Oct 13, 2022 admin_bitlc Features, Music News, Reviews 0
By James Currie
Tonight, The Who return to Chicago on their ‘Hits Back!’ tour. Founders, Roger Daltry and Pete Towshend bring back the band for a World Tour featuring a stop in Chicago at United Center. This tour is full of the bands almost 60 years of hits and backed by an orchestra to fill out those iconic rock opera sounds.
Rounding out the band this time around sees long time member, Zack Starky back behind the drums, guitarist (and Pete’s brother) Simon Townshend also helping with backing vocals, Loren Gold on the keyboards, John Button on bass and Billy Nicholls on backing vocals as well. The orchestra is helmed by Keith Levenson accompanied by lead violinist Katie Jacoby, Audrey Snyder on cello and Emily Marshall as associate conductor and additional keyboards.
Tonights performance was broken into three different sets. The first set kicked off with the full orchestra, then after ten songs they left the stage as The Who band played five rock n roll songs. The last set sees the return of the orchestra where they join together with the band and play six more classics.
It begins with “Overture” off the ‘Tommy’ Soundtrack. Horns, guitars and drums meld together for the classic rock opera followed by “1921” and “Amazing Journey”. During this first set we also hear “We’re Not Gonna Take It”, “Pinball Wizard” and “Eminence Front” to name a few crowd pleasers.
Daltry is still a commanding presence as one of rock n rolls greatest front men. He can still reach those ranges and hit those notes. He still swings his microphone wildly with accuracy. He slings on a guitar and riffs through jams pretty solid for the most part. A small hiccup happened during the start of “Naked Eye”. A flub of the strum on the guitar made him pause and address it. Scoffed and said, “Damn fingers” laughed and went back into it.
Townshend joined in with some witty comment throughout the night as well. At one point during a song break said, “You know when you’re at a party and see that old guy dancing on the other side of the room… that’s me.” Holds up his arms and shimmy’s before tearing into “Another Tricky Day”.
It’s great to hear Daltry and Townshend play these hits live together and in person. They may not be the worlds loudest band anymore, but they can still kick out the jams like no other. I did think they could have used a little more low end, bass, kick, in the live mix, but that could be because of the blend with all the rest of the orchestra.
One thing to note was that Starky’s drums where electronic/acoustic drum hybrid with electronic cymbals. Seems an odd thing to perform with since The Who was notorious for bombastic acoustic kit and crashing brass. Some songs live just didn’t have the punch they needed like during “We Won’t Get Fooled Again”. That particular song NEEDS hard hits and crashes around Daltry’s screams. But again, might have been a creative choice for the overall mix with the orchestra. But for that one, bump it up guys.
We got about two hours of Hits from The Who ending with “Baba O’Riley”. The house was packed from floor to ceiling with fans. The Who can still sellout arenas and prove they are one of rock’s leaders. What could be next for the band? In 2024 they reach the big 60 milestone. I don’t know about you, but I’d love to see a return to club tour!
For more on The Who, click here
For photos from the show in Chicago, click here
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