Music / Live Reviews
The Who made a triumphant return to the stage at London's Royal Albert Hall on March 27, 2025, headlining a benefit concert for the Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT). This marked their first performance in almost exactly a year and carried extra s...
Returning to the iconic Royal Albert Hall stage, The Who opted for a direct, band-focused performance, foregoing the orchestra featured in their previous TCT appearance. The lineup featured core members Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend, backed by Simon Townshend (guitar), Zak Starkey (drums), Jon Button (bass), and Loren Gold (keyboards).
The setlist was a masterclass in giving the fans what they wanted, leaning heavily on iconic tracks from their storied career. Early numbers like 'I Can\'t Explain' and 'Substitute' set the stage, leading into powerful renditions of 'Bargain', 'The Real Me', and an exceptional 'Love, Reign O\'er Me', where Daltrey's voice soared, earning a standing ovation. Townshend, despite his recent surgery, delivered his signature guitar work, including energetic windmilling on classics like 'Baba O\'Riley'.
Amidst the music, both Daltrey and Townshend shared candid moments about their health. Daltrey quipped about deafness and failing eyesight ("If I lose my voice, I\'ll have the full 'Tommy'"), while Townshend joked about his knee replacement. These moments, far from diminishing the performance, added a layer of relatable humanity and defiance.
Throughout the evening, the importance of the Teenage Cancer Trust remained central. Daltrey spoke passionately about the charity's work and the need for early cancer diagnosis in young people, dedicating 'I Can See For Miles' to a young woman battling the disease. Townshend echoed the sentiment, thanking the audience for their crucial support. The night concluded powerfully, first with the anthemic 'Won\'t Get Fooled Again', followed by an intimate acoustic performance of 'Tea & Theatre' by just Daltrey and Townshend, a poignant nod to their enduring partnership.
What's your favourite Who song performed live? Let us know in the comments!
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