Gigography
The Who Live In Concert
Tuesday, November 24th, 2009
North Charleston Coliseum, Charleston SC
Notes
Highlights
ROGER DALTREY USE IT OR LOSE IT TOUR
SETLIST
WHO ARE YOU
PICTURES OF LILY
BEHIND BLUE EYES
TATTOO
DAYS OF LIGHT
FREEDOM RIDE
GIMME A STONE
GOING MOBILE
MY GENERATION
I CAN SEE FOR MILES
SQUEEZEBOX
WALK ON WATER
YOUNG MAN BLUES
BABA O’RILEY
JOHNNY CASH MEDLEY
GOODBYE, MY FRIEND
NAKED EYE
BLUE, RED AND GREY
WITHOUT YOUR LOVE
ROGER DALTREY USE IT OR LOSE IT TOUR
SETLIST
WHO ARE YOU
PICTURES OF LILY
BEHIND BLUE EYES
TATTOO
DAYS OF LIGHT
FREEDOM RIDE
GIMME A STONE
GOING MOBILE
MY GENERATION
I CAN SEE FOR MILES
SQUEEZEBOX
WALK ON WATER
YOUNG MAN BLUES
BABA O’RILEY
JOHNNY CASH MEDLEY
GOODBYE, MY FRIEND
NAKED EYE
BLUE, RED AND GREY
WITHOUT YOUR LOVE
Photos
photo by sunset_canter
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photo by sunset_canter
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Rie (kallan) asked if I would write a review of Roger's show in Charleston last week. The past few days have been crazy, but here is my belated review:
I'll never forget the look on my little brother's face during Roger's performance at the Performing Arts Center last week. Not only was it a great show, but it once again affirmed that listening to The Who's music has become a family experience. Back in 2006, my mom and I celebrated my sixteenth birthday by traveling to see them in Atlanta and Tampa, meeting some incredible fans along the way. My little brother, Legare, already loved the band, but we didn't think that he would have the stamina to make it through an entire show at the time. When we heard Roger was coming to Charleston this year, however, we asked if he would like to go. Legare excitedly agreed that he was ready to make it through a full show.
To be honest, I was a little worried about what to expect, especially for my little brother. After so many years of listening to the Who as a group, would starting off with a solo show be disappointing? As Roger clarified almost the moment he took the stage, however, it was not a Who show, or what I was fearing: a show fighting to live up to one. Roger and the guys created an infectiously warm and inviting atmosphere all their own, with a wonderful setlist and truly personable dialogue in between. Each of the musicians did a great job; the bass and drums were occasionally hard to hear, but the keyboardist added just the right touches and Frank Simes's lead suited the chosen material fantastically. Simon was amazing, from his guitar playing (even with a broken string at one point), to his beautiful harmonies. The crowd went absolutely nuts after his rendition of Going Mobile; even my little brother, who doesn't consider the song a favorite, couldn't stop screaming. It was nice to see Simon in the spotlight -- hopefully this tour brought some good press for him as well!
If one song could define the night, Pictures of Lily may just take the prize; the band's twist on the airy pop song towards a rockish flair and Roger's hilarous impersonation of John Entwistle's leap from falsetto to growl was very indicative of the night's overall vibe. Young Man Blues was mindblowingly energized, complete with great guitar work from Simes and wonderful vocal acrobatics and microphone twirls from Roger. Of the non-Who songs (or typical Who covers), Freedom Ride was especially poignant and well suited to the assembled band. All the cuts from Rocks in the Head were great, and Roger could not have picked a better closing than the finale of Naked Eye, Blue Red and Grey (complete with goofy ukelele jokes), and a beautiful performance of Without Your Love.
At the end of the night, Legare was tired but enthralled. It was incredible to watch him taking everything in; he was truly captivated from the moment the guys walked onstage to their final bows. It was a little sad to look back and see such a small crowd behind us, but everyone we ran into after the concert seemed equally impressed, and seemed to agree that Roger did a great job of interacting with the whole audience.
