I'm a Who fan. More so in the last 10 years or so than before. I've been saying I'll see them each time they come around, but have yet to actually go. When Roger Daltrey announced he would be playing the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank New Jersey, I knew I had to go. He would never be closer to where I live, and I would regret it if I blew this one off.
The show would feature his solo work, some covers and some Who songs. The truth is, the bulk of the show was Who material. A few were reworked, but the majority were pretty faithful to the original versions. The most noticeable reworking was a bluesy version of My Generation, first verse and chorus, going into a faithful version of I Can See For Miles.
Daltrey walked out and said a few words about the reason for touring, to keep his voice in shape, and about the songs he would be performing. He also spoke before most of the songs, telling a little about the inspiration for the upcoming song. Before Tattoo he told a story about the pirate radio stations that were in Great Britain during the 60's.
Of course when Daltrey would be giving introductions, several audience members felt that this was the time for them to try to have a conversation with him. Luckily at one point he told a guy to "shut the f*$# up" or else they would be there all night. He said it half jokingly.
For the most part Daltrey's voice was in good form. There were a couple songs where he voice did sound pretty worn. The first few songs and one of his solo songs Walk on Water were the strongest.
His backing band consisted of long time collaborator Simon Townsend on guitar, Jon Button on Bass, Scott Devours on drums, Loren Gold on Keyboards and Frank Simes on lead guitar.
The band was tight and most amazingly did not sound like a Who cover band.
Daltrey, although 65, is still an amazing frontman and has a great stage presence. Although his voice is not what it was 20 years ago, it is still very good. I'd be amazed if anyone's voice sounded the same throughout their career.
Here is the setlist.
Who Are You
Pictures of Lily
Behind Blue Eyes
Tatoo
Days of Light
Freedom Ride
Gimme a Stone
Going Mobile-Simon Townsend Lead Vocals, Daltrey on Harmonica
Naked Eye
My Generation/I Can See For Miles
Squeezebox
Walk on Water
Young Man Blues
Baba O'Riley
Johnny Cash Medley featuring Folsom Prison Blues & Ring of Fire
Red,Blue & Grey
The show would feature his solo work, some covers and some Who songs. The truth is, the bulk of the show was Who material. A few were reworked, but the majority were pretty faithful to the original versions. The most noticeable reworking was a bluesy version of My Generation, first verse and chorus, going into a faithful version of I Can See For Miles.
Daltrey walked out and said a few words about the reason for touring, to keep his voice in shape, and about the songs he would be performing. He also spoke before most of the songs, telling a little about the inspiration for the upcoming song. Before Tattoo he told a story about the pirate radio stations that were in Great Britain during the 60's.
Of course when Daltrey would be giving introductions, several audience members felt that this was the time for them to try to have a conversation with him. Luckily at one point he told a guy to "shut the f*$# up" or else they would be there all night. He said it half jokingly.
For the most part Daltrey's voice was in good form. There were a couple songs where he voice did sound pretty worn. The first few songs and one of his solo songs Walk on Water were the strongest.
His backing band consisted of long time collaborator Simon Townsend on guitar, Jon Button on Bass, Scott Devours on drums, Loren Gold on Keyboards and Frank Simes on lead guitar.
The band was tight and most amazingly did not sound like a Who cover band.
Daltrey, although 65, is still an amazing frontman and has a great stage presence. Although his voice is not what it was 20 years ago, it is still very good. I'd be amazed if anyone's voice sounded the same throughout their career.
Here is the setlist.
Who Are You
Pictures of Lily
Behind Blue Eyes
Tatoo
Days of Light
Freedom Ride
Gimme a Stone
Going Mobile-Simon Townsend Lead Vocals, Daltrey on Harmonica
Naked Eye
My Generation/I Can See For Miles
Squeezebox
Walk on Water
Young Man Blues
Baba O'Riley
Johnny Cash Medley featuring Folsom Prison Blues & Ring of Fire
Red,Blue & Grey
Without Your Love
