Concert Review by Glenn J Eriksen         Special to ArtRusche.com

   Going into this show, I really didn’t know what to expect. Would Roger Daltrey sing Who songs? Solo stuff? New work? What kind of band would he have?

   Well, any doubts were erased just minutes into what started as a semi-acoustic “Who Are You,” when Daltrey and his band kicked into high-voltage mode with a full-bore rockin’ version of the Who anthem.

   What followed were wonderful versions of older Who tunes, some solo work, a tribute to Johnny Cash and a generous dose of Who favorites.  Concerns over Daltrey’s voice were quickly blown away – he belted out the rockers with pipes that certainly didn’t sound like they were in their mid-60s!

   Between songs, and explaining the occasional glitch (this was the second show of the tour), Daltrey was earthy and down-to-earth – like an easygoing bloke having a good time with his mates. It was a hoot when he pointed out a guy near the front who kept shouting out requests, and Daltrey implored the crowd to come on down and “beat the s*** out of him!”

   What was already a magical night (especially when you’re just 30 feet from the stage) was transformed into an epic one when none other than Eddie Vedder trotted out on stage and joined Daltrey in performing the Pearl Jam song “Better Man.” A surge of electricity went through the crowd – we were witnessing something truly special.

   From start to finish, Daltrey’s band was clean, tight and absolutely fantastic. Who guitarist Peter Townshend’s brother Simon sounded just like his older brother on vocals. As for the drummer, Keith Moon IS BACK – minus the self-destruction. That guy is GOOD!

   When the finale, “Bargain,” with Vedder again onstage, wrapped up and the band took its bows, I was left standing there with my jaw hanging open in stunned amazement – I couldn’t believe what I had just seen and heard, and I will be eternally grateful for the experience.