As we were leaving the venue, we passed by the loading area where there were a few straggling fans. Just as we were driving by, we saw a white van pull up and Roger greeting the fans through the window. We got out the car and, as my brother seemed to be in shock, I asked Roger if he would mind shaking his hand. He took one look at Legare and hopped out the van to speak. He asked Legare, "Would you like me to sign your shirt?" Legare finally grinned and said yes, and one of the other fans kindly lent Roger a pen. In the meantime, Roger sweetly agreed to take a picture. I can't thank him enough for the kindness he showed all of his fans that night, but especially the thoughtfulness he showed my little brother, who remains in awe and continuously remarks how amazed he was to meet his hero. Thanks again from all of our family.
An exceptional, unforgettable evening. Amazingly, Roger has been meeting fans before each show – and I was lucky enough to be one of them. He was easygoing and warm and quite lovely. I had thought out what I would say to him, since you rarely get the chance in life to personally thank your hero for the ways he has touched your life. But of course when the time came my little speech flew right out of my head.
So Roger, you likely won’t see this – you told us that you hate computers – but I want to thank you for being there for so much of the FUN - the road trips, the beach parties, the first time I fell in love – and a couple of times after that. Thank you for adding that rock and roll joy to my life. And, thanks for putting your fame to such good use. The many good causes to which you’ve lent your time and talents have benefited people in real ways. You’re a good man.
As if meeting him wasn’t enough, now I get to see him perform. It was like Storytellers, with Roger cracking jokes, telling stories, sharing his thoughts about the music and about life. He opened with Who Are You and the crowd went nuts. Roger’s voice was amazing and the band harmonies were tight.
Fun highlights: Pictures of Lily, Squeeze Box, Tattoo. You just don’t get great rock and roll with a sense of humor like this anymore. Loved the tunes from Largo, an album that Roger called greatly underrated and that he is trying to revive.
Another highlight - Simon singing Going Mobile. He ripped into it and sounded great. Simon doesn’t seem too emotional on stage but he gave us a nice smile when the crowd gave up a big cheer at the end of that song.
On to more great Who tunes – My Generation started off slow and bluesy and was an awesome stripped down version. A vocal highlight – I Can See for Miles. The harmonies were so amazing I closed my eyes for part of the song to fully appreciate what I was hearing. One of the best.
Next up Young Man Blues, my favorite in the set. It was raw, powerful, Roger at his best. That amazing mike twirling, Roger catching it on the drum beats, lassoing it out, flinging it around his waist! Even he gave a little smile when he nailed all his classic moves. The band rocked it out. Then they launched into Baba and the crowd went nuts. Brilliant harmonica from Roger.
He slowed things down a bit, and told a story about how thrilling it was to play the Ryman in Nashville last month. He named many of the iconic places he has performed in his career and how the Ryman was the most meaningful. Then he did a medley of Johnny Cash tunes, and he hit those gravelly notes just like Johnny. You could tell Roger really enjoyed performing those tunes. He sang Goodbye My Friend, and you had to think of lost friends Keith and John. We miss them too.
Another treat - Naked Eye. Roger sounding so strong, Simon taking the second verse, Frank tearing it up on guitar. What a great song! Then came the out-of-tune ukulele. Roger told us Pete would never do this one because he thought he would look like an idiot paying the uke. So…...Roger said, spreading his hands wide – and of course we cheered. He tuned it up as best he could, and played the lovely Blue, Red and Grey. He sang it like a man appreciative of his blessings, grateful. The uke was really giving him fits near the end but he finished it like a pro.
Then the last song of the evening, Without Your Love. Roger thanked us for supporting the band and the music these many years. He told us we were a team, that he couldn’t do it with out us. And you know, he meant it. The words of that song felt personal as he sang them, reaching out to us and touching every person there. It was very emotional, a feeling that this relationship won’t go on forever, an acknowledgment of what has been given and received.
Roger, thank you for this intimate tour. You’ve shared something personal of yourself when you have nothing to prove to anyone. I’m sorry the tour is at its end - somehow I’m a bit happier knowing you are here roaming about the States.
Be well. Stay lucky. And come back to us soon.
It’s only rock and roll but it feels like love.
