The Who - Live at the Royal Albert Hall
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For a band that held its farewell tour in 1982, the Who sound far from finished when it comes to exploring the greater passions and sonic possibilities of its old material. Never has that been more evident than in The Who: Live at the Royal Albert Hall, a record of the group's remarkable stand at a charity gig in London late in 2000. Perennial patrons of adolescents, the Who is clearly energized by an emotional attachment to Britain's Teenage Cancer Trust (beneficiary of the fundraiser), a feeling that also sweeps through several well-chosen guests who happen to be spiritual descendants of the band. After a long opening set that includes a scorching "Anyway Anyhow Anywhere," a gorgeous update of "The Kids Are Alright," and a soulful "Bargain," the Who usher in punk violinist Nigel Kennedy to help electrify "Baba O'Riley," the Jam's founder Paul Weller for a lovely, acoustic rendition of "So Sad About Us," and Stereophonics guitarist-vocalist Kelly Jones for a nearly epiphanous "Substitute."
More than just a parade of celebrities paying homage to Townshend and fellow Olympians Roger Daltrey and John Entwistle, the select visitors here challenge the Who to add new colors to old warhorses (Noel Gallagher's psychedelic tinge on "Won't Get Fooled Again") and delicate semiclassics (Eddie Vedder's sympathetic duet with Townshend on "I'm One"). By the end of a robust evening, Daltrey's voice is shot and Townshend looks ready for a shot of vitamins, but anyone who would declare the Who a bunch of worn-out grandpas is spoiling for a Mod-era stomping. This is an essential set for Who loyalists and a wonderful show for everyone else. --Tom Keogh