The Who returned for their second area appearance in Hershey, Pennsylvania, at the Giant Center on Monday, November 27, 2006. Previously having played Hersheypark Stadium in July 2002, the modern indoor complex was an ideal arena to catch The Who live on stage.

     Founding Who members Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend, were supported by Zak Starkey on drums, Simon Townshend on guitar and Pino Palladino on bass. With the absence of John Bundrick, stage tech Brian Kehew was asked to temporarily sit in on keyboards. The band tore straight into "I Can't Explain", The Who's first major British chart topper from 1965.

     Embellished by his acoustic guitar, Daltrey belted out his vocals on "Who Are You", aided by Palladino's bass lines. Both Daltrey and Townshend tradeded off on singing lead vocals during the Wire & Glass medley. The new Who music reflected a number of shifting styles that recalled the band's signature sound.

     Palladino took commend of the bass solo on the Who classic "My Generation". The jam coda segued into a loose version of "Cry If You Want", completed by a fiercely intense Townshend guitar assault.

     After fans experienced an extended period waiting in the dark, The Who finally emerged for their anticipated encore. The band performed a medley of material from Tommy. The incendiary suite of "Pinball Wizard", "Amazing Journey > Sparks", "See Me, Feel Me" and "Listening To You" had the crowd up on their feet.

     As a subtle epilogue, Daltrey sang "Tea & Theatre" tenderly to the lone accompaniment of Townshend on acoustic guitar. Daltrey acknowledged the audience, but Townshend remained painfully silent, haven chosen not to address the audience.

Hershey setlist: I Can't Explain * The Seeker * Anyway Anyhow Anywhere * Fragments * Who Are You * Behind Blue Eyes * Sound Round > Pick Up The Peace > Endless Wire > We Got A Hit > They Made My Dream Come True > Mirror Door * Baba O'Riley * Eminence Front * A Man In A Purple Dress * Mike Post Theme * You Better, You Bet * My Generation > Cry If You Want * Won't Get Fooled Again * Encore: Pinball Wizard > Amazing Journey > Sparks > See Me Feel Me > Listening To You * Tea & Theatre

RockonTour   Issue #65
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The Who encounter snafus
A tempestuous Who face stage challenges at Hershey

by Timothy Tilghman