The Who play charming, off the cuff performance to the Teenage Cancer Trust 2022
Photos by Jordan Hughes
“We’ve had about 2 hours of rehearsal for tonight so it’s going to be shit, but at least it’s good shit!”. Thus declares a smiling Roger Daltry and Pete Townshend as they enter to thunderous applause from a packed Royal Albert Hall. “Seriously though, we are so pleased to to see you all, you wouldn’t believe it” says Townsend. The feeling is definitely mutual. After what feels like an eternity away, The Who and the Teenager Cancer Trust gigs are back on track after a long, covid induced break.
The set starts with a rousing run through of Substitute before Squeeze Box is kicked off with two false starts, a discussion about what key they’re playing in and a lot of laughs. Its a theme that continues throughout the performance tonight and gives it the feel of a special live rehearsal or a private show for friends. Backed by their “charity band” of percussionist, accordion, keys, fiddle and Pete’s brother Simon Townshend on guitar, they provide the perfect foil for tonight’s performance.
Pete Townshend leads a standing ovation for Roger Daltry’s work doing so much for the Teenage Cancer Trust, concluding he should really have Rod Stewart’s knighthood. “It wouldn’t suite me” Daltry jokes grinning, before mischievously adding “it doesn’t suite him!”. The Kids Are Alright sounds fantastic stripped back
After a few jokes about their age, Pete gives a heartfelt tribute to the late great Charlie Watts; “You know I’ll always remember how he cried at that awful Keith Moon’s funeral, so I wish I could cry for him”. Going all the way back to The Who Sell Out, Tattoo is brought out and given a fine folk arrangement. “I know it’s difficult out there at the minute” says Roger, “so from the bottom of my heart, thank you for coming tonight”. Behind Blue Eyes is still one of the finest, simple, straight to the heart songs ever written and tonight it sounds better than ever, while Real Good Looking Boy is dedicated to Roger Daltry by Pete. The strength of Daltry’s voice at age 78 beggars belief, with the iconic frontman still sounding fine despite struggling with deafness. Break The News is done once with Simon Townshend on Lead vocals and then done a 2nd time after Roger’s in-ears are fixed!
She Rocked my World is given a flamenco makeover while Pete recalls playing Tommy in 1969 at The Royal Albert Hall with two specific faces in the front row of the crowd – his brother Simon and very young David Bowie. “I told David to look after my brother who was only 8 at the time. We played the show and they both came and found me after the gig. Both of them said, wide eyed “This is what I’m gonna do now””.
Eminence Front is a brilliant surprise in the setlist – one that, on paper, shouldn’t work unplugged but in reality its a real highlight. Pete Townshend recalls the recording sessions with Glyn Johns and said he wishes they had put out that version and because of this Roger takes on the lead vocals tonight with tremendous results.
Pete talks about the effects of COVID hopefully bringing us together before the stage lights behind the band light up in the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag as the band play Beads On My String for the first time live. The big guns are brought out with Pinball Wizard followed by an absolutely superb version of Who Are You. Pete’s solo hit Let My Love Open The Door is played for the first time since 1989 before Baba O Riley brings the entire crowd to its feet and then brings the house down. For the final song, the stage is cleared of everyone but Daltry and Townshend as they play Won’t Get Fooled Again as a duo. Its a stunning testament to the talent of those two legends as well as their timeless songbook.
For more information about The Teenage Cancer Trust and their events follow the link below
Setlist
Substitute
Squeeze Box
The Kids Are Alright
Tattoo
Behind Blue Eyes
Real Good Looking Boy (first time performed since 2008)
Break the News (played twice, as Roger wasn’t happy with the first performance)
She Rocked My World
Beads on One String (Live debut; in support of Ukraine)
Eminence Front (Roger on lead vocals)
Pinball Wizard
Who Are You
Let My Love Open the Door (Pete Townshend solo song, first live performance since 1989; Roger on lead vocals)
Baba O’Riley
Won’t Get Fooled Again
