REVIEW: The Who Incora County Cricket Ground Derby 14.7.23

The Who have provided miracle cures for their staple followers along with new parka clad participants since their formation back in the 1960’s. 50 odd years on from their Mod beginnings the original 4 piece might be missing a couple of original members however on a live front Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend continue to hold thousands under their spell.

Forever adolescent bouncing singer Daltrey stands right up close the edge of the stage, his vocals still sound as sharp and strong as ever, microphone wrapped in masking tape twirling like an out of control Edward Scissorhands. Bearded Townshend gives comical and illustrious insights into songs meanings and life in general in between songs, his ferocious windmill action might have mellowed ever so slightly, but the 78-year-old is still looks visually powerful, one of the greatest guitarist/singer songwriters to ever grace a live arena.

The ghosts of Keith Moon and John Entwistle continue to shimmer bright, the hits that featured them both prominently still feature heavily in tonight’s set. Moon’s regular replacement Ringo Starr’s son Zak Starkey fills the drum seat just like Moon; hands, arms, drum sticks all become a blur like watching Ian Curtis playing drums, bassist Jon Button shows off thunder fingers gunshot Entwistlesque chords with aplomb. The rest of the on stage entourage include Townshend’s brother Simon plus one of the great long lost musicians of the 60’s, long time collaborator with the band Billy Nichols adding valuable backing vocals.

Tonight’s venue is the spacious rain-soaked Derby Incora County Cricket ground, those brave enough to venture out into the elements would not leave disappointed. The Kids Are Alright, 5.15, The Real Me, Substitute, Eminence Front, My Generation and Baba O’Riley are classic showstopping masterpieces, with the support of a full orchestra, the innocent and soulful demos originally composed by Townshend gloriously evolve into expansive pieces of musical brilliance, the likes of Beethoven and Mozart would have no doubt voiced their hallowed approval.

When the rain disperses, the late-night blue skies change to sparkling dark crystalized wonderment with a propelled swirling lightshow, orchestration of the highest order, and collaborations from the floorboards entrance all in attendance. Heart stopping moments include Behind Blue Eyes complete with adjoining strings taking centre stage, Eminence Front has a buoyant Townshend taking the lead, You Better You Bet gives the vast crowd no excuse to join in, whilst the ending part of the set has multiple tracks from the epic Quadrophenia, old and new Mods alike playing air guitar to their hearts content.

Concluding with the poignant Tea & Theatre, Daltrey and Townshend have done it all, tonight’s show plainly exhibits the duos legacy as all time great performers, even if they are still at each other with their on stage banter. Will this tour be the bands swan song? Who knows, but there is little doubt The Who don’t fool anyone.

The Who can be found at their official website