The Who-Better Late than Never-Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA

Better Late than Never, Tho Who rock Philly one last Time

Photos and review by Scott McAllister

As The Who, Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend, took to the stage at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Daltrey apologized. “Sorry We’re a little late” he exclaimed with a shrug, to the applause of the audience as the rest of the band took to the stage and opened their almost 2 hour set with “I Can Explain” and they did not look playing their classics and deeper cuts from the Who’s 60+ year catalogue.

The near sold-out crowd of Who-ligans (as Daltrey referred to The Who fan base) were on their feet for the entire performance. Daltrey and Townshend rocked and rolled through “Who Are You,” “Behind Blue Eyes,” “Pinball Wizard,” “Baba O’Reily” among other classics. Townshend’s son, Simon managed the lead vocals on the Pete Townshend penned “Mobile.” His voice sounded just like his fathers in his younger days. Pete quipped, “I hope you still like my version better.”

The fans received what they wanted, one last performance from an iconic band and The Who received what they deserved, a proper Philly Farewell. Hit after hit after hit The Who delighted the crowd. Only one classic remained to be heard as towards the end of their set shouts for “Magic Bus” could be heard throughout the venue and Roger let his feelings be known about that particular song, as he explained, “Magic Bus, yuck”, mimicking gagging as he put his index finger in his mouth. Guess that was one song the crowd would not get on this night. What the fans did receive was The Who in their true fashion right down to Roger twirling his microphone on its cord multiple times, Pete’s trademark windmill arm spin while playing the guitar on multiple songs and Roger’s scream on “Won’t Be Fooled Again.”

The Who ended their night with “The Song is Over” and “Tea and Theater.” The latter being just Daltrey and Tonwshend on the stage, with Townshend seated playing an acoustic guitar and Daltrey holding a cup of tea and singing. Ending the song Daltrey leaned his arm on the shoulder of Townshend and took it all in. They thanked the crowd for their loyalty and the many years of support and saying, “Be happy, be healthy and most of all, be lucky.” The Who-ligans in attendance were all three on this night, but most of all, being lucky to see The Who say farewell to Philly.