The Who reigns o’er OKC – highlights of the rock gods’ Oklahoma return

Brandy McDonnell

The Oklahoman USA TODAY NETWORK

Legendary rockers The Who invited not only thousands of their Oklahoma fans but also about 40 local performers to come on an “Amazing Journey” Tuesday night at Paycom Center.

No fooling.

A spring stop on the newly launched “The Who Hits Back!” North American tour, the concert marked the iconic British band’s first show at Oklahoma City’s downtown arena in 15 years.

The tour is bringing The Who’s remaining founding members — singer Roger Daltrey, who turned 78 in March, and guitarist, singer and songwriter Pete Townshend, who turns 77 on May 19 — back to U.S. venues for the first time since their acclaimed 2019 “Moving On! Tour.”

On the new trek, which kicked off April 22 in Florida, the fabled rockers are sharing the stage with a 48-piece orchestra as well as their six-person backing band. Featuring orchestral arrangements by David Campbell, “The Who Hits Back!” shows are supplying a

[photo caption] Roger Daltrey, left, and Pete Townshend of The Who perform during "The Who Hits Back!" tour at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City May 10. BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN

new way for even the most devoted Wholigans to take in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band’s classic hits, deeper cuts and rock operas live in concert.

Here are eight highlights from The Who’s OKC show:

1. Local players rock with legends

Conducted by Keith Levenson and made up of primarily local musicians,