One of the real travesties about modern technology is the destruction of the album format as a means of disseminating music. With streaming services like Spotify, you no longer have to hear the entire album to pick out songs that you like, you can simply click on them. Gone are the days of the unknown and surprising. Singles have taken over the music industry and album oriented rock has fallen by the wayside. So it was nice when I got a refresher on what a cohesive album sounds like. By 1968, the Who were fed up with their smashing-guitars act and the 3 minute singles they put out every few months. Principal songwriter Pete Townshend wanted to diversify their music and put out a record that told a whole story over many tracks. Recorded and released in the Spring of 1969,
Tommy quickly became the artistic triumph of the Who. The legend of
Tommy, however, didn't fully materialize until the band went out on tour and began to play the whole album from start to finish. From Woodstock to the Metropolitan Opera House, the Who took their masterpiece across the world and elevated their status as the greatest live act in the world. Roger Daltrey in particular matured exponentially as a frontman during this tour and the microphone twirling singer found a new level during those 1969-1970 performances. Tommy has sold 20 million copies and while the Who released debatingly better albums (Who's Next is my personal favorite), they never achieved the artistry and sophistication of this seminal album. Daltrey stayed with the band till their their first disbandment in 1982 but he and Townshend continue to perform as the who sans Keith Moon and John Entwistle. Daltrey has also released a few solo albums, including one last year and has no plans to retire.
Already one of my favorite albums, I was super excited for this show and to see one of the greatest rockers of all time. This performance was nothing short of magical. Daltrey performed with the Wolf Trap Orchestra and this truly turned
Tommy into a grand production. The album has always sounded better live and this time was no exception. Daltrey's voice carries the music like no other and he allows the band and orchestra to augment the lyrics. Songs like "I'm Free", "Sally Simpson", and "See Me Feel Me" explode off the stage and would make Pete Townshend proud. The show finished with great performances of "Baba O'Riley" and "Who's Next". While these seemed like obligatory numbers. there's no denying their power and Daltrey's command of the audience. Much like he did in 1969, he embraced his rock star persona and became the legend he will always be.
My favorite part was when Daltrey finished the opera with "See Me Feel Me". Again, I had one of those moments that I only get a couple times a season. Seeing the singer of the Who perform that song had such an anthemic quality that I'll never forget.
Looking forward to more show!
DC
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| Roger Daltrey |
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