1963 – Unconfirmed: The Detours play at the Grand Ballroom in Broadstairs, opening for Freddie and the Dreamers
1964 – The Who play the White Hart Hotel in Acton
1964 – Pete, Peter Meaden and Richard Barnes attend a Chuck Berry/Gene Vincent/Carl Perkins concert at the Hammersmith Odeon, which Barnes remembers as one of the first large gatherings of Mods he and Pete had seen
1965 – The Who fly to Paris to begin their invasion of the continent
1968 – The Who play Manchester University in Manchester. This concert is listed in all the major sources, but I’ve not found any ad, clipping or mention of it outside of those sources. If anyone lives in Manchester and has a few minutes to stop by local libraries to search for any information on this, it would be greatly appreciated!
1969 – The Who play in Chicago at Kinetic Playground with Joe Cocker and The Grease Band & Soup
1969 – Melody Maker runs a review of Tommy entitled “An extremely tasteful pop opera”
Transcript: (unverified)
An extremely tasteful pop opera
ALBUMS
WHO: “Tommy” (Track).
Many groups devote much energy to obtaining an original approach. The Who have always been able to devote their energies to using an original sound which has been there from the start. The Who’s whole concept has been unique from the earliest days of the British group boom. They have taken their own path at all times, and this has lead to fulfilment in “Tommy,” a pop opera written by Pete Townshend and performed on a two album set that will add great prestige to the recording industry and pop scene alike.
There is nothing terrifyingly deep or pretentious in “Tommy.” Nor is there anything remotely obscene. If anything, it is extremely tasteful in its treatment of very real situations. By now, from the trailer single “Pinball Wizard” which became the Who’s biggest hit for some time, most people will be aware of the story line which concerns a deaf, dumb and blind boy who baffles his parents, is bullied by his cousins, turned on to LSD, assaulted by his uncle, but through it all develops the ability to play pinball machines with uncanny ability before undergoing a miracle cure.
The story is thus concerned with mind expansion under the most extreme circumstances. In four sides the music covers a variety of moods from coarse excitement to crystal beauty, and that such variety is obtained is a tribute to Kit Lambert’s production, and the Who’s instrumental ability. Pete’s guitar work is heard at its best ever especially on the “Overture” and the half-time instrumental “Underture,” a piece of work which had its origins in an early Townshend composition “Rael” which had the germ of an idea for an opera. Pete shelved his plans for a while when a certain “Teenage Opera” was gaining publicity.
John Entwistle must be praised for his horn playing and bass lines and the tersely descriptive “Fiddle About.” Several of the songs, like “Christmas,” are strong enough to be taken out of context and stand up on their own like “Pinball.” Roger Daltrey sings with great care and conviction throughout, and Keith Moon’s drumming is as vital and invaluable as ever.
Let us hope the success of “Tommy” will spur Pete quickly on to the next project.
Photo caption: DALTREY sings with care
1969 – Billboard carries a full page ad for Tommy. In addition, Tommy is reviewed, and Fred Kirby reviews The Who’s May 17 Fillmore East show
1976 – The Who start a three-date tour of the UK at the Charlton Football Ground. Since all three dates are at football stadiums, the tour is known as the “Who Put the Boot In” tour. Fans who attend wonder “who’ll stop the rain” as it pours buckets throughout the day. This show also puts The Who in the Guinness Book of World Records as “The World’s Loudest Pop Group” as their output registers 120 decibels at 50 meters. Supporting acts are The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Little Feat, The Outlaws and Streetwalkers. Sold at the show is an elaborate program called “Bellboy” that features a centerfold of a nude Keith Moon
Outside Keith is approached by Australia’s Garry McDonald portraying his satirical local TV reporter character Norman Gunston. Keith pours a bottle of vodka on his head and tells him, “you Australian slag, piss off!”
2016 – The Who play a private concert for Who Cares About The Next Generation benefit in Pacific Palisades, CA.
Eddie Vedder joins them on the Real Me
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts also perform