Who's Who - Saturday 15th February - 229 Club, London

Brief review: You may think after 4 Who shows in 3 days, that a change of music would be required, but as this is the last appearance from the drummer "Moonie" - then we thought it would be appropriate to pay our respects. A great evening in a really nice venue (not been here before).

Who's Who - Friday 7th March - Half Moon, Putney

So here's a show I wasn't expecting to be at. When a previous social engagement finished earlier than expected I found myself heading home on the district line. I had a vague recollection that a gig had clashed on the day, so a quick trawl of the internet showed Who's Who at the Half Moon. A quick check of the watch showed I might just make it if I was quick.

So, I turn up (suited and booted) with a "goody bag" containing bottles of wine and beer (after a "long sporting lunch" with Alastair Cook, Brian Moore and Ieuan Evans - hic!). I imagine I looked quite out of place.

Still, the set played was top notch as always. A mix of hits and hardcore classics from the Live At Leeds era - the snippet of Roadrunner was a welcome inclusion. Slight hilarity when popping to the main bar to get a drink I was given a real glass rather than a plastic one. The barman looked at me a bit strangely when I said I was in watching the show. Still - well worth the detour!

Who's Who - Friday 18th November - Half Moon, Putney

A nice Friday evening trip to Putney to see the UK's premier Who tribute band (alongside "The Mods" of course!). The Half Moon is being refurbished, so it looked a bit strange with the bar closed, but the venue open. A mid sized, enthusiastic crowd were treated to nearly a couple of hours of Who classics with the band returning for an unexpected encore after it looked like they were done and dusted. The Half Moon appears to be the only London venue they play these days which is a bit of a shame, but if you are a fan of the Who and get the chance to see these guys then I suggest you do.

Who's Who – Saturday 21st March – Half Moon, Putney

A long day! Having met friends in the Coat and Badge in Putney for lunch and beer, we then endured Manchester United's woeful performance in a 2-0 defeat at Craven Cottage. A few more beers amongst jubilant Fulham fans and off to the Half Moon for the Who tribute.

Luckily, we'd taken the precaution of pre-booking this time - just as well as it was sold out! The normal solid show, with an elongated "Tommy - highlights" section, but surprisingly no songs from Quadrophenia!

Then home via All Bar One in Wimbledon for a long sleep!

The Who Convention - Bush Hall, Shepherds Bush - Saturday 1st May

Having just about woken up following last night's epic journey home, we were off again - this time to Shepherds Bush for the Who Convention. I don't mind admitting I'm always slightly nervous about the word "convention" - it instills fear of nerdy trainspotter types who want to swap lists on their top five all-time Who songs which have been played live on all continents etc. Thankfully, nothing could be further from the truth - the crowd were just a group of genuine fans, here to meet each other and enjoy some tributes and the music.

We got there at 3.00pm - checked out the bar (of course) - £3.00 for a can of lager - h'mmm. Listened to "Irish Jack" telling stories about his time mingling with the Who in the 60's. Quite interesting for a while, but not the best sound to hear him.

Next up were "Who's Who", a tribute band I've seen a number of times. Here, they performed Quadrophenia in its entirety. Whilst that is a fine album (in the main), there are a couple of low points, and it did drag just a little bit. Still, the band were good and the drummer does a fine impersonation of Keith Moon.

We then used our "pass-outs" to pop down to the "Goldhawk" for a quick beer and to give my bad back a rest. Followed by a bit of food, we were back having just missed the start of Simon Townshend's set (with his band the Casbah Club). Simon was playing much of the stuff I'd heard him do recently at Balham and Twickenham, including the excellent, "oldie, but goodie", "The Way It Is".

Shortly after this, I feel a hand on my shoulder. I assume it is someone else returning after a visit to the bar / toilets, but as I step aside to let the person through I see he is a diminutive middle aged chap in glasses, carrying an overcoat and newspaper, looking more than familiar. "That doesn't half look like Roger Daltrey" I say to Richard. 10 seconds later, the swarming crowd and camera flashes confirm I am right!

After another song or 2, Simon invites Roger on stage where he thanks us for our support (of the band and charity) and gives an update on the new Who album. It appears he doesn't understand the concept (who does?), but likes the music! Hope we do too. He needs to get back the Royal Albert Hall, so asks the crowd if there is anything else they want from him. "Sing us a song!" is the overwhelming response, which seems to surprise him! After discussion with Simon, he sings an excellent "Behind Blue Eyes" with newspaper tucked under his arm! "MORE!!", yell the crowd. Roger looks at his watch... "Sod it, OK!"... Simon suggests "Substitute" and this is delivered... awesome. Roger departs with "I'll send your regards to Pete" and our day is made.

Simon Townshend completes the set with the bizarre "Sex Change" after which Richard and I spot "Gazza" (Gary Hurley, not Paul Gascoigne!) and go to have a quick chat. He is hoarse (with either yelling or singing!).

We pop out for another few quick halves and some new pubs (I win at pool - Richard accuses me of cheating as he always does - presumably for potting more balls than him - again!) and return to see the final band of the night "The Wholigans". They hail from Florida and the singer sounds exactly like Roger Daltrey! My back is killing me by now, so I escape upstairs and grab a stool. Very impressed by the band, although they seem to have a bit of a problem with their bassist who is subjected to a few snide remarks and looks.

All over by half past ten, so a quick dash to the 220 bus stop and back to Putney for the end of Match of The Day and a final beer in the "Larrick". Another tiring, but rewarding day.