Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Palm Springs, CA

With its high tiered galleries, open roof, and an ambience more reminiscent of the Coliseum than a music venue, the Indian Wells Tennis Garden is the setting for the tonight’s main event. Located in Palm Desert CA, one can’t help but be impressed by both the location and the facilities, the latter of which are always first class at any large ‘state-side’ event.

Once inside the arena, and looking ahead towards the stage, a sense of patriotism welled up as I observed the Union Jack roundels projected onto the stage backdrop. A shiny pearl-white double-bass drum kit occupied centre stage, and was so eerily reminiscent of Keith Moon’s it was enough to induce goose bumps! The sense of anticipation and excitement developing all around was both palpable and profound!

‘The Who’ kicked off around 9pm, whereupon the whole arena exploded into life.  Almost immediately the quality of the sound was apparent as the ‘intro’ thundered across the stadium.  It only took seconds to realise that this was going to be a very special performance right from the start!  After some adjustment to the sound on Pino Palladino’s bass guitar, the set was in full swing, and included several numbers from their new album, “Endless Wire” (2006).

The new songs from ‘Endless Wire’ dovetailed so seamlessly into the set repertoire that one could be forgiven for thinking that this was simply old material that hadn’t been played before! Such is the song writing talent of Pete Townsend! The set comprised material that provided for a well balanced combination of tempos and moods, from delicate acoustic pieces and ballads to the more typical power chord arrangements which are the hallmark of ‘The Who’. It was also interesting to note that Pete Townsend appeared to take on the roll of front man, with Roger Daltrey happy to defer and stand in the shadows, relatively speaking! Despite this their special relationship was more than apparent, and the duo’s chemistry shone through in spectacular abundance.

Pete’s main guitar is a red Fender Stratocaster, and the sound is crisp and powerful. As usual,  Pete’s rhythm work is pristine, and his solo’s typical and unique. The delivery is perfect, and despite the cold night the execution of his craft is first rate. Add to this a dry whit, and his own inimitable English charm, then it’s easy to see why Pete Townsend is the venerated icon he is.

Roger Daltrey also puts in a monumental performance, and although he appears to struggle a little on some of the more demanding vocal pieces he is, like Pete, quintessentially The Who! His vocals unmistakable!

Backing up on bass guitar and drums are Pino Palladino and Zak Starkey, both of whom emulate John Entwistle and Keith Moon admirably. But ‘The Who’ are so much more than the sum of their parts, and the wider ‘experience’ is almost transcendental. Clever show choreography added to the nostalgic effect, with back projections depicting the band throughout its history! A huge sense of pride and patriotism was the inevitable consequence!

Given that only two of the original band members remain, there may be some who would argue that the halcyon days of the past are best left in the past as they cannot be re-constituted. Yet it’s abundantly clear from tonight’s performance that the legacy of Keith Moon and John Entwistle are all pervading, and if anything this only adds to the mystique and the phenomenon of ‘The Who’! Verdict: Made in Britain, made to last!

Set list: I Can’t Explain, The Seeker, Substitute, Fragments, Who Are You, Behind Blue Eyes, Sound Round, Pick Up The Peace, Endless Wire, We Got A Hit, They Made My Dream Come True, Mirror Door, Baba O’Riley, Eminence Front, A Man In A Purple Dress, Black Widow’s Eyes, Mike Post Theme, You Better You Bet, My Generation, Cry If You Want, Won’t Get Fooled Again, Pinball Wizard, Amazing Journey, Sparks, See Me Feel Me, Tea And Theatre.

SB