… sang Roger Daltrey, many moons ago (there’s a pun in there somewhere).
But, he didn’t die. And along with Pete Townsend – the other remaining survivor from the the original line up – he is taking what is arguably one of Britain’s greatest rock bands back on the road.
And having been a big fan of The Who since I was a teenager, I found myself excited at the prospect of finally attending one of their concerts.
The first song of theirs that I heard was Who Are You? back in the late seventies, and from that moment I was hooked.
But, amongst my circle of friends, I was musically alone. They were all into Motown, Reggae and the newly emerging New Romantics, whereas I preferred Rock and (some) Pop… and later on, Classical. So, we never went to any concerts – not that we could afford to, anyway (my first concert wasn’t until many years later).
But now, here is my chance to See For Miles And Miles and to scream along with everyone else to Boris The Spider. I’ll imagine myself as a Pinball Wizard and, along with others of My Generation, I’ll sing about how Mama’s Got A Squeezebox. You Better, You Bet I will.
It’ll be awesome. Even at seventy five quid a ticket.
Except.
Except, I really can’t be arsed with stuff like that now. Yeah, I still like the music, but the thought of having to stand amongst thousands of others, all jumping about, all sweaty and screaming, just fills me with dread.
I just can’t be bothered with all of that nowadays. I’d be right up for it, if we were all seated in nice comfy chairs, with a glass of beer and everyone was being quiet so we could all hear and enjoy the band. But somehow, I doubt that’s ever gonna happen.
Shit! I think I must have died before I got old.
Masher! You should go! Really, you should go! Get out there to a gig and enjoy yourself. Come home with a voice that’s been ripped to shreds by your shouting, and with your ears ringing from overload. You won’t feel tired or sweaty; you’ll feel as if you’re on speed, and there will be flashes of laserlight (not Razorlight, that’s different) temporarily burned in to your retina. You. Should. Go. I love gigs, me (not Giggs, that’s entirely different).
£75? Cripes, back in the 1960s I used to go to Cardiff to see The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Hollies and The Yardbirds (and their like) for 10 shillings! We booed Marianne Faithful off the stage and Freddie and the Dreamers got short shrift too. Happy days…
Bren – voice shredded, ears ringing, eyes burnt and feeling like I’m on drugs? You’re not really selling it to me, mate.
Toffeeapple – Cardiff eh? You could be wild for ten bob back then
Nice little play on song titles there Masher!
I totally agree. Comfort starts to win over fun and before you know it, your slippers, a pork chop and a trifle are about as exciting as it gets.
Masher, Brennig is spot on live music is the best. I’m off to see The Enemy on the 22 Feb
Jules – a pork chop? Whoa, there… slow down girl!
dots – The Enemy, eh? Can’t say I’m aware of their work. However, I do know they don’t like it up ‘em.
@dotski, oooh, The Enemy? Bouncy loud and good tunes. I have some of his legit and some bootleg tracks. Ahem. There was a Birmingham-based band called The Razorbacks who trod a similar path; they morphed into a band called Flatline Stereo! Here’s their FB page: http://www.facebook.com/flatlinestereouk and you can download, for free, their latest track here (just click on Free Download) http://flatlinestereo.bandcamp.com/track/cut-the-rope
You’re welcome!