On the opening night celebrating 25 years of concerts in support of Teenage Cancer Trust, the Royal Albert Hall witnessed the powerful impact of this unique charity. Through its specialist care in tailored environments, young cancer patients like Grace have been able to rebuild their lives—Grace, for instance, reigniting her career as a synth player in VENUS GRRRLS.
However, the evening also served as a poignant reminder that not all who are diagnosed survive, and that cancer affects not just individuals but entire families. Emma and Neil shared their heartfelt experience of the “kind, thoughtful” support they received when their daughter Kirsten was treated and after she sadly passed away. Their story reinforced the vital importance of these concerts and the tireless work of Teenage Cancer Trust.
Before The Who took the stage, support came as an electrifying set from Level 42. Performing as an eight-piece live band, they delivered a tight jazz-funk performance that captivated the audience from the start. Whether it was nostalgia for these ‘80s legends or the sheer quality of their musicianship, the hall was packed, with few empty seats by the time they started at 7:30 pm. Frontman Mark King showcased a voice that remains as strong as ever, and his on-stage chemistry with organist Michael Lindup was as vibrant as it was decades ago.
The last time XS Noize saw The Who at the Royal Albert Hall for Teenage Cancer Trust, they opted for a stripped-down, acoustic set—offering more introspective and mellow renditions of their classics alongside tracks from their most recent album, Who. This time, however, they returned with a full-throttle rock performance. The audience knew The Who had set themselves a monumental challenge when Roger Daltrey candidly admitted, “I fucking do (miss the orchestra from past shows).”
The band launched into their set with a selection of early hits, including “I Can’t Explain,” “Substitute,” and “I Can See for Miles.” They played five songs from their first two albums—more than they did in 2022—which was well received by the crowd. Despite being a duo who could easily fill much larger venues, Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey delivered a performance filled with sincerity and humility, earning the respect of a multi-generational audience by focusing on The Who’s greatest hits and fan favorites from Who’s Next, Quadrophenia, and Tommy.
Age was a recurring theme of the night, with both Townshend and Daltrey making light of their years. Townshend humorously reflected on a recent knee operation, while Daltrey acknowledged his diminishing hearing and eyesight. Yet, despite these challenges, Daltrey’s voice remained impressively resilient, even in the face of the more intense rock arrangements. He hit the difficult notes and continued his signature microphone-swinging with the energy of a performer decades younger.
Rather than ending on the high-octane climax of “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” The Who chose to close with the more intimate “Tea & Theatre”—a fitting decision, considering the grandeur of the Royal Albert Hall. With an outstanding supporting band, including Zak Starkey on drums and Pete’s younger brother Simon Townshend on guitar, The Who proved once again that they are still rock legends. Not only did they meet expectations, but they surpassed their already stellar 2022 Royal Albert Hall performance.
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