Roger Daltrey covered The Who and more
A review of The Who frontman's Nov. 24 concert at the PAC
by T. Ballard Lesemann
Roger Daltrey
North Charleston Performing Arts Center
Nov. 24
All smiles and working-class grittiness, rock veteran Roger Daltrey's gracious and heartfelt performance at the PAC on Tuesday evening inspired and entertained. The Who frontman and his band treated a smaller-than-expected audience to a variety of Who tracks, a few obscure country and rock 'n' roll songs from Daltrey's own list of favorites, and more than a few amusing stories and asides from the singer about his Who bandmates and his adventures and experiences as a teenager in London.
They opened with a bold choice — the title track from Who Are You, The Who's last studio album with late drummer Keith Moon. "Who Are You" started out low-key through the first few versus and gradually gained momentum and volume. Daltrey's bandmates chimed in with surprisingly strong three-part harmonies. After a quick story about late Who bassist John Entwistle and his unusual vocal range (including funny imitations of Entwistle's piercing falsetto and gravelly speaking voice), they fired off a tight, triple-guitar-heavy rendition of "Pictures of Lily." Singing with a raspy-but-sturdy voice, Daltrey hit the high notes in the bridge ("Lily, oh Lily!") with no problem.
It took about four or five songs for Daltrey and his band to really warm up — and about that long for the audience to get acquainted with the sound and manner of Daltrey's backing musicians as well. At stage right, rhythm guitarist and backup singer Simon Townshend's playing style and mannerisms naturally resembled the gangly style of his older brother, Who guitarist Pete Townshend. On the other side of the stage, lead guitarist and musical director Frank Simes handled most of the key guitar lines and solos. The rhythm section included keyboardist Loren Gold, bassist Jon Button, and drummer Scott Devours (the bass guitar and kick drum were barely in the mix out front, unfortunately).
Simon's singing was eerily similar to Pete's, and it sounded great — especially in the backing lines of "Tattoo" (from The Who Sell Out) and on lead during the verses of "Going Mobile" (from Who's Next).
The second, more laid-back wave of songs included a version of "Days of Light" (from Daltrey's solo album Rocks in the Head), a cover of Irish band The Chieftains' "Freedom Ride" (attached to a story about gigging with that group in Belfast), and a mandolin-flavored "Someone Give Me a Stone."
They kicked back into rockin' mode with a bluesy, mid-tempo go at "My Generation" and a thunderous version of "I Can See for Miles" — the biggest vocal harmony punch of the evening. The stop-and-start bombast of "Young Man Blues" (with Townshend and Simes on matching Gibson SGs) sounded as confident and cocky as The Who's raw version of the Mose Allison song at the original Woodtsock.
Other microphone-twirling highlights included another slow-crescendo styled rendition of "Baba O'Riley," with some terrific harmonica wailing from Daltrey in the closing rave-up; a lively take on "Squeeze Box" (from The Who by Numbers); a medley of Johnny Cash tunes, led by Daltrey on acoustic six-string; and the unexpected addition of "Naked Eye" (a dynamic track from the shelved Lifehouse sessions that landed in the Odds and Sods collection).
Daltrey eschewed the idea of an encore. "I've never understood that whole thing," he said. "It's indulgent. We'll play until we stop. Frank Sinatra never played an encore in his career, and I like that." He closed with a solo performance of Pete Townshend's unusually tender "Blue, Red and Grey" (also from The Who By Numbers) on a slightly outta-tune ukulele, and a slow-rolling ballad titled "Without Your Love" (from his solo McVicar album) — a delicate conclusion to an animated, emotionally charged set.
Wow, what a great concert! It was better than I expected- very inclusive and down-to-earth. Mr. Daltrey's voice sounds great, the set list was excellent, and I greatly enjoyed all of the funny comments and stories! I felt honored to be a part of the experience.
Sadly, some of the fans were a bit rowdy (and some of them a bit rude), but I felt that Mr. Daltrey took it all in stride, and I have even more respect for him because of it.
Amazing show- I will never forget it!
