It is fair to say that not many bands of a certain stature stop off in Derby, in fact you have to go back to 1966 since The Who were last here in the City. Back then, they played two shows on the same night, an early and a late one, at the Odeon Theatre, with a set of early hit singles and cover versions. There were probably not many in the audience that night who were at the county cricket ground fifty seven years later to witness Roger Daltrey, Pete Townsend and band, joined by the Heart of England Orchestra, take us on a two hour plus journey through their long career.
The show was roughly split into three sections with the Orchestra used in the first and third part, and just the core band on stage during the mid-point. They began with highlights from Tommy, including a dazzling ‘Amazing Journey’ with Roger’s trademark mic twirls and Pete’s windmill at the forefront. During ‘The Acid Queen’ it was hard to not to think of the late Tina Turner and her incredible performance of the song during the Ken Russell movie, and, of course, ‘Pinball Wizard’ will always be associated with Elton and his Champ outfit. After ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It’, Pete spoke a few words of introduction that led into a thumping ‘Who Are You’.
With the Orchestra taking a break it was time for a run through of mostly early 60’s singles, including live standards ‘My Generation’, ‘Substitute’ and ‘I Can’t Explain’ along with ‘Anyway. Anyhow, Anywhere’, a song which Pete noted that he and Roger had written together way back in 1964. There were a couple of references to the pairs advancing years, but any suggestion that they can’t still perform to a high level were put to rest with ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’, Roger letting out a juggernaut of a scream that reverberated around the venue.
The third part of the show was mostly devoted to highlights from Quadrophenia, including the albums two huge moments ‘5.15’ and ‘Love, Reign O’er Me’, the latter giving Roger another opportunity to show everyone he remains in fine voice. For the instrumental ‘The Rock’ the video screens were used to show moments in history from the 60’s to the present, interspersed with parts of The Who’s own history including the gone but not forgotten Keith Moon and John Entwistle. After Katie Jacoby wowed on the violin during ‘Baba O’Riley’, Pete and Roger were left alone on stage to play us out with an acoustic ‘Tea & Theatre’, providing a soothing end to a hard-hitting night. It had taken The Who a long, long time to return to Derby, but they delighted the crowd with a show that will be remembered for many years to come.
Setlist:-
With Orchestra
Overture
1921
Amazing Journey
Sparks
The Acid Queen
Pinball Wizard
We’re Not Gonna Take It
Who Are You
Eminence Front
Band Only
The Kids Are Alright
You Better You Bet
Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere
Substitute
I Can’t Explain
My Generation
Won’t Get Fooled Again
Behind Blue Eyes
With Orchestra
The Real Me
I’m One
5:15
The Rock
Love, Reign O’er Me
Baba O’Riley
Encore:-
Tea & Theatre
