Pete Townshend's Classic Quadrophenia - Sunday 5th July - Royal Albert Hall

So, a bit more Who-related music, this time in the fine setting of the Royal Albert Hall and a box no less, courtesy of a kind colleague of Richard.

The classic Who rock piece has been given an orchestral makeover and score by Rachel Fuller, partner of composer Pete Townshend and was presented here in it's entirety with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Main vocals were supplied by Alfie Boe, ably assisted by Billy Idol, Phil Daniels and Mr Townshend himself, albeit only occasionally.

Now, I wasn't quite sure how this was going to be. On the album, Alfie Boe's vocals are quite a culture shock compared with the Roger Daltrey sound we know so well singing these songs and the mix seems to lack some of the music. Presented here though, it all sounded a better blend of sound and there is no doubting Mr Boe's vocal talents.

An enthusiastic audience lapped it up - Billy Idol was in good voice and Pete Townshend looked very suave in his tux. We knew he would only appear for a handful of songs, but the crowd reaction when he did paid homage to the event and the material.

So a thumbs up from me - having played the album again at home, it's unlikely to get much of an airing compared to either the original or soundtrack versions, but a good night none the less.

Setlist
I Am the Sea 
The Real Me
Quadrophenia 
Cut My Hair 
The Punk and the Godfather 
I'm One 
The Dirty Jobs 
Helpless Dancer
+
Is It in My Head? 
I've Had Enough 
5:15 
Sea and Sand 
Drowned 
Bell Boy 
Doctor Jimmy 
The Rock 
Love, Reign O'er Me 
+
The Real Me (with full cast)

Basement Jam - Sunday 4th December - The Boathouse, Twickenham

A rare treat. An invitation only show entitled "Basement Jam", This internet broadcast is the culmination of the last couple of years of the "In The Attic" internet video podcast from Rachel Fuller (often assisted by Pete Townshend).

The intimate show here features the normal guests from recent months (see Bedford Arms entry) and culminates with a fantastic acoustic set from Pete Townshend interspersed with a few stories and history of the room that we are in (Oceanic Studios at The Boathouse)

It's a bit like being invited round for tea by one of your musical heroes, so suffice to say I enjoyed my evening!

Setlists

Pete Townshend
Drowned
Greyhound Girl
Blue Red and Grey
In the Ether (with Rachel)
Just Breathe (with Rachel)
Sunrise (with Rachel)
Behind Blue Eyes
Let’s See Action

Rachel Fuller
Into My Heart
Ghost in Your Room
Imperfection,
Cigarettes and Housework
Happy to Be Sad
Spin
Pleasure Seeker
Jigsaw,
Shine (with all)

Simon Townshend
Save Me From Me
Comeback
Soul Searching
Girl In New York
The Way It Is
Sex Change

Foy Vance
Crosstown Traffic (Hendrix)
Gabriel & The Vagabond
Don’t Please Yourself
Indiscriminate Act of Kindness

Mikey Cuthbert
You
Tourist
Plasticine
Clever Girl
My Pigeon Friend

http://petetownshend.net/in-the-attic/attic-jams

Rachel Fuller - Bedford Arms, Balham - 18th October

It was nice to hear Pete Townshend and guests soundchecking with "I'm One" whilst we waited in the main bar in the Bedford. It certainly gave a taste of what was to come later.

For the main show, Mikey Cuthbert, Foy Vance and Simon Townshend played (and were all very good). Rachel was on next, followed by "special guest", Pete Townshend (or "Pete Towsend" as the billboard on the door stated!!). Rock legend up close and personal in a pub environment - rarely does it get better than that!

Rachel Fuller Setlist (probably!)

Cigarettes And Housework
Into Your Heart
Shine
Outside My Window
Ghost in Your Room
Jigsaw
The Seeker
Spin

Pete Townshend Setlist
Drowned
Behind Blue Eyes
Christine's Song (Devil In Disguise)
Heart To Hang Onto
Greyhound Girl
In The Ether (with Rachel Fuller)
Let's See Action
I'm One (with all other guests)

Pete Townshend, Simon Townshend and Foy Vance during "I'm One"

Check out petetownshend.net for David Stark's photos & video