January 27th, 2002 - The first time I saw the band!
There were a handful of small warm-up shows (Jan 27th & 28th - Portsmouth Guildhall, Jan 31st Watford Colosseum) before two shows at the Royal Albert Hall (Feb 7th & 8th)
All concerts were charity shows in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust
My mate Les, who was an original Mod, got his wife to queue overnight to get tickets for the opening night. She got three, and I was offered the spare one. It cost £32.50, which was bloody expensive at the time - it was more than a weeks dole money for me! I couldn't really afford it, but then I thought it might be the only chance I get to see them, so I said 'yes'
Portsmouth Guildhall was a medium sized venue, split over two levels, with a capacity of about 2,200. We were upstairs, on the right hand side of the stage - traditionally Pete's side
We missed the opening act because we were in the bar, but I *
think* they might have been black rebel motorcycle club
The Who came on and played:
- I Can't Explain
- Substitute
- Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere
- Amazing Journey
- Sparks
- My Wife - John on vocals
- Baba O'Riley
- Drowned - Pete solo, with an acoustic guitar
- Behind Blue Eyes
- I'm Free
- Pinball Wizard
- You Better You Bet
- Who Are You
- 5:15
- Won't Get Fooled Again
Encore: - The Kids Are Alright
- Summertime Blues (Eddie Cochran cover)
- Baby Don't You Do It (Marvin Gaye cover)
- My Generation
Too much beer before the show meant I had to go to the bathroom during '5:15', so I missed the opening power chord to 'Fooled Again'! At the end of 'Generation', Pete smashed his guitar!
A great show and a great set