The Who
Little Rock, AR
Alltel Arena
3/22/07
I Can't Explain
The Seeker
Anyway Anyhow Anywhere
Fragments
Who Are You
Behind Blue Eyes
Real Good Looking Boy
Sound Round
Pick Up The Peace
Endless Wire
We Got A Hit
They Made My Dream Come True
Mirror Door
Baba O'Riley
Eminence Front
A Man In A Purple Dress
Black Widow's Eyes
You Better You Bet
My Generation
Cry If You Want
Won't Get Fooled Again
Pinball Wizard
Amazing Journey / Sparks
See Me Feel Me / Listening To You
Tea And Theatre
I guess a little background before going into my concert review. I had to take a cab 50 miles from my town (I was home for spring break) to catch the Greyhound bus. From there it took me to Memphis, TN and then Little Rock. I got up with less than five hours of sleep to travel for six and a half hours. After getting to Little Rock I spent five hours checking out Little Rock mainly from the electric streetcar or at Clinton’s presidential library/museum before grabbing a bite to eat and a drink at the Underground Pub. Nice place, and I thought it fitting before The Who concert. I got to the venue a little late and decided to go to the merchandise stand. I missed most of the opening band, Rose Hill Drive, but they weren’t bad. So…
The Horrible Who was in full force. The band was hot. Roger was firing on all cylinders, and besides seeing through various moments of coughing, sipping tea excessively, et cetera one wouldn’t have known he was sick in my opinion. I had not seen the band live before, but Roger was all I expected and possibly more in a live setting. I can only imagine seeing him at 100%. Naturally, I’m saying this was one of the best concerts of my life up there with one of the Springsteen concerts I’ve been to among very few others.
From the opening of the concert with “I Can’t Explain” to the final, touching notes of “Tea and Theatre” I was experiencing history. One more show for easily one of the greatest bands ever was another past memory. It is just another notch in the belt of a fine band that has become an unstoppable duo backed by some great musicians who deserves kudos too.
Finally seeing The Who live has made me see, more than ever, that they leave their blood, sweat, and souls on that stage. Pete is simply a machine. A mad genius concocting his potion on stage in front of a captive audience of thousands. From the inward looking “The Seeker” to the big bang of “Won’t Get Fooled Again” Pete knows how to reel us in and take us on a wave of emotion. Almost all the new songs were equally as captivating, and even though my favorite songs from the new albums were played, except “It’s Not Enough,” I still believe they all sounded better live which really elevated the album for me. I’m listening to it with a new set of ears you could say. Not that I didn’t enjoy it before.
I have been accused of writing long reviews before, so I will cut it short here by saying the concert was all I expected and more. If I get the chance to see The Who live again soon along with some different songs live I’ll be all too lucky. One final note though. The Who crowds always sounds quite energetic to me, but I think Little Rock was especially so even more so considering it is Little Rock. I think the guys were touched by our appreciation, and I hope they were.
Although my night did not end with the concert thankfully. I had been to the Alltel Arena one other time and actually met an unknown band then just to tell them what I had thought of their show. I thought maybe it will be easy to meet The Who. I had to try. Behind the arena, which was fenced off, I waited hoping to see The Who and I met cutiger1984 (Eric) and his friend, Tyler. Great guys who I had a fun time with while waiting and hoping that we would meet Pete and Roger. A black car pulled up after waiting for a bit, and while the driver got out we could see Roger in the backseat sipping tea. Then he got out of the vehicle and made his way to the small group waiting. We were going nuts, and Roger was very kind. Eric had shown me his Endless Wire album that he brought with him, and since I had been traveling I had three Pete solo albums with me. I didn’t think to get my ticket or tour program out for Roger. So, here I am with Pete’s album All The Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes, and I ask Roger to sign it. He says something like, “I can’t sign Pete’s solo album,” after I apologize for having it for him to sign. I think I kind of beg, I can’t remember, and he signs the back of the cover art. I then asked for a hug, and he obliged ending the hug with “be lucky.” Very sweet guy he is. Naturally, we wait for Pete now. I mean I feel the stars are aligned. There is no way Roger will stop and Pete won’t. Time passed and I couldn’t tell you if it was five minutes or twenty minutes, but next Pete’s car came up to the gate, and we could see him in the backseat. At this point I’m 1000 times more excited than I was earlier. Of course, I mean no offense to Roger. Pete says something along the lines of “You all are waiting for me?” with a grin. A couple of autographs, and I then asked, as I said I would, if Eric, Tyler, and I could get a picture taken with him. Pete acts as if it is no problem at all and immediately sticks both of his arms out. I seriously call out that I get to stand next to Pete especially after Eric got to his left side. I know that is a complete fan girl moment, but I could not help myself. I guess my addition to the picture is not bad since I was running on a low amount of sleep, traveling all day, et cetera. But look at Pete! I’m so glad he looks thrilled in the picture. After this I’m going crazy and Eric is probably wondering how to get away from me! Then I realize I did not hug Pete! I wait and let everyone get their autographs, and then I go up to Pete and say something to the extent of, “I know I’m being selfish, but may I have a hug?” Pete says, “sure,” and steps forward with his arms outstretched! And success…I was hugging Pete. We were all on such a high. I said good bye to Eric and Tyler and heading to the bus station to prepare for my one hour wait in Little Rock, my four hour wait in Memphis, and my eight hour trip to get back to where my friend could pick me up. But it was worth it, and it probably goes without saying that I broke out into a huge smile randomly all day, and still do, like some weirdo.
