a dark denim long sleeved shirt, black pants and purple rock star glasses thanked the crowd for coming and gave a brief introduction to the brilliance of 'Tommy.' He then politely recommended to the crowd with tongue firmly planted in cheek and a broad smile on his face 'To sit on you're a**es for the 1 hour and 15 minutes of the first set. It's going to be a long show. And show some f****ing respect, it's an opera." Down went the lights, the show had begun. The stage was flanked by two large screens on either side and one in the center of the stage. Animated with surreal images of silhouetted children, blinking eyes, disconnected mannequin body parts, flying doves, psychedelic colors, and of course pinball's; there was always something interesting to watch. There were a couple of occasions where Daltrey flubbed a line or two of the lyrics. He met these miscues with a smile, a shaking of his head, and then continued on with the song. The songs that were met with the biggest and loudest reactions were of course the timeless "Pinball Wizard," "See Me, Feel Me," and "We're Not Gonna Take It." The culmination of "Tommy," came in the final song "Listening To You." What was the Hard Rock Arena had become a rock and rock Sunday revival. The 5500 sold out audience members were standing room only, waving their arms in the air and singing along to one of rock music's best anthems.

Daltrey never left the stage or took an intermission. The second part of the show which he fondly refers to as his "f*****g about bit," kicked off with the classic "Behind Blue Eyes." Playing acoustic guitar he then moved into one of my favorite songs and a definite crowd pleaser, "Who Are You?" It was at this point of the show that the audience moved forward towards the stage. From where I sat I could see them pressed up against the barriers not a mosh pit in sight. We're all a bit too old for that at this point. The band on this evening consisted of Pete's younger brother Simon on guitar, Jon Button on bass, Scott Deavours on drums, Frank Simes on guitar and Loren Gold on keyboards. Simon is an extraordinary musician in his own right and does have the same vocal stylings of Pete. If you didn't know any better you'd swear Pete were right along side Roger. Townsend has been quoted in many interviews and blogs wishing is partner well. "Great to see Roger performing TOMMY with his band in 2011," he says. "I will be there in spirit. Roger has my complete and most loving support. Roger is touring his unique concert version of TOMMY using his faithful presentation of the original work as the backbone for a set of wider material. It is wonderful to hear the way Roger and his new band re-interpret the old Who songs." All I can add after seeing Roger Daltrey and this performance live in concert is: WOW!