Brief review: We thought it would be impossible to get better seats than last year, but it turns out we were wrong. A fantastic view and support from Level 42 got the audience warmed up. And what an excellent bassist Mark King is (I think I last saw him at this venue in 1988!).
We hadn't gone to the first Who show this week (mainly on cost grounds, but also because experience shows that the 2nd show is usually better as they are more rehearsed!). The start of this one was underwhelming, mainly because it was so quiet (the Who are meant to be loud!). From our seats we couldn't hear Pete Townshend's guitar at all. Now it is notoriously difficult to get a good mix at the front of the stage, but Level 42's sound had been great. After about 5 songs, something changed, the volume went up and we could hear the guitar. Ironically, this must have triggered something in Roger Daltrey's earpieces as he started complaining about what he could and couldn't hear.
But from Pinball Wizard onwards, all was good and I enjoyed it as expected. We even got a live debut in "The Song Is Over" (from 1971!) There are rumours that this show could be a launchpad for another tour. Roger is 81, but his voice is still amazing, so count me in if that happens!
Venue and View: 3rd row, dead centre.
Level 42
To Be With You Again
Running in the Family
The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up)
Starchild
Something About You
Lessons in Love
The Chinese Way
Hot Water
The Who
I Can't Explain
Who Are You
The Kids Are Alright
Bargain
Pinball Wizard
Love Ain't for Keepin'
The Seeker (Acoustic)
Behind Blue Eyes (Acoustic)
The Real Me
5:15
I'm One
Love, Reign O'er Me
My Generation / Cry If You Want / See Me, Feel Me
Eminence Front
You Better You Bet
Baba O'Riley
Won't Get Fooled Again
The Song Is Over
