The Who and Special Guests Live at the Royal Albert Hall

The Who have been in my mind one of the best (and in some respects the best) solid Rock band for some time now. While they're last 2 studio albums weren't up to standard, overall they had a good run. Last year, this concert was filmed at the end of they're 2000 tour, and I had some mixed feelings about it. It will make any Who fan feel weirded out to see the kids now have gotten, uh, older. And as such, they aren't as razor sharp and excellently sounding as they were in the old days (I'm reminded of the classic rock film The Kids Are Alright if you need example).

Yet, this is just a minor flaw in this show. I found this concert to be rocking, and entertaining most of the time. A little off, but when the music and the excitement on statge is still this awesome, why carp? Classics are all included (Can't Explain, My Generation, 5:15, Won't Get Fooled Again, The Real Me) and special guests like the Gallaghers and Eddie Vedder will be appreciated by most. Overall, Who fans and most rock fans will find this worthwhile. However, like the Who concert filmed in 1989 (they performed Tommy), a void is always there without good old Keith. A-

For John Entwistle.

Seeing The Who in November 2000 in England, at Sheffield Arena, and not realising that it would be the last time that my wife and I would ever get to see them as the remaining three musician's is a great loss, not just to us but to the huge fan base, the musical World and his Family. This Albert Hall gig, sadly, being one of the very last performances with John Entwistle as part of a U.K. Who Tour.

As a typical Who show, it stars off with their first hit from the sixties, I Can't Explain then progresses along with their typical and masterful set of sixties singles and then their seventies album track's.

Keyboards are played by John "Rabbit" Bundrick as well as Ringo Starr's son Zak Starkey filling in for the late Keith Moon on drums.

The playing is superb by all and it is Directed very well by Dick Carruthers. The Albert Hall venue is a most impressive gig to play, this is not the first time The Who have played here.

This concert in particular, is the final show of their 2000 World Tour. To mark this and to support the Charity the Teenage Cancer Trust they have given proceeds from this show. Along with the help from the special guest's, to perform along side them, such as Paul Weller, Bryan Adams and Noel Gallagher, Kelly Jones and finally Eddie Vedder.

There can never be another show like this ever again, to watch the most talented Bass player of the last forty years in Rock in action for the last Who show is a must have in any collection.

To be helping Children with such a disability is marvellous.

This is a terrific video! Be sure to get the DVD, as there are bonus features that you don't get on the VHS tape. The Who rock through a shortened set of their hits, and then bring on guests in the second half of the show for rare numbers that add an extra dimension to the event. The second disk includes rehearsal segments and a Daltrey interview, plus presentation of a check to the Teenage Cancer Trust for the one million pounds raised by the benefit. The video is crystal clear and the sound is excellent, whether you're using only your TV speakers or an expensive surround sound system. Townshend plays lead at his best, and a camera mounted on Entwistle's bass gives you a surreal view of the world's greatest bass player at work. Buy it!

Features: Sometimes ferocious treatments of band classics, comparatively brief acoustic interlude and multiple guest spots.

Merits: Best parts will be a thrill for longtime fans, providing a taste of the old glory - powerful, interesting and varied, including active use of the rim of the drum kit, Starkey in particular appearing to push himself on this night. But all are good. Nice shots of venue - which looks appealing - and effective close-ups. Extended base solo. On-stage banter.

Limitations: Three-song acoustic interlude, although competently executed (at least during first two numbers with Pete by himself) amounts primarily to an interruption. One or two other portions with the full band also drag a bit. Most guest appearances come off as intrusive, the other musicians appearing out of their element. Floodlights sometimes block out all or part of the band at key moments. Missed close-ups. Extended base solo. On-stage banter.

The Who came together with some special guests at the end of their 2000 world tour at the Royal Albert Hall in London. And what a spectacle it was. Pete Townsend came out flaring on the opening song, " Can't Explain." Earlier on, it's easy to tell you're going to see a great show. As always, John Entwistle was spectacular on bass, shining on Quadrophenia songs " The Real Me" and " 5:15." Roger Daltrey's voice has, understandably, declined lately. But Roger was very dedicated to this show. He had a few bad notes, but his heart was in it all night long through every song. Zak Starkey did another terrific job on drums, which has been a hard seat to fill since Keith Moon died 1978. Ask Kenney Jones and Simon Phillips :) He was very consistent through the night, and fills the seat as well as one possibly could. John "Rabbit" Bundrick was also solid, especially during an extended " My Generation." Then, there are the guest stars. Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, Kelly Jones of the Sterophonics, Paul Weller, Bryan Adams, Noel Gallagher of Oasis, and Nigel Kennedy. All were stellar. Eddie did " I'm One", " Getting in Tune," and " Let's see Action." All these were terrific. Jones did a, well, decent job on " Substitute," muffing some words. Weller joined Townshend on an incredible acoustic version of " So Sad About Us," which is very beautiful. Adams sang " Behind Blue Eyes," but it got annoying how he looked down after every little line. Gallagher was a powerhouse on " Won't Get Fooled Again," and Kennedy added even more pop to " Baba O' Riley." It ends magnificently with a rendition of " See me, Feel me" performed by the Who guys, Vedder, Adams, and they're joined by the kids of the Teenage Cancer Trust- who all the proceeds went to. All Who fans should buy and watch this excellent show. Even just you pure rock fans, give this a shot. They still put on one of a show.