REVIEW

The Who still rocks ’n’ rolls Band proves its grit, vast popularity at Des Moines concert

By Rob Merritt

The Gazette

DES MOINES — It’s popular these days to make jokes about “aging rockers” who still go on tour decades after their biggest hits.

I dare anyone to say that to The Who’s Pete Townshend.

Townshend powered his way through a two-hour set Tuesday at Wells Fargo Arena, alongside original bandmate and singer Roger Daltrey. They seemed like a band with something to prove — even though they established themselves decades ago as one of the most influential groups in rock.

Daltrey’s voice isn’t as soaring as it was in the band’s heyday. The 62-year-old singer backed off on some of his signature high notes, allowing the crowd to take the “It’s only teenage wasteland” line in “Baba O’Riley.”

Even so, his voice was full of energy and defiance on songs like “Won’t Get Fooled Again.”

Townshend, however, seemed to be the crowd favorite. The 61-year-old guitarist treated fans to windmill guitar flourishes, leaps and the occasional growling vocal of his own, while throwing himself about with the energy of a man half his age.

In between songs, Townshend reminisced about the band’s last visit to Iowa in the 1970s, commenting on how beautiful the state looked from the air.

He then thanked the crowd for letting the band come back “to exploit you.”

Accompanied by John Bundrick on keyboards, Pino Palladino on bass, Zak Starkey (the son of Ringo Starr) on drums and Townshend’s brother Simon on guitar and backing vocals, The Who took time for songs from “Endless Wire,” their new album slated for release in late October.

Usually, audiences suffer politely through new songs from classic bands. In this case, though, “Endless Wire” sounds like a CD worth picking up. Songs like “We Got A Hit” and “Real Good-Looking Boy,” a tribute to Elvis Presley, were catchy and had the energy of Who songs past.

However, the classics were what everyone came to hear. When the band returned for an encore of “Pinball Wizard” and “See Me, Feel Me” from “Tommy,” the reaction was nearly deafening.

College students chanted “My Generation” alongside baby boomers who had gone as gray as Townshend. The band reminded everyone that “Who Are You” is much more than just a background theme for “CSI.”

More importantly, they reminded us that, even in their 60s, the members of The Who are determined to do more than just coast on their past accomplishments. They’re still delivering rock the way it’s meant to be.

■ Contact the writer: (319) 368-8508 or rob.merritt@ gazettecommunications.com