PHILADELPHIA, PA—Joan Jett opened up for The Who at the Wells Fargo Center. They had worked together many times before and the first lady of guitar legends didn’t disappoint. She opened up with “Bad Reputation” and that fired up the crowd.
“Cherry Bomb” was up next bringing back memories of her first band, The Runaways. A few songs later she really hit a chord with the audience with a newer song, “Fragile.” She then got a huge buzz with “I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll” and “Crimson And Clover” that featured some great red mood lighting. She motioned to her heart during that song expressing her joy with the audience. She closed it out with “I Hate Myself For Loving You.” The band was tight, her set was brief but The Who were looming with a lot of potential songs to play.
Before and during the break between bands, The Who showed a great slide show that included Jett. There was also a nice spot about the band’s charity of choice, Teen Cancer USA.
The Who opened up with “I Can’t Explain,” which made the crowd instantly nostalgic. After playing “The Seeker,” Pete Townshend told the crowd he had the keys to the city so they could “f-off.” He said it playfully.
“Who Are You” was next and Townshend and bassist Pino Palladino really shined. “The Kids Are Alright” was next followed by “Squeeze Box” that featured some great banjo from Frank Simes.
Some of the video playing behind them conjured up great memories of the ’60s and deceased band members Keith Moon and John Entwistle.
“My Generation” sounded great and up to that point, Roger Daltry’s voice was excellent. Drummer Zak Starkey was solid as well playing with a Plexiglas barrier around him.
“Behind Blue Eyes” and “Bargain” slowed things down and then something cool happened. They played “Come Together,” which featured Loren Gold on the jaw harp. That’s a sound you never hear in today’s music.
“You Better You Bet” broke things up a bit and the harmonies were solid. Townshend then sang “I’m One,” playing a tasty acoustic guitar. They continued with the Quadrophenia theme with “Love Reign O’er Me” where Daltry had some slight voice issues but still delivered.
Townshend reminded the audience that the next song, “Eminence Front,” was lent to the ’80s hit television show, Miami Vice. “A Quick One” followed, and the band first played that in 1967 their first time in the U.S.
The Tommy theme then took over on video and on stage with “Amazing Journey,” “Sparks” and the song with an iconic lead guitar intro, “Pinball Wizard.” “See Me, Feel Me” closed out that era and the band was getting ready for their heavy hits.
“Baba O’Riley” was played to perfection, including a mean harmonica compliments of Daltry.
“Won’t Get Fooled Again” closed things out. It was a full two-hour show and the band did a great job on what’s surely their final tour.
