Concert review: Roger Daltrey at Wolverhampton Civic Hall

Roger Daltrey

Wolverhampton Civic Hall

Mug of tea in hand, Roger Daltrey strolls on stage announcing: "Let's have some fun."

And over the next two-and-a-half hours that's exactly what a packed Civic does.

The headline event is a run-through of The Who's seminal 1969 rock opera Tommy; the twisted tale of a deaf, dumb and blind kid whose pinball wizardry stemmed from a deeply troubled childhood.

The 1975 film of the album featured Tina Turner, Elton John and Jack Nicholson, but Daltrey chose against clips from the past, instead opting for simple but effective visuals on a giant screen backdrop.

While absent writer and bandmate Pete Townshend hadn't quite perfected his craft at this stage (there's too much bombastic bellowing in parts) the story includes enough memorable tunes to render it a classic.

Among last night's tight five-piece band is Townshend's younger brother Simon, who is not only a spitting image but also carries almost exactly the same mannerisms and guitar stance as his sibling.

The Acid Queen, Pinball Wizard and I'm Free hit the right notes before the finale See Me, Feel Me/Listening To You brings the entire audience to its feet – and they don't sit down again.

Because that's when things really get interesting as Daltrey chats to the crowd like old friends – especially as his mate Robert Plant is in attendance – and treats the faithful to a reminder of The Who's brilliance.

Squeeze Box, I Can See For Miles and Tattoo are greeted with cheers as does a rare outing for Pictures of Lily, before a stunning Without Your Love, from the McVicar soundtrack slows things down.

There's still time for a Johnny Cash medley, which turns into a giant singalong, and a mellowed-out version of My Generation before Baba O'Riley shows that at 67 Daltrey still has the capacity to make the earth shudder. All told, a fantastic performance from one of rock's good guys.

Concert review by Keith Harrison.

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