I went to see the show last night with my wife, and I was totally blown away. We got to the meet and greet at 6:00 and we were greeted by Bob. My hats off to Bob. He made the Meet and Greet easy and fun! We were one of the first people to meet Roger and he was as nice as he could be. He made everyone relaxed, and he hugged the ladies!( I will send a picture of the meet and greet when we get it. My wifes in the red shirt and I am wearing the blue jacket). Roger signed two albums for me and he even signed two photos for my children Johnny and Charlotte. As far as the show goes, it blew me away. Roger came out sipping on a cup of hot tea. He spoke to the audience about the history and stories behind the songs like the "storyteller" series you see on t.v. Very informative. Roger then proceeded to belt out all the great songs of The Who, Solo material, and finally some great Irish songs and Johnny Cash songs! His voice was so strong. Man. For a 65 year old man, WOW! I want to party with that guy! He looks to be in the best shape I have ever seen him in. His voice is in the best shape ever, and I can't wait to see him perform at Superbowl halftime. I enjoyed his playing the Ukulele even though it was out of tune. His look on life was an example for the young kids of today. Roger said don't do drugs. It will just bring you down further. I also agree with him that we put to much on material things. The only thing that really matters in life is family and friends. I also want to thank Rogers guitar tech. After the show he was kind enough to give me Rogers set list that was taped to the floor for Roger to look at. WOW!!!! I can't believe it. I actually have Rogers set list from the show. I hope his guitar tech reads this because I just want to say thank you again from the bottom of my heart. I am giving it to my children as a keep sake. Once again, I thank you for coming to Charleston, SC, and I hope you will come back again soon, and try some of Charleston's lowcountry cooking! It's the best in the world!
Best Wishes and Rock On,
John Upshaw Downs, Jr.
Looking at the set list, theere were changes made hopefully for all of the last 5 shows of the tour.
Young Man blues wth both guitarists on Gibsons! Both guitarists changed axes consistently, maybe to give both guitar techs enough to do on a small tour like this.. ;-)
At times, they were both on Fender Telecasters. Simon pulled out a mandolin and Roger pulled out a eukalele that needed to be re-tuned mid song when an errant note clunked out.
Being in front of Simons odd amp and speakers, we got the full dose of Simon's talent but we did miss being able to hear the band leaders nuances. I need to read up on him. You know, I too, take BS comments from fans and tanspose them on others. I amshamedly don't know much about Simon Townshend and transpose some thoughts about another person I do not know...Pete.
Man, Simon living in Pete's shadow(maybe this is another assumption on my part) was fantastic. He let the other guitarist take so many leads as he played rhythm. But standing right in front of Simon's amps, I'd be watching the other guitarist play lead and Simon would be strumming rhythm until a signature The Who riff cut rough all the music and I'd jerk my head around in recognition. The P3 amp and cabinets looked so odd to me as we sat down and I could hear why Smon uses them. Raw power that carried every nuance of the Telecaster, Gibson SG and mandolin.
The bassist played cominbination of an electric Fender jazz bass with what looked like an ampeg 8x10 cabinet.
The drummer was behind the sheet of plex and it became apparent why. The bass drum would have kicked a whole in our ears. He had his own style, definitely, but he channelled a little Moonie. He was enough The Who to carry off the Roger Daltrey Band's interpretations of The Who songs and then hit hit the note when it came to channelling McVicar.(hell I couldn't have told you this without my wife in my ear. Mc who?)
The keyboardist was having a good time and it seemed a little odd that during Going Mobile that he played the banjo parts wth the keyboards. He also hid some woodwin work on the keyboards, but once again...perspective. What was this tour about? 15 piece band or solo tour to use his Vagina...... What? Roger made a funny joke before the show started to the women of the audience. He described how much he used his throat in singing and how hard it is to do a concert as the throat get over used.... He said, ":Ladies, imagine using your vagina EVERY night?"
More than was expected.
As the venue ad tour was intimate, so was Roger. I had heard about his banter with the audience and in my mind, tought maybe it was contrived. When I saw it myself, it was real. Although friends have told me the banter witht he audience killed the mometum of the show...for friggin sakes you all, put your expectations in a sack and take what you are seeing live. I was amzed that Rzoger thanked us all for being there for all of the years and last night. Not as a "Hello...(looks at the name of the city scrawled on the set list so the singer gets the name of the city right)..Charleston. We love you. type game that always gets a cheer. But as a way to reach out and touch each and every soul in attendance. More than a professional. A member of the human race that after a long life of seeing and doing everything..realizing that he can reach out to large groups and hopefully make our lives better.
More than was expected. Thank you