Eagle Vision [Release date 13.11.15]
The archetypal rockers The Rolling Stones returned to Hyde Park to celebrate their 50 years in 2013. In the summer of 2015 mod icons The Who did the same. Perhaps it should be renamed Jurassic Park?
The Who’s performance at Glastonbury two days later would be, Townsend claimed, one of the worst shows the band had ever played – plagued by sound and lighting gremlins. Here, with their own lighting rig and sound system, it’s a very different story with Daltrey and Townsend, hitting the ground running from the opening strains of ‘I Can’t Explain’. Townsend windmills and Daltrey sounds far stronger vocally than he did at Glastonbury (although understandably the ravages of time have taken their toll).
Like many outdoor gigs it’s not until the sun sets that the spectacular stage set comes into its own. Although even in the dying embers of the day, the early images and footage of the band displayed on the massive backdrop screens add an intimate poignancy to proceedings.
The set, naturally, celebrates the spectrum of band’s musical legacy with most of the expected crowd pleasers included. But it’s some of the less well known numbers – like ‘Eminence Day’ from 1982′s It’s Hard – that really impress.
The touring band does everything that’s required – Zak Starkey (gifted a kit by Moon as a child) fits the bill perfectly on drums and Pino Palladino follows John Entwistle’s lead by remaining largely in the shadows. And the sound is padded out with aplomb by Townsend’s brother Simon on guitar, and John Corey, Loren Gold and Frank Simes on keyboards.
If perhaps, not quite the visual spectacle laid on by The Stones, the Who will be proud to go out fighting – a theme that’s pervaded their 50 years – if this should be the end of the long goodbye, as Townsend describes it. And it’s with some sadness, as they close out with ‘Won’t Get Fooled Again’, that you realise they truly are one of a dying breed.
So if you didn’t manage to catch their 50th anniversary tour (and there’s still time), and even if you did, this dvd is a suitable celebration of their part in rock history. It did however seem a strange decision to break the footage up with interview segments. No matter how insightful, it spoils the flow – especially if you just want to absorb the event. ****
Review by Pete Whalley
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Next session: Sunday 1 December
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024
THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)
Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
