After a successful run of dates with his band The Who last summer, vocalist Roger Daltrey had the itch to get out to perform again. To celebrate the 50 year anniversary of the release of their legendary album “Tommy,” Daltrey decided to do something a little different. He put together a band (guitarist/backup vocalist Simon Townshend, guitarist Frank Simes, bassist Jon Button, drummer Scott Devour and keyboardist Loren Gold) along with local symphonies to play the album in its entirety.
The day was the hottest and most humid to that point making it an f unpleasant atmosphere for some. Nonetheless, the legendary Daltrey dressed in a long sleeve white dress shirt, jeans and boots was ready to rock the fans in Canandaigua. The entire band took the stage first with Townsend leading the way on the 6th string as Simes played off him for “Overture.” Daltrey then appeared towards the end of the song then the band the went into “It’s a Boy.” Daltrey seemed in great spirits and his voice was up to the challenge of the humid weather. Besides the addition of the symphony, they stuck to the original composition of the songs, making the show move along at a nice pace.
What is seeing Daltrey perform without his traditional spinning the microphone all around and about? He did this on a few occasions and did all of his patented moves. Daltrey’s voice was still as strong as ever even at 74 years young. At one point he couldn’t hear through his ear monitors so he ripped em’ out for “We’re Not Gonna Take It.” He donned the guitar for the classic “Who Are You?”
Even though he just released his first solo album in 26 years in “As Long as I Have You,” the zest and fire to create and perform is still there. Regardless of the weather, Daltrey was the consummate professional and delivered a memorable performance for the fans in central New York!
Setlist:
Overture (The Who song)
It’s a Boy (The Who song)
1921 (The Who song)
Amazing Journey (The Who song)
Sparks (The Who song)
Eyesight to the Blind (Sonny Boy Wiliamson cover)
Christmas (The Who song)
Cousin Kevin (The Who song)
The Acid Queen (The Who song)
Do You Think It’s Alright? (The Who song)
Fiddle Avbout (The Who song)
Pinball Wizard (The Who song)
There’s a Doctor (The Who song)
Go to the Mirror (The Who song)
Tommy Can You Hear Me? (The Who song)
Smash the Mirror(The Who song)
I’m Free (The Who song)
Sensation (The Who song)
Miracle Cure (The Who song)
Sally Simpson (The Who song)
Welcome (The Who song)
Tommy’s Holiday Camp (The Who song)
We’re Not Gonna Take It (The Who song)
Encore:
Who Are You? (The Who song)
Baba O’ Riley (The Who song)
Always Heading Home
We would like to thank both Lynn Frieda and Abby Kochan from CBC Brands for the photo pass.
