Roger Daltrey Live @ The Park, Dublin 26th July 2011
A NIGHT AT THE ROCK OPERA
The Who front-man, Roger Daltrey performed the band’s 1969 rock opera Tommy to an appreciative audience in Marlay Park recently, this current tour marking the first time the work has been played live in its entirety, and in the original running order.
Tommy portrays the story of a ‘deaf, dumb, and blind kid’ — a pinball wizard who becomes a guru – a musical endeavour of considerable complexity that moved rock beyond the limitations of the three-minute song. This ‘amazing journey’ is packed with some of The Who’s finest moments, where outstanding musicianship and inventive songs are wed to incisive lyrics, often confronting difficult, and taboo subjects.
This seminal work is also bookended on the night with more Who classics, and cover versions, Daltrey’s band including Simon Townsend on guitar, younger brother of Who guitarist Pete Townsend (who isn’t touring Tommy due to hearing problems).
The 67-year-old frontman saunters onstage, establishing an immediate rapport with the crowd, and beginning the proceedings with some “oldies but goldies”: the opening trio of ‘I Can See For Miles’, ‘Pictures of Lily’, and ‘Tattoo’ are note-perfect, finding the lead singer’s powerful voice undiminished by time.
The evening’s proceedings really kick off with the airing of Tommy: Daltrey raises a twin set of tambourines high above his head during ‘Overture’, the band noticeably stepping up a gear, bringing the requisite aggression and flair to the playing of the material. A screen behind the players accompanies the show with visuals, corresponding to the musical motifs and lyrics of the work, a feature that accentuates and highlights elements of the narrative to good effect. ‘Pinball Wizard’, ‘I’m Free’, and ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It’ are particularly memorable – and played with gusto — the backing group contributing impressive vocal harmonies and musical chops.
As a live performance, the work comes across extremely well, the music imbued with a great sense of drama and pathos, Daltrey’s stage presence and the unfolding plot keeping the audience attention throughout.
Once Tommy concludes, the crowd are again treated to a plethora of hits, including ‘Who Are You’, ‘Behind Blue Eyes’, ‘Baba O’Riley’, and ‘The Kids Are Alright’, bringing a satisfying night of music to an exuberant close.