- July 3, 2002 - Shoreline Amphitheater - Mt. View, CA
- I have always found it subtly humorous that we would have concerts featuring British bands celebrating July 4th. A main recollection that comes to mind is The Cure at Spartan Stadium during the early 1990s, playing on July 4th. It just struck me odd. Could there have been a further subliminal note past the lyrics of - “Friday I’m In Love” - ‘but today we celebrate your kicking our asses over 200 years ago.' If you think hard enough, there is a bit of irony to it all.
 Regardless, Britain’s power-chorders, The Who had come to the Bay Area to help fans relive the might and the fury of “Maximum R&B”. It was just unfortunate that it had to come as a final tribute to one of the band’s founders, and infamously legendary bassist John Entwistle.
“The Ox”, as he was often affectionately known, was one of those forces that did not rely on ego and being noticed. His style was to stand off to the side and let the magic flow forth from his fingers. What vocalist Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend offered in visual acrobatics onstage, John’s fingers countered with amazing skills. His sound was loud, his style captivating. John Entwistle has inspired legions of bassists in the last few decades, and his departure will be surely missed, and noticed.
As it was, John died one day before The Who was to begin their tour, kicking off in Las Vegas. The band decided to not waste the anticipation and pooled together to make for a fitting tribute to their colleague. And a grand idea it was. Classy and rockin’, The Who pulled off what rare few could do. They went ahead with the tour, featuring classics off their repertoire. This band can’t stay retired as it is. The comeback kings were able to pull off a great traditional rock show with just the right amount of interaction and storytelling.
At the Shoreline Amphitheater performance, fans from literally all over California, if not further, had flocked to see what may be the final tour of The Who - this time for real. There were fans from Santa Barbara, King City, and other scattered regions. This shows what effect a band such as The Who has had on music listeners over the many years.
One great point was that the show didn’t just feature “hit” songs, but lesser known fan favorites as well. There were several offerings from “Tommy” in addition to “Pinball Wizard.” Songs such as “Behind Blue Eyes,” “Who Are You,” “My Generation,” and “Eminence Front” were powerful as ever and kept the audience standing and singing along. Whether you were a Who fan or not, you were going to be one for that particular night. There was no helping it. Their songs are such well-known staples by now that practically everyone knows at least a few tunes - and has hummed along.
 The two remaining founders featured a bevy of great musicians alongside them including: Zack Starkey (Ringo Starr’s son) on drums, stalwart keyboardist John “Rabbit” Bundrick (who has seemingly been with them forever), Pete’s brother Simon Townshend on guitar and high-end backing vocals, and thankfully a very competent fill-in bassist by the name of Pino Palladino.
One may not realize yet the shoes that Palladino had to fill. On has to realize that he was basically called in at the last minute with practically no preparation, other than having performed with individual members of The Who before. As the case was, Palladino pulled off a fantastic performance. He did not attempt to emulate Entwistle, nor did he try to “over compensate” anything. His playing was solid and effective, just as it should be.
The Who have proven that respect in the music industry is earned by hard work, perseverance, and ability. This is a band who had to deal with the loss of a friend and colleague of over 40 years, and to still be able to pull off what may be one of the biggest tours of the year. Hats off to The Who for doing what may have been considered impossible.
If they never do come back again as a band, this was a fitting farewell - with visuals of Entwistle gracing the screens as the band left the stage at the last encore. Gone but never forgotten, The Who will live on.
Written by and Photos © 2002 Philip Anderson
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Philip Anderson is a musician, in addition to being a writer/photographer. He has performed as a guitarist/vocalist, as well as songwriter, in several bands over the past 20 years. As a writer and photographer, he has been published by several magazines and in several books, and had his works appear on television. |
