The Who Live: Featuring the Rock Opera Tommy

When I first saw this concert, I couldn't believe that this was the same band that I enjoyed looking at so much. The Who as a group operated at their beest when it was just Townshend, Daltrey, Entwhistle and Moon, as well as Moon's replacement Kenny Jones. However, I have a problem with most bands that feel they have to bring along a bunch of extra musicians, especially a horn section, to fill out their basic sound. As for the concert itself, it was pretty okay. The one person who in my opinion really stole the show was Phil Collins portrayal of everyone's favorite pedophile, Uncle Ernie. He performs the song with all the sinister gusto that Keith Moon brought to it, even going as far as wearing the same costume as Moon including the hot water bottles. The other guest performers (Steve Winwood, Patti LaBelle and Elton John) were okay but they tended to perform the songs more as straight covers, rather than add anything new to them. This is especically surprising from Elton John, whose version of "Pinball Wizard" from the film version was about the only thing close to a classic from that film. This concert was okay, but if you really want to see a great rendition of "Tommy" get the video "Listening to You: The Who At the Isle of Wight Festival" which features the band at what was perhaps their greatest performance.

This concert is simply magnificent. Although they are not as good as they were with Keith Moon, Simon Phillips compensates for Moon's loss. Steve Bolton is good with guitars, but does little to add to Townshend's work. The brass section was poorly organized but did their job, as did the backup singers. Rabbit was good as always, and I was happy to see Jody Linscott on percussion. They performed Tommy with the exclusion of a few songs, and then they're greatest hits. Every song in this concert is amazing and is a must see for every fan of classic rock!

This is the best concert I've ever had the pleasure of watching. John Entwistle, you're a god!! This concert just goes to show that youre not too old to rock n roll!!

BRILLIANT!!

Before I saw this video, I had hardly knew who 'The Who' was. Since it had Elton John and Phil Collins I was expecting it to alright at the most. I was pleasantly surprised by the whole thing. Out of all the band members in 'The Who', I was most impressed by Pete Townshend. At the age of 44 he was leaping around, rocking' out, dancing, and pulling of moves i've seen of men 20 years younger then him. Pete had real rock spirit, very inspirational in my eyes. Roger Daltrey was also very good but I still felt more in Pete. I highly enjoyed 'Baby O' Riley,'Behind Blue Eyes','Won't Get Fooled Again',and 'Who Are You'.

When they were preforming 'Tommy' I was very interested and some what confused. I should have actually watched 'Tommy' the movie before this. But I still enjoyed it. Phil Collins as Uncle Ernie was hilarious! Unlike most of the others he got into costume and had a powerful stage presence. Elton John, the original Pinball Wizard, strutted on stage with a red suit and hat, singing 'Pinball Wizard'. Out of most of the performances I think this may have been one of my favorites. Patti LaBelle as the Acid Queen was alright. Could have been better and could have been worse. When Steve Winwood started playing as the Hawker, I found it extremely boring. And of course there was Billy Idol as Cousin Kevin. Most people that have watched this video say his performance was weak and not very good. Personally I really enjoyed it. I'm sure Paul Nicholas was better, but still.. Billy amused me quite a bit. At the time he was only 34 which made him the youngest on stage. Everyone else on stage at the end of 'Tommy' seemed very mellow almost. And then there was Billy, who seemed to be a bit high or drunk on stage. While others stood in place singing into mics, Billy was running around on stage, pogoing around. Just seemed so out of place.

All and all I really enjoyed this video. Worth the while to watch, if your fan of 'The Who' it may even be worth a buy. 7 out of 10.

While Simon Phillips isn't the perfect substitute for Keith Moon, at least he isn't as bad as some other drummers I know of. This is a concert that isn't in the best spirits of The Who, one of my favorite groups ever, but it isn't a waste of time to see either. Here, Vocalist (yes, I stand corrected, vocalist) Roger Daltrey, Guitarrist (right this time) Pete Townshend and bassist John Entwhistle return in a concert to perform the classic Tommy with special guests- Billy Idol, Elton John, Patti LaBelle, Steve Winwood and in a surprisingly good cameo, Phil Collins as Uncle Ernie (though no one beats Moon in that role). Sometimes a little unbearable, however it is never a bad show with the Who, and this is no exception (despite that if they went on tour again today, they would disprove the notion of 'hoping to die before getting old' cause it's too late). B+