The Who, Live at the University Refectory, Leeds | Nouse
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Nouse Web Archives The Who, Live at the University Refectory, Leeds Page 1 of 2 News Comment MUSE. Politics Business Science Sport Roses Freshers Muse › Music › News Features Reviews Playlists The Who, Live at the University Refectory, Leeds By Toby Green Tuesday 27 June 2006 After nearly forty years, The Who have returned to Leeds. They were playing at the University’s Refectory, the site at which their seminal Live at Leeds album was recorded, which is regarded by many as the best live album ever. Surviving members Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend, together with their band, which included Ringo Starr’s son, Zak Starkey, played a set full of hits to an intimate crowd to kick off their national tour. Exploding out of the blocks with ‘Who Are You’, and following it up with ‘Can’t Explain’, ‘The Seeker’ and ‘Substitute’ in a row, this was always going to be a gig with one eye fondly on the past. However, despite the encroaching old age of the two remaining original members (both are now in their 60’s), the songs they have played a thousand times still managed to sound fresh and exciting, particularly the towering ‘Baba O’Reilly’, complete with Townshend’s trademark windmilling. The only time the 90 minute concert flagged was during Townshend’s new rock opera, debuting tonight, when even Daltrey looked like he wasn’t sure what was going on. However, fans of The Who are used to Townshend being the overbearing personality; he made sure that everyone knew each song was written by him and even revealed how one song was “too crap” to do as part of his solo work so he decided to record it with The Who. Yet his undeniable rock-star factor remains a contrast to Daltrey, who sipped menthol tea and occasionally unbuttoned his shirt in the claustrophobic heat, although his voice still stands the test of time. They finished with ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’, and sweaty middle-aged men swooned in admiration at their heros. Classic bands playing their old songs are often treated with contempt, but despite showing their age, The Who still managed to thrill. The absence of Keith Moon may have stifled the spontaneity of the band, but the passion and musicianship remain. They may not quite be the best live band in the world right now, but the magic of The Who still lives on. 17/06/06 Most Read Discussed 1. Review: Little Mix – LM5 2. Led Astray – The Case Against Greta Van Fleet 3. Review: Some Rap Songs – Earl Sweatshirt 4. Review: Simulation Theory – Muse 5. Live Review: Sigrid @ Albert Hall, Manchester – 8/11/18 http://nouse.co.uk/2006/06/27/the-who-live-at-the-university-refectory-leeds Archived 10 Dec 2018 18:41:33 Nouse Web Archives The Who, Live at the University Refectory, Leeds Page 2 of 2 6. Band of the Week: Magma Write for Nouse Music Get in touch with the editors Join the Facebook group More in Music Review: Some Rap Songs – Earl Sweatshirt Review: Little Mix – LM5 Live Review: Sigrid @ Albert Hall, Manchester – 8/11/18 Live Review: Within Temptation @ O2 Academy Birmingham 9/11/18 Radio Gaga: Evolution of a Star Review: Simulation Theory – Muse About Nouse Who’s Nouse Website Credits Contact Us Advertising Archives Student Discounts Print Editions Mini-Sites Nouse on Twitter Nouse on Facebook Nouse on Google+ © 1964–2018 Nouse Policies | http://nouse.co.uk/2006/06/27/the-who-live-at-the-university-refectory-leeds Archived 10 Dec 2018 18:41:33.