The Santa Barbara Bowl
Thursday, October 6th, The Who played one Southern California concert prior to their The Desert Trip Festival performance. Tucked in the residential hills of Santa Barbara, 4,560 fans were treated to an intimate and inspired night . The concert was highly charged on both sides of the stage. An extension of their 50th anniversary tour, the set list reflected hits from all eras going back to the early Mod days of "I Can't Explain" through their post-Moon incarnation with "Eminence Front".
Both Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend held up exceptionally well and have settled into wise and tempered elders of the rock music rebellion. There was reflection, gratitude and appreciation in their comments and disposition. Adding to the music was a large screen video playing a stunning montage of iconic imagery summarizes 50 years of trends, moments, Who graphics, and news clips that exemplify our collective pop-cultural memories.
Far different from their original power quartet of the 70s, their six piece ensemble enables Pete and Rodger to deliver tricky arrangement live with songs like "Join Together" and "The Rock" bringing a full instrumental depth and tight production for each song. Their musical family is Frank Simes - musical director / multi-instrumentalist, Loren Gold - keyboards, Simon Townshend - guitar, John Corey - keyboards, Pino Palladino - bass, Zak Starkey - drums.
Next stop, The Desert Trip Festival Sunday, October 9th and Sunday, October 16th.
Set List:
I Can't Explain
The Seeker
Who Are You
The Kids Are Alright
I Can See for Miles
My Generation
Behind Blue Eyes
Bargain
Join Together
You Better You Bet
5:15
I'm One
The Rock
Love, Reign O'er Me
Eminence Front
Amazing Journey
Sparks
The Acid Queen
Pinball Wizard
See Me, Feel Me
Baba O'Riley
Won't Get Fooled Again
